Wonderfully complex question and you’re sure to receive lots of opinions. I recently upgraded from a McIntosh C52 preamp which uses the same DAC as you are currently using. You are wise to consider upgrading because I know now that the Mac DAC was very limiting. My path led me to a Roon Nucleus+ with upgraded power supply and network filter, quality USB feeding an Allnic D-10000 DAC. Well, at the upper end of your budget, this solution seems like endgame. The tube DAC is OTL (read about it if you are unfamiliar). It produces an analog-like sound that even discerning vinyl only friends find impressive. It is forgiving with poorly recorded 90s digital music yet brings the most out of well recorded music. I absolutely love it.
upgrade question regarding DAC and streamer
I want to improve my system's imaging after having carefully placed my speakers and done some room treatment to reduce reflections.
My system includes a McIntosh MA8950 integrated amplifier, Sonus faber Olympica Nova III speakers, a Silent Angel Bonn 8 network switch and its LPU, and an Innuos Zen Mini Mark III with its LPU. I use the Mini with its Sense app to stream Qobuz to the McIntosh's DA2 DAC.
I am considering a DAC+streamer such as the MSB Discrete (with render/streamer add-on, and its separate single LPU) and the dCS Lina (with built-in power supply). My budget is about 15K.
In the future, I will get a separate preamp and amp, perhaps using the MA8950 as the preamp for a while.
The dealer with whom I have a great relationship carries MSB, dCS, and Innuos (their Stream3 may also be a good option when it comes out). Of course, I will listen to the DAC+streamer options with the same/similar integrated amp and speakers at the dealer's.
For the purpose of improving imaging with my system/room/good speaker placement, does upgrading the DAC and streamer make sense, or should I upgrade to separates first? Or something else?