Upgrading to a stand alone DAC

I have a NAD C542 and Marantz CD6006 cd player in boxes. I got a black Friday deal on a Denon DCD-1700NE sacd player and it's a lot better than them. I know you asked about dacs, but it's something to consider.

I have a Gustard R26 dac that I'm using with an Innuos streamer via the USB input. I think it's a great dac and not crazy expensive. I had a SMSL VMV D1SE before it and I much preferred the Gustard.  

helomech, thank you very much for the time you took to provide some great info!

soix, not to be too generic, I am looking to increase soundstage and to pull out more details

I’d think either the Gustard R26 or the new Denafrips Ares 15th would be a meaningful improvement in all areas.  Best of luck. 

There are a few used Denafrips Pontus II 12th units for sale at the moment.  They all are in your price range and would give you what you are looking for.  You can add the Iris or Hermes DDC later as well which uses the I2S input and increases resolution, soundstage and imaging.

Denafrips R2R DACs are hard to beat for the price.