“Many here mention the likes of Aurender, Auralic, Innous, and a few smaller, boutique companies as well. Most of these are a bit over my budget though”
I need to sell my Roon NUC.
I purchased a used Aurender from a member and now dealer. Look carefully at what you like about Roon and what is missing in Conductor. I say this, because the prospect of leaving Roon made me hesitant to move to Aurender, but the results were worth the move.