I m also looking to finalize my digital path...currently using the Bluesound Node which is surprising decent in my system. This will be the last part to finalize my system...do not want to upgrade later...one and done purchase. A new N200 is going for $6,300 at most audio retailers...what would be a matching outboard DAC at the same price point = to keep entire system with interconnects under $15k? Looking at the big picture - why not the A30 (new $19k); a one box system very well designed, I think the one hit is ability to backup files, newer versions Roon ready too??:
Analog Output Network Player
MQA Full-Decoder DAC / Headphone Amplifier
CD Ripper / Music Library Manager / 10TB HDD Storage
Variable-Output Balanced XLR and Single-Ended RCA Analog Outputs
USB Digital Output / Coaxial and Optical Digital InputsLinear Power Supply with Integrated UPS
FPGA-Based Precision Clock
upsampling non-DSD files up to 705.6/768kHz to the analog outputs. Or leave upsampling off (default setting) for an untouched bitstream.
I understand seperates in the digital chain are superior in several areas, including ease to upgrade one section later(DAC), but for a one box system (A30) compared to a N200 with match-capable DAC seems like a better bang for money spent...
Thoughts and insight appreciated,
JR