Start with Upgrade to DAC?

Viridian, Oops, left that out.  My TT is a Thorens TD 126 MK—I am the original owner and recently had it refurbed—with an Audio-Technical VM540ML cartridge.  Frankly, I think the output from my LPs, especially the 1980s Sheffield discs and some 45 RPM discs I have, is better than the CD quality I am getting; it seems more “organic,” more alive, more “oomph.”  Sound stage is particularly good.  May have to see if I can get CDs of the same LP to compare them.  Thanks for noticing my omission!

Viridian, Thorens TD126 MKII.

Thanks to all for the advice.  I think will sign up for one of the streaming services, whichever is easiest to use, and then look at DACs.  I guess I am talking mid-fi here, because about $1500 for a streamer with an LPS and $2500 for the DAC will leave sufficient funds for some room treatments.  Our room is pretty “soft” with carpet, Window Quilts (TM), and several leather chairs.

For Mesch, CDs play a big role for, although based on my use of playlists in Apple Music I can see streaming could rival CDs.

For get2the2nd:  I just upgraded my speakers two years ago, and I am VERY pleased with the Fynes, altho’ I wish I had gotten the F-704s, but they are a bit big for our room.  But the SQ is, to my old ears, superb, especially since I added the Odyssey amplifiers.

For Viridian: Cable from NAD CD Player to Bifrost 2/64 is AudioQuest Carbon optical.

again, thanks to all for your comments.

WOW.  Did I set off a storm!

I appreciate all the advice guys (and gals if any are involved).  Being quite pleased with the Schiit Bifrost 2/64, I queried Schiit as to whether I would be able to detect a significant difference between the Bifrost and the Yggdrasil, and their surprising answer was "no."  So, based on what I have read here, I am going to start by replacing my streamer and going to either Tidal or Qobuz  (I need to check them both out).  One key criteria I have in my purchases now is to avoid buying things from the PRC; that is not to say they don't make some good stuff, but having spent nearly four decades as an Intelligence officer, I see China preparing for war in the Pacific, and I don't want to contribute--via taxes on their companies--to the Chinese military in any way.  Having said that, I realize that such a position radically constrains my choices in a streamer.  One brand I have found is Innuous, which makes their streamers in Portugal.  Given that my budget is around $3Kto $4K for a streamer, I am thinking of the Zen MkIII, which can rip CDs and has a linear power supply.  The Pro-Ject S2 Ultra has some ambiguous reviews, so I eliminated that. Are there other non-PRC options out there?  

As for the streaming service, I like convenience, so between Tidal and Qobuz, is one more convenient to use than the other?

Finally, thanks to all who commented, and I can see that there are those who are even a bit more passionate than me about this business of getting the best music reproduction possible within certain financial constraints.  )Fortunately, we live in a still free country, and people are entitled to their own opinions.)  I think I am pretty close to what I can achieve within my financial limits.  Thanks again ... to all who commented.