Streaming/DAC Upgrade

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?

I bought that Auralic G2.1 deal and I’m quite happy. It’s my third Auralic streamer/dac; the other two (Aries Mini + S-Booster LPS and an original Altair) are still playing in secondary systems. I love being able to control all three from my iPhone via the Lightning app. I only stream Tidal, not files. The G2.1 is big upgrade over the others, easily at home in a heavily vinyl-oriented main system.

My streamer journey began with my Apple Air computer and a schitt Yggy. Loved it for awhile then the upgrade iitis got to me. Tried and purchased all 3 Eversolo models up to the A8. None sounded better than my the Apple air.   Changed DACs from denfrips Pontus and terminator. I preferred the Pontus to the terminator. Sold the terminator and bought a Hifi rose 130 transport. Things got a little better but still not quite as good as my Mac air. Purchased a Holo May Kte. Now I’m smiling. Purchased a Aurender N200 and now I have seemed to improved from the Mac air. Software was easy to use unlike the software that came with the HI ROSE. FINALLY, moved on the Aurender N20. I’m done here. Even if I can get better, the sound I have now is Good enough.