Dac with build-up streamer

The benefit of standalone streamers and DACs are largely dedicated power supplies and better isolation / less noise. Also, both technologies get refreshed at different intervals based on innovation in the market, so some people like keeping things separate to make upgrading individual things simpler.

Regarding clocking, even if a DAC reclocks a streamer’s signal, I’ve found that the better the streamer’s clock, the more accurate outcome results because the reclocked signal is often even better than if it was given subpar timing / info.

For DAC/streamer combos under $5K, look at the Eversolo DMP-A10 and the Aurender A1000. I am an authorized dealer for both, and I can say that I am thoroughly impressed with the Eversolo DMP-A10 for the price and sonic performance, as well as its usability. The Aurender A1000 comes close in my opinion. It may actually be a tad warmer, but not as resolving and transparent as the Eversolo. Both have a really pleasant, harmonic tone and natural presentation which surprise me. Some of Aurender’s higher level digital/analog combos can sound more Hifi-ish if not paired properly with gear and cabling. The two units I mention, however, seem to work with a number of electronics and cabling combinations. 

If you use a USB connection between the Streamer and DAC then the DAC reclocks the signal, if you use SP/DIF or AES then it does not (a bit simplified). But as Bliss said, you get better isolation and power management etc with separates all other things being equal, but also you can choose to upgrade either the DAC or Streamer. This is really useful when upgrading your system. Also, honestly, quite a few combined units have a great DAC but not so great a streamer. If you buy a combined unit then you can’t replace one part. Sol for instance Aurender tends to have great streamer sections and not so great a DAC (I hear the A1000 is better) and dCS has great DACs but poor streamer. 

I would caution anyone spending $4k on a streamer to think twice about Eversolo.  Support is non existent.    They have no sense of urgency when they release bad firmware.   May look great but wait until you need them to fix bugs. 

Waiting 6 months for them to fix USB recognition of McIntosh amp's DAC.  

They only care about volume sold , not the end user.  They suck as a company.