Looking for a true upgrade in sound quality

The differences between modern DACs are small but audible.  I've tried a number of different DACs including the PS Audio Directstream MKII, Berkeley Ref2, Denafrips Pontus, Gustard R26 and several others but the very best sound I've ever gotten has been from the Holo May KTE.  You should be able to buy one used for about $4500.  But it is probably wishful thinking to expect that to give you a BIG improvement in sound quality.  Speakers, room treatments, and potentially cords  and cables might all have a more noticeable impact.

A 30 ft length ethernet cable needs some type of clean-up right before the Lumin. Start with the SmoothLAN network filter from Stack audio and for under $300 you may very well get some of the improvements you are looking for. If not, you can return it for a full refund.

I added an ANSUZ MAINS 8 with active Tesla Coils that actually change the structure of the current going into all your electronic pieces and it's the single biggest improvement in sound I've ever added. Mike@ Hi- Fi Loft  NYC.

+1@baylinor

Adding a passive filter right before the Lumin should smooth out / improve the sound. I would do this before you spend money on a DAC.

I don't have enough $ to recommend a nice DAC but I hear lots of talk about Laiv, Holo Audio and others, tubes or no tubes. for example.  Sure, the signal comes from a cheap box somewhere but once you get the sinal in your house you need good solid connections and I use contact enhancer.  Sometimes the connections can oxidized otherwise.  Noise filters and a power conditioner helped as well. I am assuming you have updated power cords.  I also isolated each piece.  You can spend as much as you want on filters, etc.  A separate DAC is not a waste either.