Streamer + DAC or streamer/dac all in one?


How much better do separates bring to the table since you also require a 2nd ac cord and cable? Do not all in one units compare favorably to separates?
rsf507
Streamers and DACs are both progressing/evolving at a rapid rate, so combining both technologies in one box at least at this point seems a bit risky.  Then again, some of the better streamers come with DACs so there’s that little wrinkle.  Starting with the budget-friendly Node 2i makes some sense from that perspective, but stepping up to something like an Innuos Mini Mklll that’s not horribly expensive yet probably a good step up over the Node without overcommitting.  With the Mini you can upgrade to a separate DAC later and still be left with a darn good streamer to feed it.  Tough choices in a fast-moving category. 
Most dacs are advancing at rapid pace but LUMIN D2 uses a 13 yr old dac that came out same year original  iPhone released —ie, Stone Age tech. . Don’t buy a dac with such outdated tech as LUMIN d2
The lumin d1 outperformed benchmark and chord dacs in my setup.  Don’t discount having a one box solution.  Dac tech has slowed down while streamer tech seems to be seeing the most room for improvement.  That lumin humiliated the blue sound I was using as a streamer only.  Lumin >Lumin +Chord 2qute>Bluesound + Chord>Bluesound+ Bidat.   Benchmark and chord were somewhat equal but different