I started streaming with the entry level Naim, then to dCS Bartok, then a Vivaldi short stack, and onto my current and favorite of the bunch a Grimm MU1, feeding a Lampizator Pacific DAC. The Naim was fun to listen too, but not as resolving as I wanted, and while I always got the software to working it was glitchy. The dCS products were built wonderfully and the software is rock solid, but the sound was analytical and not very engaging. (I expect dCS has addressed this shortcoming with their new APEX DAC). Finally the Grimm MU1 is resolving and very musical. I have stopped looking at digital sources for now. My Grimm Dealer provided an in home two week demo at no charge, just return postage. There was no question after 15 minutes that the Grimm MU1 sounded better to me, in my room, with my other components than the Vivaldi Upsampler/clock/DAC.
For those that have separate Streamers & DACS
What are some of your favorite streamers/servers strictly from a sound quality perspective? Please assume a stand-alone DAC. I've read such a variety of opinions on streamers and was interested in opinions from those that have tried different streamers on with their DACs.