It looks like you have a pretty good dac, at least based on the chip that’s used. I realize implementation matters, too. I think separates is the way to go. Many more options for pairings. I have an integrated with onboard dac which is pretty good. I bought a HiFiRose 250a, which is an all in one solution that has the same chip as your Krell I believe, that I had for about a month which was big step forward. I replaced that with Denafrips Pontus II 12th using a MacBook Pro as the source running Tidal and Qobuz that sounds better than the dac in my integrated amp and the HiFiRose. Denafrips, Gustard or Holo Audio with Innuos, Aurender, Lumin or Auralic would certainly be around your price range. The dacs I mentioned are R2R dacs which likely have a more analog sound than the delta-sigma dac in your Krell. I know my source is the weak point but I really like the interface for Tidal/Qobuz via the Mac and since it still sounds better than what I had upgrading to a dedicated streamer can wait a bit. Sorry, that was a lot, some of which may not be relevant. Logorrhea.
