Ok so base on my research and experience, if you had $5000 dollar, taking into account diminishing returns, this would be how one should allocate budget for a streaming based mid-fi system:
Speakers: 2000 (40%) Power Amp: 1000 (20%) Pre Amp with room correction capabilities: 1000 (20%) (or allocate to physical room treatment things. Everything else (20%) DAC： 500 Streamer: 200 Cables and interconnects : 200 (not much audible difference so long as not use the shittiest ones) Stands: 100
This is based on that
Speaker matters the most, then suitable amp = room acoustics/speaker placement, then perhaps quality of the DAC’s photo stage pair with a decent DAC chip, then everythig else is probably less than 5%.
I mean, we can argue all day on whether cables are snake oil, but I think for most people it is just about the most efficient resources allocation giving a budget constrain.
Had a similiar situation. Went for the following 1 year ago: B&W 702 S2 (Demo set from a local dealer in perfect condition, therefore „just“ 2400€), Audioquest Rocket 88 (yeah I know you don’t want to read that, but was 400€), Audioquest Monsoon Source cable (170€) and a NAD C388 with build in BluOs card for streaming (1600€). Went for the C389 as it has enough power to drive the B&Ws. I am more than happy. I am not listening to vinyl or CD I am a streamer, therefore thats the perfect set for me. Will never regret that invest. :)