15k for streamer and dac....how much on each?

You definitely want a dedicated streamer, DAC and external linear power supply. I was surprised how much the sw improved across the spectrum when I replaced the internal switching power supply of my streamer with a Teddy Pardo LPS. There are so many choices and combinations that you’ll want to audition to really know what sounds best to YOUR ears. I don’t recommend using a computer as some suggest, mainly because they aren’t purpose built for music streaming and will add noise to the signal path due to their power supply and extraneous components you don’t need for music. 

I bought a dSC Bartök in early 2022 and was very happy with it. When the opportunity came to upgrade it to the Apex version, I waffled a bit but ultimately had it upgraded. After burn-in, the changes were not insignificant. I wanted to bring in a Mola Mola Tambaqui for comparison, but I’ve decided that I am satisfied for now. Used, the dCS Bartök Apex is within your budget. It does not require a separate streamer. 

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. 

Definitely an approximate 50 - 50 split. Both are critical. That gets you in the big league with the DAC.
 

If it were me I would get a used Audio Research DAC9 (there are lots of other great DACs, but the 9 is really natural musical and detailed) and a used Aurender N10 (unless you could find a used N20) if you really want a new one then an Aurrender N200. 

I'm sure you could find a dealer that would get you into an

Auralic Aries G1.1. and

Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC for that around your price.

A great combo.

I have traveled multiples states in various audio clubs 

a excellent product Denmark Audio Group

the AAvic  180,280 ,exceptions integrated amps and better then anything in their respective price classes ,vs all well known name brands around 8k and $11k 

they all have 300-600wpc the differences are in. More active Tesla coils and a few other upgrades. ,nothing but cutting edge technologies and several other technologies in  classD on a much higher level .the pass labs ,Hegel ,bryston ,Boulder was not  that close and less $$ the dac board is extra very good detailed and rich , Ansuz thier cable line very good but not cheap, and the Xline Borresen Loudspeakers , class leading bargains .they are on m6 to do list ,depending on my budget later in the year, you truly need to hear them before giving a honest opinion.

streamer the Innuos line has some very good mini pulsar line under $2k and the optional upgrade LPS ,I would buy from linear tube audio for 1/2 off and I feel as good for $700.including a excellent DC cable .or buy the matching LPS  but more $$.and innuos has a excellent interface better sounding then Roon.

thanks all

my system is always changing while remaining a  2 channel music streaming system at heart

I would say I favour pieces that can act as tools....in the sense that they have the potential to play nice with a wide variety of other components

I'm newer to this but have gone in deep over the past couple years

I've come close to establishing certain baselines with amps and speakers, this has taken some work

the dac / streamer part still has me learning as I have great difficulty hearing differences with these components

I enjoy buying and switching gear and trying new things

I'm not a traditional audiophile by any stretch and don't quite see or maybe understand how you guys view gear...still trying to learn,

I enjoy music in many forms,

grew up heavy on the club scene and car audio scene...later concerts of all types

@carlsbad2 

+1

@audiocanada 

At most, 70/30 in favor of the DAC. As Carlsbad stated, the DAC is the heart. Somehow, audiophiles have lost their way and are trying to convince themselves that we need $10K streamers. I'm running a $19K DAC with a $5K streamer and would not change anything except moving up to the next-level DAC within that product line. In my opinion, the streamer contributes, at most, 25% of the sound quality. A dealer with whom I'm acquainted has a very high-end home system but uses a Bluesound as his streamer. If this guy weren't such a straight shooter, I would have called BS on this one!

There are certainly no absolutes though @ricred1 details an experience closer to my own. 

Every DAC has a favored input type and file type. Use the wrong one and streamers may sound the same. Use the right one and you might enjoy the appreciable differences between the streamer.

A home audition is a must. And that audition should really include trying the various inputs on your DAC with high quality cables.

Personally, I think 50/50 is about right but there are so many factors it’s hard to draw any specific conclusions. 

It would also help If you tell us what you’re considering and why, along with the rest of your equipment

Best,.

Every system is different. I recently compared a Mola Mola Tambaqui, DCS Bartok, and DCS Rossini APEX DAC to my Chord Dave DAC in my system. A couple of weeks after the DAC comparisons I had a home audition of a Antipodes Oladra music server. I heard more signicant differences between the Oladra and my Antipodes K21/ K41 combination than between the DACs that I listened to.

I think your focus should be on that the performance level of the streamer and DAC are on the same level and that their sonic characteristics are synergistic and provide what you’re looking for given your tastes and in the context of your system.  However the price ratio works out after that is what it is.  Personally I’d start with 50/50 and move up or down in price for each as necessary to get the performance level and sound characteristics you’re looking for.  At that budget and however it ends up being split, I think you’re in for quite a treat.  FWIW, and best of luck.

I'd split 2/3 in favor of the DAC.  the DAC is the heart of your digital system. 

Jerry

Well it’s your money and is totally up to you how to split between streamer and dac.
Some will tell you that all streamers sound the same and there’s no point to get out of the $500-$1200 range, some will tell to use a computer, some will say you need a good streamer because they make a difference. 

Do your research and come up with a list of candidates then post to get some thoughts from real owners.

Very specific threads about digital are tough to keep on track. And yours is really vague. Good luck. 

Try a used Sonore OpticalRendu for under $1500. This is a streamer and not a music server. I use a $500 DELL computer for my music server. That server is in my guest room under a bed. No monitor, keyboard, or mouse is used. The audio systems in my home are far away from this cheap music server (computer).

This will sound as good as what most will tell you to use a dedicated server/streamer next to your DAC. This is because you will use Fibre Optic in this setup. 

I also use ROON to make my life easier.

For that $15K, you are looking at a potential Playback Designs DAC. Infact, that is my goal, but I will use a PlayBack Designs streamer that I got for $2k. It is also ROON READY and is identical to the Sonore OpticalRendu in what it is trying to do (when using the fibre Plink connector).

I would still be using the DELL computer in the guest room with the PlayBack Desings DAC. PBD sells a new streamer and server combo for $13k that you can keep next to your DAC. My cheaper combo is more financially palatable.