Solo streamer

Yes, it makes sense that the N200 would sound better than the A200.

I was surprised to see that the A200 does not appear to have a digital out so it can be used with an outboard DAC as does their soon to be released lower line A1000.

Live and learn, I incorrectly assumed most streamers with built in DACs had the capability to use an outboard DAC.

@rvpiano This is an accurate assumption. The A200’s streamer is more on par with the N150, and the A15 utilizes more of what’s in the N200. I would not recommend the A200 in lieu of your DAC and N200. While there is synergy in that unit, it will not solve what you want to accomplish. 

I should have chosen better words in my first post in this thread. I spoke of your potential need to seek warmth and harmonics as I mentioned the DAC3 is very linear. I should have also mentioned that you may want to seek an extra level of refinement. There are a few areas where you may be able to find this.

First is in a more refined sounding DAC. I have long been recommending the well-regarded T+A DAC 200 to pair with the N200. It is still my DAC of choice in the $15K and under market. The DAC 200 has six different filters for  upsampling and non-oversampling that help to further shape your sound. The magnificent imaging, soundstaging enlargement, musicality, and sheer resolution of the DAC is a number of levels above your DAC3. Other DACs that may be of note are from Meitner/EMM, MSB, Aqua, Bricasti, or the DACs in Luxman’s transports. Lampizator also sounds very good, but in my experience you have to go up the chain and spend more to get the resolution that some of these other units can deliver.

Your choice of USB cable matters a lot. The 5V DC lead that runs parallel to the signal can add to the noise factor, which makes USB sound more brittle and fatiguing. It may sound financially disproportionate, but the FTA Sinope is an excellent, full-bodied, grain free and wonderfully musical USB cable. Their older Calisto is also very good and can be had for less, but it is not quite as resolving as the Sinope. Still a very good choice for its price used or new. I used FTA USB until I purchased my $6K USB cable (no need to get into those details).

There are other areas, like power cables, interconnects, Ethernet cables/switches, which can all help as well, but I would focus on the two above as they will get you furthest, and then tweak with the rest. 

@blisshifi 

Thank you so much for your detailed reply.  I don’t want to break the bank with a DAC , so it’s a difficult choice.

I know I mentioned “best under $15K”, but many of the DACs I mention make models in the $4-7K range that are worth considering. Not inexpensive as you just paid a good amount for your streamer, but it’s something to consider as you move forward in your journey.