Higher End DACs

@djones51It is some effort to design audio equipment on the first place,  and the product is made as an island. There. The specs are published as if the device wasn't connected to anything other than a power supply. 

When the device is connected to another device the abstract world of the original device no longer exists,  it's part of a system, connected to noise makers left and right  on just about an infinite scale of interfaces.

How the device now sounds can be totally different to what the designer had intended and blame for that is directed at the wrong component. 

DACs are so vulnerable,  since the ultimate output is the translation of the source and it's noise from power supplies, processors, cabling, the list goes on. The digital  chain is far too long and allows interference to readily transmit.

One user may praise the DAC while another is ready to throw it against a wall. I went through a similar process with the Curious cable. It was a disaster in my system, but others were fine. 

@rms456 
Not real sure what you're saying but DACs aren't measured in isolation chambers as if it was connected to nothing but a power supply.

Just like OP, I was looking for a streamer/DAC. I have been following this tread and learn a lot on the ongoing discussions. Based on @audiotroy recommendation to OP on the T + A SDV3100 HV, I bought the SD3100 HV and expected delivery next week. I am brand new in streaming and need help on the best way to setup the system.
I have a 80 feet CAT7 cable from the router to my music room. I want to use Roon and Tidal. I have a 6 years old Macbook Pro and a iPad Pro. 

@khiak  First, congratulations on your T+A SDV 3100 HV.

Since you are "new [to] streaming" ... as a starting point I recommend going with Tidal first. That is Tidal direct, versus going through Roon.

The SDV can accept Tidal Direct wireless or via your CAT7 cable from your router. You can control Tidal via your iPadPro (using Tidal's App)  OR directly via the T+A Control App which offers Tidal, qobuz, Deezer, control.

@david_ten many thanks for your recommendations. Shall keep to Tidal. Is the Tidal app more user friendly than the Tidal in the T + A Control App.? By the way I bought the SD as I have a preamp.