When I first started with Raspberry PI audio I tried a few different HAT based options. Namely the Hi-FI Berry Plus, Mamboberry, and both with the Allo Kali Reclocker board. Ironically my favorite combination was Hi-Fi Berry Plus with the Kali Reclocker. As good as it was, even with a LPS or an IFI power supply, it just was not something that a hardcore audiophile could take seriously.
I decided to take my Raspberry Pi based source to the next level and got the Allo Digione. After trying a few “real” DACs I ended up ordering the Lite DAC-AH from China. For >$200 its not bad. Amazing build quality and great sound quality. I did a DAC shootout with several other DACs, one costing close to 10x and it held up pretty well.