Help me build out my first system

As a musician with some recording and mixing experience it’s important to me to retain as much intentionality in any given production.

Given that I can very highly recommend this Bryston BP-6 preamp.  I used it for many years with excellent results with my McCormack DNA 0.5 (Rev A) amp and the sound was very transparent and open yet never harsh with a clear and expansive 3D soundstage.  Here’s a nice used piece at a good price (with remote) for sale now…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650097052-bryston-bp-6-preamp-with-oem-remote-in-like-new-condition/

For the DAC I currently own this Musician Pegasus that would likewise work well because it’s very neutral yet as an R2R DAC is also quite musical.  Here’s one used (not mine BTW) at a good price…

https://www.ebay.com/itm/266870218871

If you go this route you could add something like a Denafrips Iris DDC down the road that improves both the clock and allows for a superior i2S connection with the Pegasus that provides a significant performance improvement for not much $$$ if you buy used — that’s what I did. 
 

For the streamer and if you’re trying for a lower budget I’d get a Bluesound Node (model 130 or later so you get the USB output) as it’s a good streamer for the money and has good software, and you can add a better external linear power supply again for another significant performance boost that’ll rival much more expensive streamers for relatively little $$$.  If you bought all this you’d be in excellent shape for around $3000 although you’ll still need some good cables.  Just one idea FWIW, and best of luck.

@kdammeyer  looks like you're off to a solid start as far as getting good advice from the above 2 fellers !  and welcome to audiogon.  good luck in your endeavor! 

@grislybutter Great advice, I’m lucky to have some great advisors locally, without whom I’d not have made it this far. But given everyone’s advice is colored by their preferences, to some extent, I thought I’d cast a wider net here! Looking forward to connecting with some new folks. Drinking it all in and hope to ask some more pointed questions after diving into recommendations from @soix (many thanks!) and engaging in some more due diligence. 
 

Thanks all for the welcome, excited to join you on the journey!

Since you’re just starting out you might consider something like this Auralic Altair:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650106287-auralic-altair-g1/

It combines a Streamer and Dac and can be used as a preamp if needed. That and a good preamp and you’re all set to go. On the preamp front I prefer tubes and honestly these days most tubed preamps are not overly warm. But will improve your sound in terms of both imaging and instrumental color.

Buy the best new preamp that has the versatility you desire. The McIntosh C22 Mk V might exceed your budget but you get an excellent foundation piece to grow your audio system.