spend on the streamer or on the DAC ?

Techno, is that you buddy? Who or what are you testing? You’re being unusually quiet. Hope you get better.

test 1-2-3 

That’s a good count there Ron. 

I just got an Audioengine-BFi unit, this is quite a recently released product - I was quite amazed at the sound quality. Its comparatively inexpensive, has nice connectivity- (apple airplay-which i love), connects via the wifi network rather than bluetooth, ESS 9023 chip performs DAC functions, along with analog RCA outs it also has a digital optical out for use with an external DAC....this may be a game changer for those seeking to integrate an affordable decent streaming option with their audiophile equipment..having said that I have not compared this with more expensive options discussed above...but when I compared a good streaming source with CD's I was impressed.

Interesting thread.
I just purchased a Vecteur transport and Ares 2 dac for my red book cd habit. Very happy with the result.
I won’t be purchasing a lot of new Cd’s and won’t be adopting DSD. I wish to purchase a streamer that would mate well with my current components which include the Ares 2 dac, a VTL preamp and Sumo Andromeda 3 (250/ch) amp Paradigm Reference Studio 100 V3 speakers. I only have WiFi in my room. No Ethernet hard line.
Since I have the DAC already I would be interested in a DACless streamer if that option would allow me to get a better device at the same price as the DAC included options. After some research it seems to me I am not going to achieve a better streamer without DAC unless I spend a lot of cash on a high end streamer which would be overkill in my system.
So far I see my best option as a Node 2i and feed digital out to the Ares 2.
Any suggestions? I am not crazy about spending over 1K on the streamer and used is always an option.
Thanks