Server/Streamer or Streamer/DAC?

@soix Thanks for the suggestion. Yes, it makes sense to keep DAC separate. There is a lot of things ongoing with brands like Topping, SMSL, Orchard, Gustard that according to many surpass $4000 DACs already for under $1000.On the other hand, many praise DAC Streamers like dCS Bartok which at $13500 is far from cheap, but..I thought that Innuos is only a music server and not a server/streamer like Antipodes EX or Wolf.

The Innuos units are streamers and servers and have disc drives so you can load CDs into them without any other equipment/hassle.  If in your budget I’d take a hard look at Wolf. 

What is it about the more expensive streamers that provide better quality sonics? Anyone want to tackle that one? 

I am in the process of considering adding a streamer to replace my Macbook (via usb) direct to my DAC. I just want to get to the bottom of the sonic improvement I'd be getting. I have a high end DAC (Rockna) and would add their streamer or something at that level. I just don't understand why, from a tech perspective, a high end streamer is better than a computer straight in via USB. 

What is it about the more expensive streamers that provide better quality sonics? Anyone want to tackle that one? 

I am in the process of considering adding a streamer to replace my Macbook (via usb) direct to my DAC. I just want to get to the bottom of the sonic improvement I'd be getting. I have a high end DAC (Rockna) and would add their streamer or something at that level. I just don't understand why, from a tech perspective, a high end streamer is better than a computer straight in via USB. 

JC5= I am kind of in your same boat.  I have a Lumin X-1 which is a DAC / Streamer and I love it.  However, I have been debating whether to add a music server to even improve the sonics more.  Is that guaranteed????  I don't know.  A dealer wants me to buy the Rockna Reference DAC and Server.  I was also considering getting an ultra high end DAC like Lampizator Pacific or Aries Cerat Kassandra or Helen.   I wonder how much better the sound would be?   From a  server perspective,  I have looked at Innuous, 432 AEON, Taiko, Antipodes etc.  I would have to sell my Lumin X-1 before I do anything and I am sitting here now listening to music and saying OMG this sounds so good.  But I am intrigues if a server will take my system to another level.