Starter DAP to play digital files?

I've taken the CD player from my system and am looking for alternatives to play primarily M4a files that are ripped via iTunes. I recently switched to a Schiit Mani, so I have analog inputs. I have been using an Audioquest Dragonfly DAC to play from an old iPhone-as-iPod, but it would be great to use something that can have my whole library there at full res, maybe using an external hard drive. A computer as interface is clumsy in my space (plus I'd need to buy one to dedicate to the job). Are there any budget Digital Audio Players that you've used for this task, or is a computer plus DAC the most cost-effective tool? Thanks!