I love reading everyones takes on DAC's and window shop after each response. I'm eyeing an upgrade probably next year ($1,000-$2,000 price range). Leaning towards the Gustard X26 Pro at the moment.
My beginners "ah ha" moment was when I ditched my integrated 2 channel Cambridge Audio AXR100 receiver DAC and got a standalone DACMagic 200m.
$500 USD and I'm still smiling each time I listen to it. Also enjoy MQA off my laptop, but hoping to get a Room Nucleus+ soon.
Current set up
Laptop/Tablet
DACMagic 200m
Azur 851a
Azur 851w
KEF LS50 Meta
KEF Kube 12b