Very nice discussion! So many of us have been there, starting with a Node.
I did, and then started upgrading the DAC. I was not even streamer focused at this time, and I had Roon on a Nucleus+.
So Node > PS Audio DS > Auralic Vega 2 > Tambaqui
(FWIW I found the DS most disappointing)
Boom. I was there. I heard every improvement along the way and love the resolution and lifelike qualities of the Tambaqui. All of these DAC's have a built in streamer.
But of course then the streamer. I Think this is the right order to go. And, if you have Roon on another source and like it, then easy to stay that way through other DAC's.
Now enter the streamer idea. You may be happy with a fine DAC with internal streamer, and as stated, the A series may not be it. You are paying for the streamer end I think with Aurender, which I hear is great. The idea that you can later add a better DAC to the A series just leaves you with a non optimized component again.
My steamer path went Auralic Aries G2 > same with upgraded power supply (better) > Grimm MU1 (great and does Roon Core).
Boom. Again. Except now I am demoing the XACT S1 FROM JCAT. Wow. Disturbingly good. No Roon. Sounds amazing.....to be continued!