DAC to match $2-3K CD player


Listened to the Rolling Stones' Beggars Banquet last night--first streaming Apple Lossless files via Squeezebox Duet, then on my Naim CD5x. Of course, with the bare Squeezebox and no external DAC, there was no comparison. What I'm wondering is how far up the DAC food chain would you need to start looking to match the sound quality of a $2-3K dedicated player? (I tried a Musical Fidelity V-DAC in my office and was unimpressed, so I'm not looking for a giant killer.) I'm not going all digital any time soon, so my question is really out of curiosity and to start a conversation if anyone else is interested.
afranta
Thanks again, Kbarkamian. That strikes me as very good advice, especially as I'm very happy with the CD5x (it is my main source; normally, I use the Squeezebox for Pandora or internet radio only). I'm in no hurry to change it.
this may sound like heresy, but, consider the eastern electric sabre dac with a nos 12au7 or 5814.

i'll duck now.

i happen to have one and will be reviewing it shortly.
It's not heresy if it sounds great! I haven't heard it, so no comments from me.

In my book, heresy is suggesting the Musical Fatality V-DAC or the like will sounds as goog as a CD5x.
Any thoughts about the Neco dac? Its gotten good reviews and is in the similar price range of thw Wyred.