Curious to know your streaming and dac set up and the best recommended streamer under $15k


Curious to know your streaming and dac set up as well your best recommended streamer. I have recently upgraded my dac and have used 2 different set ups in an attempt to find the my best combination.  Former set up was Roon Nucleus+ connected to a Lumin T2. New set up is a new Nagra Tube Dac and a separate Power Supply and I had that directly connected to my Roon via Shunyata Sigma USB cable and using a Shunyata Ethernet connection to my network. Didn’t feel like that was my best possible sound so introduced the Lumin T2 back into the fold as my streamer and then connected the Nagra to the Lumin T2. This was a much improved sound. At this early testing point I’m curious to see if anyone uses and/or recommends a streamer that has significantly improved their sound under $15k. I would like to stay with the Roon platform. 
 

Current set up is Audio Research Ref160S amp, Audio Research Ref6SE pre-amp with Wilson Alexia speakers.  All cabling between these components is Transparent Reference. 
 

Unfortunately, I have not had time to photograph and upload my new Nagra dac. 
 

I really appreciate anyone who takes time to assist with some thoughtful ideas, experiences, or recommendations. 

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xwoots

Sometimes the bottleneck is the file that is being streamed rather than the actual streamer. Sony uses tech that will remaster any content you stream to DSD and/or hirez PCM. I like it because it makes what I stream pretty much agnostic whether it is Spotify, Tidal, an MP3 rip, a FLAC file, etc., it all sounds fantastic. They have a streamer in the HAPZ1ES and their new Signature products have a docking station and can be used in your rig or on the go.

https://www.sony.com/en-cm/electronics/audio-signature-series

Innuos Statement, Simaudio 680D in one system

Innuos Zenith MK 3 just added Phoenix USB (demo got a great deal) and LessLoss Echo’s End DAC with LessLoss FireWire 640x love this setup more that the $25k setup up stairs.

You've probably already thought about it since you're familiar with the Lumin T2, but have you considered the Lumin X1? The physical design upgrades and the use of output transformers in the X1, compared to the T2, have a significant impact on the sound character if you're using the DAC and you may also hear improvements using the digital output connected to your Nagra DAC. The X1 also has a fiber network connection to further isolate it from other sources of noise.

Thanks so far everyone for your thinking.  Ironically, I had NOT thought of the X1 but what a terrific suggestion.  Demoed the Innuous MK 3 this past summer with an MSB Dac.  Was not overly impressed by the speed of the computer. Felt like it had slow processors.  I am intrigued by the Grimm and admittedly know very little about the product....so definitely an opportunity for me to learn.