Best streamer, don't want Roon, don't want a screen, A DAC is OK but not necessary


budget = $4000

To be clear, a built-in DAC is fine, but not a necessity

ullogu1

+1 on Innuos. I have the Innuos Zenith mkiii which is an outstanding product. You should be able to pick purchase a used one with your budget.  

The new Aurelic S1 for $2 to $3k looks interesting, though it does not support fibre optic.

AURALiC introducing new S1 streamer, updated ALTAIR G2.2 and V10 softw - AURALIC

I would still get something from Sonore., who have many fibre streaming options.

Small Green Computer brings your entire music collection to life

The Lumin streamers are good. I had the $15k X1 but the much cheaper Sonore OpticalRendu was comparable. They sounded different and both were good. I kept the Sonore opticalRendu.

I've been extremely happy with my Innuos Zen Mk3. The Sense app for playing music is fantastic. In fact, I know several dealers who consider Sense to be the best streaming app currently available, preferring it over Roon (and others) based on sound quality and stability.

If you need to store some music files in addition to streaming, then consider the Zen (new) or the Zenith (used). If you don't need server storage, then consider the Pulse (or increase your budget and get a Pulsar).

Good luck!