Streaming/DAC Upgrade

You can pick up a PS Audio DirectStream Digital MkI DAC used for around $1,200, add a PS Audio AirLens and be under $3,000. Check TMR Audio for PS Audio AirLens. They had a few preowned units. 
I owned a Qutest and PS Audio DSD DAC and am familiar with both DACs. PS Audio is a better unit. 
Downside - with AirLens you will need to subscribe to Roon and install Roon core. Another option with AirLens would be Mconnect app (free for iPhone but like $6 for iPad) but the interface and functionality are nothing to write home about. 
 

As to Auralic, I heard the S1 with power supply and it was not bad. It was not a long session and within the context of an unfamiliar system. So take it for what it’s worth.

This would be a good choice. TMR reliability is 100%. Good connects help too. 

The first question is do you like your existing sound profile and want more or is there something that you want to change?  The PS Audio DSD is a radically different sound which is bigger and more dynamic but softer, warmer and sweeter.  It will be more relaxed than the qutest.  That may or may not be a good thing.  

What do you like or dislike about the Qutest/bluesound setup?  Auralic is popular but can struggle a hair in the used market.  If you like what you have I might look and see if you can find a used/open box/demo Musical Fidelity M6x DAC.  This unit will tonally be similar to the qutest but deliver a larger soundstage.  

RME makes a nice DAC that would be a elevation from what you have.  The ADI-2 is excellent for the money.  

For streamer, you could pair it with a Musical Fidelity MX Stream or innuos Pulse Mini.  I think the Innuos is amazing for the money.  You need to find some deal or find a dealer who be willing to flex a bit to stay on budget but that likely requires just a smidge of time and patience.  

I'm a big Auralic fan here running an Aries G1 currently I've always been a fan of keeping the streamer and Dac separate so I vote S1. Early reviews from users are glowing on the Auralic forums.

I moved from a Bluesound Node 2i with a linear power supply upgrade to an Auralic Aries G1.1 and it was a dramatic improvement in sound for me. I didn’t think it would be so noticeable but it was and that is using the same external DAC (Schiit Yggdrasil). I can’t comment on the Altair, but why not just get a streamer and then use your current DAC first to see if there is a positive change?