From separate streamer and DAC to al-in-one suggestion

Thanks for all the great feedback here. I have a lot to research based on this. 

I already have Roon Core running on my network so nothing to change there. 

As a couple of you mentioned I might be moving backwards... I've thought about that too. so many options, like do I look at just upgrading my Lumin u1, or possibly taking the next step up in R2R/discete DAC's. 

I don't need to change anything, so why I'm looking mostly used, so I can try a ton of stuff and resell if it doesn't work. The Meitner and t+a do intrigue me though 

I run an Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty streaming DAC with Roon Nucleus Plus with astonishing results!!!

I run a Bricasti M3 with streamer card fed by a Small Green Computer i5 music server running Roon Core.  Could not be happier.  It just all works all the time!!   

“I’m looking mostly used, so I can try a ton of stuff and resell if it doesn’t work.”

@kray

There is a brand new Lumin T2 on Audiogon at almost 30% discount or a used T2 for as low as $2800, well within your price range. https://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-t2.html

@lalitk at $2800 the LUMIN T2 is tempting to try. I also researched and really intrigued with your mention of the Merging+player. If I could find a used one ~$6k I’d definitely snap it up to try but looks like they rarely come up used. 
 

@testrun getting a SGC i5 might be my next small step. Could add it to my network rack and move Roon off my Mac mini.