Streaming music sound quality

Good question. 
 

Generally you cannot tell by what chip or some design detail. The overall design makes the difference. 
 

I own an A&K SP2000 (?)… their flagship a couple years ago. It sounds good for a DAP. One could argue that because it is battery powered (lowest noise power) that it will sound better. But my experience is that full sized stand alone components virtually always sound better. I think it is because cramming all that stuff together in a small space creates major sound quality compromises. 

I have owned dozens of portable devices and full sized components. I would guess… and this is a guess the Innous Zenmini… or other full sized unit… I am not familiar with the Innous.

I was completely surprised at how small the MSB separate DAC, preamp and streamer modules are. I could not tell if all their DACs require a separate power supply or if some of them have it built in.

But wow, the system I heard them in had McIntosh MC451 dual mono amps, Sonus Faber Lilium speakers and the top of the line MSB streamer, preamp and DAC.  Wow again.

If you ever near Nashua, NH, drop into Fidelis Audio for a treat. Absolutely no pressure and Marc is great.

I have the Zenmini mk3 connected to the Denefrips Pontus dac. Read the Pontus reviews. I have no complaints what so ever. 

Is there any analog input(s) in your Astell & Kern DAP? If not, I don't see how you can use the DAC on the Zen Mini at all.

Thank you everyone.