Favorite mid-tier streamer

I never thought I'd say this, but the Eversolo is amazing. (Any of them)

I have a Node N130 running to a Denafrips Pontus ll and it sounds great!  I then upgraded the LPS and it sounds even better.

I paid $400 for the Node and $3xx for the Teddy Pardo LPS.  So it’s well within your budget.

All the best.

+1 Eversolo. their bottom model even has balanced pre-out (I know you said don't need a DAC, but take it in context- how many devices consider balance below $3000).  I had always been a "why shouldn't a dedicated windows laptop with PS Audio USB driver , i7, 16GB RAM, SSD on battery be as good a source as a streamer?".  My closeout priced Martin Logan Unison didn't change my mind.  plus, streamers come with crappy interfaces compared to the windows/MAC interfaces from Qobuz, spotify, etc.

Then tried the DMP-A6 for a 30-day trial.  The laptop is relegated to youtube only...

If you are going to use USB to your DAC (typically better option that toslink or coax since your superior DAC will use its clock), then all you need is the DMP-A6 for less than $800. 

Perhaps $2K and up can make a marginal improvement.  I just experienced such a significant jump in SQ that I will be saving toward my amplifier upgrade. coda no8?  pass? moon?

my  current system is sufficiently resolving to appreciate the eversolo
ML ESL-X, PS A DS Jr,  AudioGD Vac HE1MK3, Rotel 1080RB

Lot's to choose from new or used but will you ever or do you use Roon? Maybe get one that will work with Roon to future proof (Most do).

Many inexpensive and expensive streamers benefit from an upgraded PSU.  

Innuos Pulse Mini with aftermarket LPS.