In general separate function components are better. By separating the internal components further typically greater fidelity can be achieved. Additionally, you have more flexibility as you can only upgrade the streamer or upgrade the DAC. Unless you simply do not have the room, separates are the way to go if high sound quality is your objective.
Ethernet streaming
Many high end dac’s now have built in streaming capability via Ethernet. Is this a better way to go than adding a separate streamer to feed the dac? In my case, streaming Qobuz and using roon. Also have an Aurender dac/pre that wouldn’t be needed if dac only streaming was used. Wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of these two approaches. I’m sure this has been discussed before, but I can’t find it.