The Boulder 866 digital is a roon endpoint so I see no reason to buy a streamer with it just use roon. If you upgrade the McIntosh with the DAC 2 module there are a few streamers without DACs you could use. I use the Lumin U1 mini but Bel Canto and Simaudio are good as well as others.
Dazed and confused about streamer upgrade
I started a thread in the amp/preamp section asking about an integrated amp upgrade and got some good advice that made re-think my upgrade path. I have a Macintosh MA8900, driving Vandersteen Treo CT’s, with a six pack of Rel S510’s. I use a BluOS Node 2i as a streamer. No CD’s, no need for storage. I had thought about upgrading the Mac to a Boulder 866, but am now thinking I may get a bigger improvement for less dollars by upgrading the BluOS next. I don’t know much about DACs and streamers, but am thinking that I should look at streamers only, since the 866 has a good DAC, and why pay for a combo DAC/ Streamer when the DAC will be bypassed. Suggestions for a $3k to $5k streamer? Or stick with upgrading the Mac? Thanks for any help!