Adding a Dac and Stresmer

Was going to recommend Goldnote DS10 ($3000) + PSU10 Evo($1400) at your original budget.  Simple one-box DAC/streamer with optional power supply.  I have this combo in my big rig as a roon endpoint.  A few months ago I did a DAC shootout with a friend: my Goldnote vs DCS Bartok (his) vs Okto Research DAC8 Stereo (mine) vs. Mytek Brooklyn (his).  I actually preferred the sound of the DS10 over the Bartok - to my ears the Goldnote was a more “musical”, fuller sounding DAC.  The Bartok spanked the other two DACs.  (And for the record, my friend preferred the Bartok.  We were listening in his system, which included a Boulder integrated and Avalon speakers.)

I'm also in the market for a DAC and streamer, and I want to keep them separate components as well.  My pre is a venerable Proceed AVP and a BPA2 dual mono.

I don't use the DAC in the BlueSound node as it sounds like fm radio compared to the DAC in the AVP.  The Digital out is decent, however not great in that either. As an example, I ran a digital out from a NAD c542 CD player into the AVP and it also sounded better than the dig out from the Bluesound. 

So I'm hearing my Bluesound node is the limiting factor in my audio chain.

Speakers are Focal Aria 936.  I'm told the Denafrips Pontus is a good match for the somewhat bright sound of the Focals, and I'll likely go that route.

Streamers, however are very much up in the air.  I'm was surprised to hear a difference between digital outs between the NAD c542 and the Bluesound Node, and the 20yr old CD player sounded better than the BS node. the NAD c542 isn't renowned as a great CD player... imo.

So, the digital feed CAN be heard and can make a big difference if your overall system is sensitive enough.  Also, the pairing and overall synergy comes into play. 

Would love to hear comments of Auralic G1.1 Vs.  Cambridge CXN v2.  Maybe I'll start a thread on that.  clearly those two devices should be in different weight classes, and I wonder if the Auralic is 3x or 4x the sonic improvement. 

The Auralic G1.1 is very well reviewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JogQq-H7Mw

The Gustard DAC here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_YWaOc7nhU

ABA may be an industry shill for all I know but at least he does differentiate the levels of equipment and he articulates the sonic characteristics of gear as well, which I find very helpful.

Auralic has a 10% restock fee, so if you don't like it, that restocking fee is significant.

The Goldnote looks like a excellent Dac, I like the switch that turns off the preamp section…first impression..

I think you can get the Auralic at upscale for a 60 review with no stocking fee. Double check first …

Right now for DACs I am thinking about the Metrum Pavane, Pontus, AND Holo audios May Dac…Streamer Auralic G1.1 ….that could all change when I hear back from someone….

Depending on budget I would agree about Pontus II as best bang for the buck in your system. If you can afford it the Venus II is noticeably better but only by a few percent depending on the resolution of your system.

A Lumin U1 Mini with linear power supply is more than adequate. Or the newer U2 Mini.

I have a Lumin U1 (full size) running into a Venus II into Icon Audio Stereo 300 mkII  (sometimes Stereo 40 mkIV) and Forte IV speakers in my main system now. The system is more resolving and musical than you could ever imagine those fun speakers being capable of.