@donblackie
I've always stretched my budget for the best tires and brakes (for the application / use) on my cars, budget or otherwise.
Since it is the 'missing' component in your chain, I recommend (as with tires) putting as much as you can on a standalone DAC. It is a foundational component and you can stream direct from your laptop initially (and add mini components to clean the signal for not much of a spend).
I've always stretched my budget for the best tires and brakes (for the application / use) on my cars, budget or otherwise.
Since it is the 'missing' component in your chain, I recommend (as with tires) putting as much as you can on a standalone DAC. It is a foundational component and you can stream direct from your laptop initially (and add mini components to clean the signal for not much of a spend).