Before you pivot toward equipment have you taken measurements of your room? The room contributes a LOT toward what you are hearing and might be the best upgrade you could make. Looking at your gear I think the weakest link is the DAC inside your NODE. I would keep the NODE and everything else but look at maybe auditioning a new DAC. I have a NODE and when I upgraded to a Sony Signature DAC that has a DSD remastering engine it was a big improvement. BUT the room should be measured and dialed in first. Here is a recent measurement of my room as an example. Notice that the measurements are good even before the use of DSP, room treatments were key to get it the way I wanted:
Spending a month's salary
I don't have much experience as an audiophile. Based on my research, the bulk of spend should be on fine speakers. I have $20k to invest in either a superior AMP, DAC or pair of speakers. What to do?
My room is on the smaller side, listening position is about 7-8ft from the speakers. I suppose bookshelf speakers are appropriate. Right side speaker is very close to side wall <1ft. Left side is open to 6-8ft. Back wall is about 10 ft from listening position. Speakers sit about 3ft from front wall.
My current setup:
Revel 106 speakers
Parasound P6 pre and A21+ amp
Node 130 streamer w/ upgraded Teddy PS
AQ cable loom.
I prefer bookshelfs given my room. Separates are ideal, though I would like to consider an all in one like a Boulder 866.
Which component is most important. I'm not looking to have an unbalanced system. Eg. $15k speakers and a $500 DAC.
Appreciate any insight.