Does the 'Buck' Start with the DAC?

Innuos Statement would definitely be end-game for me on the server / streamer front. I just wish I had that much cash. Maybe one day. Probably at the next Statement MK2 😉

I just did a major upgrade on my streamer - so I'm now about 50/50 in cost between DAC and streamer.  

FWIW:

• DAC:  Mojo Mystique V3 - (single ended)
• Digital front:  DCS Network Bridge + GigaFoilv4 ethernet/optical filter

If I add the cost of  the new LPS's for my cable modem and the new gigafoil, as well as ethernet cables, I'm more at 45/55.

I was talking with the owner of Mojo Audio about 6 months ago.  His opinion was that I was only getting maybe 30% of the sonic quality of my DAC with my current streamer (modded Sonos Connect).  He's a big proponent of source, power and cables in digital.   After this recent upgrade, I agree - just phenomenal improvements to my ears.

I just ordered a BlackCat Digit 75 coax.  Hoping for a final boost.

Based on some of the responses here, it looks like you can fully isolate your DAC, whether Ethernet, USB, or otherwise for < $1,000. Given that, I am having a hard time understanding justification for a high end streamer?

OK, these last few posts are a real aberration and at the highest 0.001% of this hobby. They should be ignored....;-)

I think the key is to match streamers and DACs intelligently.
As with everything, I target "92-95%" of what cost-no-object techos seek. The logic being the last 5-8% costs about $2,000 per 1%...;p-)

Some DACs are fine with a $40 streamer as they ignore jitter.

My $0.02...:

1. Get a $300-$500 streamer that can do both AirPlay and Bluetooth and UPnP.
2. Get a $750 - $1500 DAC that sonically matches your system.
3. Get a good digital cable.

If you want to go larger, then open your wallet wider.

The Lumin X1 was discussed a lot in the Best High End DAC thread but I have yet to see a mention of the X1 connected by the fibre optical input. It cost about $200 to buy a network switch with Optical and maybe another $100 to connect this to the X1 from the switch with fibre and the connectors.

It seems to me the goal of dedicated audio streaming servers (computers) is to lower RF noise, using an optimized computer for very low noise and maybe some horsepower for DSP/upsampling options. So I can understand why people praise them so much. However, if the fibre optical input of the X1 is supposed to be the best way to stream data because it eliminates RF noise since this noise cannot travel on fibre optical  wire. Then is a expensive dedicated audio server really needed for a DAC with fibre optical input? Only person that I have seen address this is the owner of the ComuterAudiophile web site on his review of the Lumin X1.

I am not saying that the Lumin X1 is the best sounding DAC but I am wondering if it the best streaming DAC. I am thinking of getting this DAC just for the optical streaming feature so I can eliminate boxes. I would use a cheapo computer, running ROON, somewhere on my network (not necessarily in the same room as the audio system).

The other option I was considering was a optical Rendu from Sonore but that adds another box and the data signal eventually goes back to USB when going into a non-Lumin X1 DAC. However, this option does open up the choice of DACs if the Lumin X1 is not your type of flavour. 

It also seems like most are saying that USB DAC streaming input sounds better in most DACs than RJ45 Ethernet DAC streaming input, for example Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC. I look forward to the day when all (or more) DACs have fibre optical input.