Need advice on media player and or dacs

If at all possible do not combine a home theater and 2 channel system. It may seem cheaper, but it comprises so much. I would rather have a 2 channel system in a walk in closet, separate from a home theater. You can craft the sound… carefully place the equipment and generally do what you want.

There are very different sonic objectives between a home theatre and 2 channel system.

Fortunately over the last thirty years I have developed a home theater with my partner separate from my 2 channel. Now, they are both at exceptional levels of performance. We are old now, and if I had not done this separation, I would not be able listen to my 2 channel system for three hours a day at any volume I wish. So many advantages.

If faced with a choice between an Auralic Aries G2 and Grimm… definitely the Grimm. I have had both in my system. Although for that money I would go for an Aurrender N20. Each more natural in the high end.

Schiit is great budget stuff. Very good sounding for the money. But it is not audiophile gear. I have extensive experience with several of their components.