I was in a similar boat very recently. I was using a Node 2i in my main 2 channel rig in conjunction with a Cambridge Audio DAC (Azur 851D). After I purchased a separate headphone system, I moved the Node 2i to that setup. I was temporarily using my old Apple TV in my main system as a stopgap streamer.
Just like you, I didn't want to spend more than $1500 on a streamer. I considered several all-in-one options including Innuos Zen Mini, another Bluesound Node, Mytek Brooklyn Bridge (over my budget though) and TEAC 505. All excellent choices! But I reached the conclusion that I wanted the extra flexibility of separate equipment. I did some research, sought advice from a couple of members here, and decided to go in a slightly different direction. I ended up buying a Sonore opticalRendu bundle that includes the opticalRendu, PS, and a media converter. Honestly, I wasn't expecting a big difference, but was pleasantly surprised. The improvement over the Node is not subtle by any means. I'm noticing improvements across the board -- broader, deeper soundstage, more details, definitely a much darker background (something I had never experienced with the Node before), and the bass is definitely tighter and punchier, although not necessarily bigger/heftier. I can say without hesitation that my system has never sounded so musical and refined. I was planning to change the CA DAC earlier, but honestly right now it's sounding so good that I'm having second thoughts on spending more money on another DAC. If I do, it will be something different, like an R2R DAC. I do like the flexibility that a separate streamer can provide.
I agree with @soix that your existing DAC (Qutest) is very good. Maybe try a different streamer and see if works for you. The opticalRendu comes with a 30-day return policy, and is definitely worth a try. At least in my system, and to my ears, this streamer is worth it. Of course, YMMV.
Just like you, I didn't want to spend more than $1500 on a streamer. I considered several all-in-one options including Innuos Zen Mini, another Bluesound Node, Mytek Brooklyn Bridge (over my budget though) and TEAC 505. All excellent choices! But I reached the conclusion that I wanted the extra flexibility of separate equipment. I did some research, sought advice from a couple of members here, and decided to go in a slightly different direction. I ended up buying a Sonore opticalRendu bundle that includes the opticalRendu, PS, and a media converter. Honestly, I wasn't expecting a big difference, but was pleasantly surprised. The improvement over the Node is not subtle by any means. I'm noticing improvements across the board -- broader, deeper soundstage, more details, definitely a much darker background (something I had never experienced with the Node before), and the bass is definitely tighter and punchier, although not necessarily bigger/heftier. I can say without hesitation that my system has never sounded so musical and refined. I was planning to change the CA DAC earlier, but honestly right now it's sounding so good that I'm having second thoughts on spending more money on another DAC. If I do, it will be something different, like an R2R DAC. I do like the flexibility that a separate streamer can provide.
I agree with @soix that your existing DAC (Qutest) is very good. Maybe try a different streamer and see if works for you. The opticalRendu comes with a 30-day return policy, and is definitely worth a try. At least in my system, and to my ears, this streamer is worth it. Of course, YMMV.