Streamer + DAC or streamer/dac all in one?


How much better do separates bring to the table since you also require a 2nd ac cord and cable? Do not all in one units compare favorably to separates?
rsf507
Streaming audio is still evolving, and fast.
The same with DAC technology.
For me, buying separates allows me to upgrade in the future-though many good companies will offer upgrades to their products.
One very good buy for a streamer/dac combo is the Bluesound Node. It also has the ability for the user to add a separate DAC, so you get the best of both worlds at a reasonable cost.
Bob
Gdnrbob, the Blue Sound Node is really a great starter dac/streamer it is not a great dac nor a great streamer it is a good piece for its price range.

The higher end dac/streamers are a huge step up in performance over the Node, these units are going to cost $1-2k ish in price. 

The Lumin D2 has the ability to act as a transport as it has a digital output as well.  

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Lumin and Blue Sound dealers
I will second @audiotroy 's first post, the one that says, " the best bang for your buck will be a streamer/dac." (I haven't heard personally the gear mentioned in his second.) In theory at least, fewer boxes, fewer cables, less potential for jitter. I used to say, "Make sure it does gapless," but I think that the era of streamers that don't is past us now, thank goodness.

As to changes in technology making the streamer obsolete, I don't think that DLNA/UPnP, BluOS, or even Roon are going away any time soon.
Streamers and DACs are both progressing/evolving at a rapid rate, so combining both technologies in one box at least at this point seems a bit risky.  Then again, some of the better streamers come with DACs so there’s that little wrinkle.  Starting with the budget-friendly Node 2i makes some sense from that perspective, but stepping up to something like an Innuos Mini Mklll that’s not horribly expensive yet probably a good step up over the Node without overcommitting.  With the Mini you can upgrade to a separate DAC later and still be left with a darn good streamer to feed it.  Tough choices in a fast-moving category. 
Most dacs are advancing at rapid pace but LUMIN D2 uses a 13 yr old dac that came out same year original  iPhone released —ie, Stone Age tech. . Don’t buy a dac with such outdated tech as LUMIN d2