Favorite mid-tier streamer

+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.  

Another vote for Eversolo. I thought it would be a compromise with all those features I didn't need or wouldn't use. After trying an A6 and later an A8 as transport only, I am sold on the brand. Even if I don't use most of the features. 

Innuos is solid as well though, give them a look too. 

I would recommend checking out the Node Icon before spending big on Eversolo.  Their support is weak compared to Bluesound,  Innuos, Aurender.  Each firmware shows how poor they are at Beta testing.  End user is their Beta. I thought Eversolo was "amazing" too until it's USB out stopped recognizing DAC immediately after update..   Been waiting since June for a fix.  That's unacceptable. 

At the top of your range , innuos  

Most streamers between $1k and $3k will have a built in DAC 

Aurender N150 has USB and is a Streamer only.