Seeking advice on purchasing a new streamer

Have you considered a Marantz ND8006?  CD & Network Streamer that is Roon ready.  The Marantz software is awful so you will need to use other software...Roon, JRiver, etc... but this meets your needs and is on budget.   

If you can stretch your budget, the Lumin U1 Mini would be at the top of my list.

The Marantz also has a DAC and headphone amp that you're paying for.  I can't imagine it would be much, if any better than the Bluesound.  I had a ND6006 and the software was a nightmare.  When the Bluesound devices came out, I felt like I was lucky to have found a buyer for the Marantz.  Marantz does a lot of things right, but streaming... not so much.

Forget the upsampler, keep the Qutest as it’s a good DAC (until you can afford a meaningful upgrade), and save for a better streamer like the Lumin or Innuos Zen Mk3. 

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.

Sounds like another very good recommendation from @arafiq.  I neglected to mention that, in addition to streaming, the Innuos Zen is also a server with onboard memory so you can easily rip all your CDs into it and have access to all your music in any order (including making playlists) from your chair.  Plus, no more transport necessary.  Best of luck in whatever you choose. 

thanks for the recommendations guys!  I'm gonna check these options out.  @arafiq, I'm curious, what do you need the media converter for?

the Lumin U1 mini, the Innuos Zen mini and the Sonore opticalRendu look like the strong contenders.  Though all are stretching my budget a bit

Does anyone have any experience with Auralic?  I saw some used units on A-gon and USaudiomart that are less expensive than the new units mentioned above

thanks!

@adam8179 ... the opticalRendu utilizes a fiber optic interface to eliminate noise from your network. Since my ethernet switch does not support fiber optic interface, the media converter takes a CAT 6 cable from my switch on one end and connects via a fiber optic interface on the opticalRendu device on the other end. So basically ...
Router >> switch >> ethernet cable >> media converter >> fiber optic cable >> opticalRendu >> USB >> DAC

At first I was skeptical that the fiber optic conversion would yield any meaningful results, but at least in my system this has resulted in a lower noise floor and I can definitely notice the difference.

Ah I see @arafiq,  thanks for the clarification.  If I was to just use a CAT6 cable to connect to the router I would go with the ultraRendu correct?  I might go for that option just because it's more within my budget

thanks

Your Chord Qutest internally upsamples everything already... I have a Lumin U1 mini feeding my Qutest and love the combination... If you really want to play around with upsampling and filtering try SoX its free... The Qutest has galvanic USB that helps in noise isolation...  Good luck in your choices...

@adam8179: If price is a concern you should also take a look at the microRendu sold by SmallGreenComputer. With an additional power supply, I think it will cost < $600. They're also offering a 60 day free Roon subscription.

Thanks everyone for the advice and thoughts.  I ended up buying the Sonore ultraRendu with the normal 7v power supply and it was well under my budget.  Ended up being around $950 with shipping.  Bought a couple CAT6a ethernet cables so it all came out to around $1000.  Hope it sounds good :)

#adam8179 -- great choice! If the ultraRendu is anything like the opticalRendu, you will be very happy with the SQ. Hopefully, you will be able to share your impressions when you're ready. 

@arafiq  Can you post on this thread the URL where you got your opticalRendu package deal. Was it $999? I forgot where you had posted it before.

@yyzsantabarbara  Sure ... I bought it from SmallGreenComputer.com. The bundle costs $999.

https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/collections/music-players/products/opticalrendu-for-roon?variant=31470485241925

Update

I got the ultraRendu all hooked up and it sounds fantastic.  Definitely an upgrade from the Bluesound.  Thanks for all your help everyone!