Personally, I find a separate DAC and dedicated streamer provides better SQ than a streaming DAC. Also, I find greater improvements in SQ between streamer models than between DAC models. That said, I would still recommend a 50/50 split. At your price point there are many choices. For DACs, a used Mola Mola Tambaqui, Bricasti M1 SE, DCS Bartok, or Chord Dave can be paired with a new Aurender N200 or a used N10. I listed the DACs in order of my personal preference. You must audition. You always can go with a new streaming DAC. The new DCS Bartok will be above budget. You can also add the Grimm to list if you go for a new streaming DAC. But IMHO, as I mentioned before, I find better performance with separates.
15k for streamer and dac....how much on each?
for a music first, streaming only, two channel system.......with 15k in pocket (can buy new or used) is the general rule of thumb 50/50 split on the budget?
do any all in one units at this price point compare to separates?
What choice did you land on at your respective budgets?
I've not had the greatest experience with streamers.....sound more similar than dissimilar to my admittedly non golden untrained ears