This is interesting, also looking for a streamer without DAC.
Like 'clio09' I have a DAC I'm extremely happy with, an ancient Wadia 15 which also uses the fabulous Burr-Brown PCM63. This beauty does redbook only but I do not miss hi-res. I have a Bryston that can do that, which is by all accounts a great DAC
The Wadia makes the Bryston sound thin and screechy which was an upgrade over my OPPO103 and is used only for hi-res. Wadia playing redbook keeps me up listening late at night, My OPPO and Bryston playing hi-res doesn't!
The PCM1702 is another chip to look out for. These DACs have a sound that I have not heard in all-in-one units hence my quest for streamer only. New streamers are hitting the market all the time, great DACs not so much.
@cal3713 You claimed
'I moved from USB to ethernet input and it made a huge impact on the sound quality' I would much appreciate if you'll please explain what you did in a way that someone not familiar with
streamers can understand. Did you use el-cheapo ethernet cable or something
more upmarket?
@OP I suggest you keep the Terminator which uses the same architecture as my beloved Wadia and find a separate streamer.