dac and streamer or seperates

Separates period. 

I'm in the minority, but my preference was a single box DAC/streamer.  Hardcore audiophiles usually prefer separates all around, but my thinking is the one box units have a better matched streamer, DAC and power supply.  I would also think better bang-for-the-buck as it's one chassis and no extra cable to buy.  I don't do upgrades frequently, but I can upgrade the streamer or DAC at a later date with digital inputs/outputs on the chassis.  I chose the Cary DMS-700 which would fall in your price range if bought used or the DMS-650 new would be in your range.

mgrif104

I listen to rock, a bit of country, and some pop, but that is usually with friends.

I love a huge deep soundstage and vocals that hit you like the artist is there with you.  love vinyl btw if that helps.  

vonhelmholtz

I believe the 300i came out in 2019.  It's a great piece. has a built in streamer and dac

thanks for all the help guys!  It looks like separates are the majority opinion.  Upscale is having a big sale.  I believe they carry aurender, aurilac, and lumin. 

Should we fight about which is the best streamer company?  maybe spend 2k on a streamer and 3k on a dac?  used is fine too.

Oh forgot to say I use almost exclusively Tidal, BUT would be willing to switch to Qobuz or Roon if everyone thinks it makes a difference

Separate DAC and Streamer. From my experience after using a bunch now your better off getting a decent streamer you like the software for and an excellent DAC. Streamer software seems to be one of the issues I've run across some are good some not so good. I've done the Optimized dedicated PC, Roon nucleus and Aurender A10 I've sold all of them and bought a great DAC and now going back to a dedicated streamer. Every Streamer DAC I've tried was inferior to separates and not really any easier, ease of use boils down to the software / App. Aurender was ok not great, Roon nucleus software was good but didn't sound all that good, IMO of course. DAC's have the greatest effect to the sound, streamer is just a computer with software that should be easy to use etc. Streamers do effect sound but not nearly as much as the DAC.