Suggestions for a streamer only (I have a great DAC)

I have an extra Auraulic Altair g1 if you’re interested. There’s nothing wrong with it I got a different one for my birthday.

bluesound node

seriously, you might try some at home in your own system... 🤣

@raysmtb1 well played....you are keeping the Rose...

I thought dCS had their own streamer, no? Apparently not.

I have tried a few, of which I thought the Bricasti M5 and the Auralic Aries G1 were very good. I tried both at home, couldn't hear a difference, and bought the Auralic. I like it very much.

The similar Auralic Aries G2.1 is more costly (their top of the line), but it's unclear that it's better when used with a non-Auralic DAC.

Lots of other options but software is a partial driver of your choice.  The interface you want to use matters and then picking the device with that interface is best approach.  I use Roon so I am almost universally focused on a server/player solution.  I think this sounds best and find having a server as a buffer vs a very volatile internet will outperform the best standalone streamers that I have heard.  

Do you have a server?  What service do you want to stream?  Have you used any software that you liked?

If you are looking for a Roon or UPnP end-point, the Bricasti M5 is very good.  The best output is AES and it is a unit that sells extremely well for Bricasti.  This is not a standalone streamer.  You aren't going to play Tidal or Qobuzon it without software that talks to the device on your network.  

Another alternative that is a bit more feature rich is the Chord 2Go/2Yu.  I have been using one of these to connect to a lot of DACs.  The USB and Coax outputs are excellent.  The biggest challenge I have is getting my head around this little 4" x 4" x1" unit is doing all it does.  It does have wireless built in but sounds better wired.

Lumin makes a U1 and U1 Mini.  I hear these are nice units that are quite stable.  This is a standalone "streamer" and does not require a server.  Lumin has their own software.

Both Auralic and Aurender I am sure also make devices that will meet your needs.  I do not know the exact models.  

IMO, the best solution would be to get something like a Bricasti M5 and pair it with a Roon Nucleus.  This would be under your budget even with a lifetime subscription to Roon and will deliver best performance for local files, Tidal and Qobuz.