Streamers rabbit hole

Hi , I’m at the Mid Fi level, but could you give some additional info? Do you have a DAC, Ethernet or Wi-Fi, file storage wanted , price point ? As I’ve worked my way from an old laptop to laptop/DAC to dedicated streamer and my 3rd DAC trying multiple cables, everything makes a difference. There is a lot to learn and I’m now working to understand my network that feeds my steamer. The others on this site are very knowledgeable and once you provide more specifics will be able to give you some excellent direction. Happy Hunting, Mike B. 

  Although it’s over your budget the Bricasti M3 with added network card meets your needs and has great reviews. Maybe a used one ? Terry London reviewed it a few years back in great detail. After giving it some thought plus what you’ve auditioned, I think you’ll be hard pressed to stay at $5K. What I’ve found excluding a DAC you’re at $3k for a streamer with a good power supply and $6k for the same with an upgraded clock. Cheers , Mike B.