Better DAC or better Streamer

Both of equal importance IMO. Innuos and Lampizator have given me the best digital I’ve had yet. Just pulled the trigger on Lucas Audio LDMS server based on @willgolf and so many others glowing reviews. Can't wait to get it!

You’re received a lot of responses.  There’s only one way to tell in my experience.  A/B testing with both the streamer, one vs. the other, and then the same with the DACs.  Only you can decide if it makes one or the other a worthwhile upgrade.   

Got a chance to listened and compared between my SP3000 and Aurender N150 and N200 months ago around an hour.  My decision was to stay with my SP3000.

Both N150 and 200 was too bright comparing to SP3000.  It was on the tube amp and Focal speakers.  

@eddy1 - I suspect the Aurender streamers were actually just doing a better job of showing what the components sound like. It’s my understanding Focal speakers have a reputation for being bright. 

@bluethinker 

+1

OP, 

I own an Aurender 100, an W20WSE... I have heard other models as well as dCS, Linn, Grimm and others.  Also I own and A&K SP2000. There is nothing  remotely bright about any of the Aurender streamers. It must be coming from somewhere else. Yes, Focal tend to be on the bright side.