Server/Streamer or Streamer/DAC?

What is it about the more expensive streamers that provide better quality sonics? 

Purpose built to optimize audio quality with higher-quality parts while minimizing contamination and noise. 

The Innuos units are streamers and servers and have disc drives so you can load CDs into them without any other equipment/hassle.  If in your budget I’d take a hard look at Wolf. 

Go with a server/streamer like Innuos unless you love dealing with configuring computers, storage devices, etc.  The Innuos (or some others) lets you rip all your CDs easily and directly into its onboard storage so things like noise, optimization for audio, etc. are all taken care of.  DACs are more established and can be a very personal choice, so I’d recommend keeping that separate, which also makes upgrading easier in the future as technologies and formats evolve.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.