can i get a significant dac upgrade over my Lumin d2 for 2k?

I very much doubt that you will get anything more than minimal to negligible. In essence, a likely sideways move at best.

In my experience, the lower limit “cut-off” pricing threshold of where the contenders start to materially separate themselves from the bevy of pretenders, is going progressively north of $3K ( Pre-COVID pricing strata).And that does not include the added matched cost of a separate stand-alone stablemate  DAC.

That is where the upgraded build quality and resulting audio performance-step-up follows the price-point upward $$ curve.

A simple example is the improved design and better build with the implementation of robust linear power supplies.( either external or fully isolated built-in)

@akg_ca 

+1

My rule of thumb is never upgrade less that 2x. While you could argue this would be a 2x upgrade… i would not consider it to be. I would not go less that $3K - $4K. You want to be delighted with the sound improvement… not disappointed in a lateral move, just trading strengths and weaknesses.

I would save up.

Easy , check out all the great reviews of the Denafrips Pontus-2  

a great R2R dac that does everything well , even at $3k don’t know anything that is 

good in all areas , to get a Big step up. The Denafrips Terminator2  is 

like going Mercedes’ C class to S class !

Bluesound NODE with Teddy  Pardo LPS to Gustard X26 PRO via DH Labs silversonic USB connection. Sweet!