That’s funny, I just went through this exact scenario. I had a total of SIX components for my front end: SOtM SMS200 Ultra Neo streamer with upgraded power supply, Denafrips Gaia DDS, Denafrips Venus II DAC, and a Hattor preamp with vacuum tube line stage. Great sounds and I really have always loved Denafrips. First thing I tried was the streamer connected to a Classe PRE preamp (DAC built in), and although it’s an amazing preamp, the DAC fell short big time. Next thing I tried was the Rose 150B with the Hattor preamp. This was a step in the right direction. I had this for three weeks and I then tried without the preamp. Wow. Hifi Rose direct into my amp is so perfect. Six components replaced by one. It sounds insane, but the sound quality improved even more after another month. Very happy with the Rose into a Parasound JC5 running a pair of KEF Blades.
From separate streamer and DAC to al-in-one suggestion
I'm contemplating moving from my setup:
Lumin U1 Mini w/sbooster LPS -> Audio Mirror Tubadour SE III DAC
to an all-in-one unit. I will use it strictly as a Roon endpoint. Since there are no R2R NOS type streamers, I've been looking at the AK based ones, like
Rose RS150
Cary DMS-600/650
Also rest of system is Omega 98db speakers, Slagle Autoformer Preamp -> Oliver Sayes 421a based tube amp.
Wonder if I'll be happy with the latest sigma/delta dacs in a all-in-one type unit. Anyone else made a similar move to mine?