How do you assess a DAC?

Thanks @soix @ghdprentice @akg_ca I’m going to look at separates. Budget wise I’m thinking max £4k for a streamer and then upgrade the DAC later in the year. It just seems that in that price range, the streamers all have an amp or dac onboard so I need to find the best quality streamer I can get without having to pay for one with pre-amp/dac that I don’t need.

Aside from what type of hi rez files a dac can decode, it’s all about personal taste, so let your ears be your guide.

I would definitely put Innous products on your list of standalone Streamers. I would also put Denafrips products on your shortlist of standalone DACs. The Teac UD701N will embarrass many $5K DACs and Streamers and put a few $10K DAC/Streamers on notice!

I love my Mytek Liberty 11 DAC. Very rich, precise sound for $1500, and can handle all the hi res formats. I am still using my MacBook Pro for streaming but will check out the Innuous Streamer.

I’m thinking max £4k for a streamer and then upgrade the DAC later in the year.

That’s a great plan and a really nice budget for a great streamer.  I’d recommend checking out the new Innuos Pulse streamer.  It’s a bit under your budget and packs a lot of Innuos’ latest thinking along with their excellent Sense app that’s constantly being updated for better performance and sound, and if ever needed they also have outstanding customer service.  Best of luck and do keep us posted on your future choices for both streamer and DAC and your thoughts on both if you could.  Best of luck in your quest!