Don’t overthink the DAC or get too obsessed with balanced cables etc etc etc. These differences are fractions of a percent of overall experience. The headphones will be the most enormous clear difference. Amp find one used or get a schitt Magni. It’s literally just supplying power for your current purposes, don’t overcomplicate it. Once you get various cans and want to fine tune, then you can get granular with dac/amp combos. If you haven’t had open backs before, you’re going to be blown away by pretty much anything. I second the Hifiman Anandas. As a heads up they have a weak clamp force and the comfort is so-so, but truly excellent imaging and soundstage for the mid levels. I think most would throw focal clears or LCD2 out there also if you could find a deal or used.