So, don’t believe anyone that says the streamer isn’t important… either they are playing with sub $1000 systems, or just haven’t had wide enough exposure. Probably well intended, but without lots of exposure at many levels, it is easy for your head to tell you, “it’s just bits, it can’t matter”… and believe it. I thought that once.
This is wise and thoughtful counsel from @ghdprentice. I simply do not understand the downplaying of the significance of the streamer. It is your digital source and thus vitally important. Increasing its quality will yield better sound just as improving your DAC’s quality. A compelling case could be made for 50-50 contribution.
Charles