I have always used separates, and would recommend that path unless your system is just for casual listening or you have significant space constraints. I recently upgraded to a used Aurender N10, and it was a significant improvement in sound. I would find a standalone streamer you like and use it with your Benchmark DAC for a while.
Aurender A Series DAC Performance
I’m shopping for a streamer and also an upgrade to my Benchmark DAC3. So what’s the quality of the Aurender A200 and A20 DACs compared to a streamer and separate DAC. The Aurenders use the AKM DACs
If I were to get a separate DAC probably would be one that has a streamer in it such as Meitner MA3. But those DAC streamers don’t have internal storage which I would like. Plus The caching for playback and dedicated apps.
Anyone with same decision process?