Internal DAC quality vs external DAC's

There's no good reason a DAC can't be part of an integrated box.

Technically speaking, you can get superb measured performance from separates that beats any of the integrated boxes you listed for around the same price (e.g. Topping D90SE + LA90, $1800). The only issue with the Topping amp is its relatively low output power - 90 W @ 1% THD into 4 ohms. You didn't mention what speakers you were going to use, so it may not provide enough juice at the volume you want to listen to.

Do you already have a streamer? The Hegel seems to be the only one where you can stream from your phone using UPnP. That would really simplify things, if it's the direction you intend to go. Currently, I use a RPi 3 B+ with moOde for streaming duty.

Hope this helps.

lordmelton "DACs have a relatively short life of 5 years or less, amps 10 years or more, streamers somewhere in-between."

This statement is mistaken, erroneous and false a properly designed and constructed DAC can easily last many, many years as has been demonstrated by some of the most highly regarded manufacturers of such products there is simply no reason, justification, or logic to claim or assert otherwise. 

I like the one and done concept !!!

It's why I'm looking at the NAD M10 V2, it's an all in one streamer that can be controlled via phone/tablet.

The crazy part to all this is, each devise I've listed all have something I want. None with all the features I'd like, go figure.

The crazy part to all this is, each devise I've listed all have something I want. None with all the features I'd like, go figure.

I think that's the main challenge right now. Hopefully you find something that fits your needs.

Just remembered that I had a good experience with the Naim Uniti Atom this past weekend (though it was driving headphones from the speaker taps). I could find it on the network using BubbleUPnP as a renderer from my Android phone easily and I streamed Qobuz through it without a hitch.

Check out the Parasound Hint