I would second the suggestion with a streamer and a DAC. Mine are 1:1 at around 1.000 €.
In terms of diminishing returns it is worth noting that many more expensive DAC are based on another technology. Many DAC’s around less than 2K are chip-based, whilst some more expensive are FPGA-based, which means upgradeable. So it is not just about SQ, but also Lifecycle cost.
In terms of diminishing returns it is worth noting that many more expensive DAC are based on another technology. Many DAC’s around less than 2K are chip-based, whilst some more expensive are FPGA-based, which means upgradeable. So it is not just about SQ, but also Lifecycle cost.