Look at a used Grimm MU1 streamer. I moved up from a dCS Vivaldi Upsampler to a Grimm MU1 streamer and have had it about 2 years and still love it. There are used ones showing up now that they are building the MU1 streamer with a DAC-in-the-box. As it is software based, new releases of the firmware keep us up to date.
Why Streaming Service Sounds ‘Flat’ vs Tune In /Local FM /Radio Paradise
I use a Bluesound Node, first or second gen I believe.
I use the S/PDIF output feeding my Esoteric K-07X CD/DAC using it as a DAC.
I find that CD’s, most things using Tune In, and local FM listening sound better than streaming either Tidal or Qobuz.
For the life of me, I can’t figure why that might be, since all are using the K-07X internal DAC. I can understand the CD, as it’s internal, with no S/PDIF cable to possibly muck things up. FWIW, I’m using the Illuminati/Kimber D-60 as my digital cable.
Any thoughts appreciated.