How much should I spend on a new DAC

Thank you all for your responses. Tbh I never included the streamer as an upgrade path option. My understanding was that the digital stream is only zeroes and ones and it should not affect the sound quality in any way. But based on so many user experiences here It clearly does. 

Would anyone here with engineering background will bother to explain how the network streamer affects the sound quality, or can point to any research or documentation from the web?  Thanks 

Try Hans Beekhuyzen on YouTube. He just dropped another relevant one today about switches. 

OP.

I bought an Auralic Altair G1 streamer/DAC one box solution. I am ecstatic. It is so simple and the quality is extremely good for the price of around $3,500 USD. It punches way above its price point. BTW I use Quobuz.

Bruce

I'll tell you what....buy the Musical Fidelity v90 dac and call it a day. If you can still find one, they are usually $299 new. It's all you need and sounds wonderful. Sterephile agrees...

Jamnesta brought up a super interesting option, the brand new Gustard a26. After looking into it, it would be my first choice if I move away from the x26. Gustard is really putting the pressure on the competition.