dac and streamer or seperates

Here’s a different approach - get BOTH a DAC/streamer combo and then find. Streamer separate. Keep your eyes out for a Modwright-modded Cambridge CXN V2 on the used market. This unit has a streamer and DAC built in, Dan Wright overhauls the analog stage with a tubes and quality lundahl transformers while installing robust linear power supplies for each the analog and digital sections. It can be found from time to time for $2K or so on the used market. You can use the built in streamer for a while until you settle on a better one. On its own it will best most other separates in the $7-10K range. You can then take the time to find the best streamer for your budget, or save more for an even better one. Used Aurender units will get you really far. Lumin is in pretty good for the money as well.