I'm also in the market for a DAC and streamer, and I want to keep them separate components as well. My pre is a venerable Proceed AVP and a BPA2 dual mono.
I don't use the DAC in the BlueSound node as it sounds like fm radio compared to the DAC in the AVP. The Digital out is decent, however not great in that either. As an example, I ran a digital out from a NAD c542 CD player into the AVP and it also sounded better than the dig out from the Bluesound.
So I'm hearing my Bluesound node is the limiting factor in my audio chain.
Speakers are Focal Aria 936. I'm told the Denafrips Pontus is a good match for the somewhat bright sound of the Focals, and I'll likely go that route.
Streamers, however are very much up in the air. I'm was surprised to hear a difference between digital outs between the NAD c542 and the Bluesound Node, and the 20yr old CD player sounded better than the BS node. the NAD c542 isn't renowned as a great CD player... imo.
So, the digital feed CAN be heard and can make a big difference if your overall system is sensitive enough. Also, the pairing and overall synergy comes into play.
Would love to hear comments of Auralic G1.1 Vs. Cambridge CXN v2. Maybe I'll start a thread on that. clearly those two devices should be in different weight classes, and I wonder if the Auralic is 3x or 4x the sonic improvement.
The Auralic G1.1 is very well reviewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JogQq-H7Mw
The Gustard DAC here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_YWaOc7nhU
ABA may be an industry shill for all I know but at least he does differentiate the levels of equipment and he articulates the sonic characteristics of gear as well, which I find very helpful.
Auralic has a 10% restock fee, so if you don't like it, that restocking fee is significant.