Time To Upgrade My Digital Front End

IMO Auralic is a step below some of the other usual suspects (Innuous, Lumin, and Aurender). I personally would upgrade my streamer first, and see how you like it with the Gustard. You’ll have a world class streamer, and can always upgrade the DAC if you find the combo lacking…..as funds permit. See if you can demo a couple of units if a dealer near you will permit.

I borrowed an Aurender from a friend, and holy crap….it was magical paired with a Denafrips Pontus II DAC. I’ve heard Lumin and Innuous in friend’s systems and they sounded amazing, but never in my own system. Also the Aurender app to be excellent, on par with Bluesound’s app

I just looked Aurender online, boy they are pricey!!!

@vthokie83 what model did you listen to and what was the source (Tidal, Quboz)?

As Mentioned maybe look at a used Bricasti M3 streaming Dac. 3500-4000 depending if you want a remote. Since you have the Coda pre probably no need for one. 
Get a real decent XLR cable to take advantage of the Bricasti/Coda’s balanced design. 
If you are not happy you can always re-sell the Bricasti at little or no loss. 
Bricasti’s big sound might be a great match for the ML’s 

@vthokie83 

Which Aurender did you listen to? I’m itching to replace my Node N130 with the Pardo LPS, but I’ll have to sneak it in😁

@benzman - thx, I’ll check it out, although I wouldn't mind dumping Roon.

@curiousjim +1