Is a Chord Qutest Dac my best option

+1 Qutest ... a very nice DAC that will likely have you evaluating the other system components ...

I like it too. It’s good lookin’. It’s good soundin’. And it’s just always on. Exactly what I wanted in a DAC. I can’t think of anything I don’t like about it.

Really depends on your individual system and tastes.  What type of improvements are you looking for and what aspects of sound reproduction are most important to you?

I agree with siox statement which type of sound reproduction your looking for. I tried the Qutest and liked it very much but the RME adi-2 version 2 worked better in my system. I found the Qutest had a slightly better soundstage but the RME had better bass and was more natural, very transparent without being bright and more enjoyable. I did buy a Teddy Pardo outboard power supply which improved the soundstage. There are so many features you can do a lot with the RME. I did buy a Orchid but mostly listen to the RME. 

I am also a relative newcomer to the streaming world. About a year ago I dipped my toe in with a Bluesound Vault which was simple and relatively inexpensive. A couple of months ago I was able to demo a Qutest from a dealer I’ve done business with. I spent the weekend listening to it in the system and wrote the check. The Qutest was a big improvement to the Vault’s presentation. I’ve been very satisfied.