spend on the streamer or on the DAC ?

DAC - Audio Mirror Tubadour III is good, Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE is better

DAC

Audio Mirror Tubadour III ($1500) is quite good; Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE ($2500) is even better

Thk u all for the useful insights. I am attracted to a single-box solution (streamer/DAC, and I'd like to keep my MOON amp,and MOON seems to make nice DAC/streamers BTW). In this regard there is the issue of obsolescence: where does technology move the fastest, on the streamer side or on the DAC side? This might be an issue if one considers future upgrades. Regards. Olivier

Unless you're the type who likes to keep up with the latest/greatest I wouldn't worry too much about obsolescence. There will certainly be new DAC and streamer iterations from every manufacturer out there. Good sound now will still be good sound when the next version comes out. Seems to me a Moon streaming DAC would be a great choice for you.

@melvinjames 

There will certainly be new DAC and streamer iterations from every manufacturer out there. Good sound now will still be good sound when the next version comes out.

wise words

i am playing a frank van alstine fet valve topp dac from 1998 with philips r2r chip and 12ax7's -- can't read anything but redbook bitrate but the things sounds soooooooo ridiculously good... 

I've across an offer to buy a LINN AKURATE DS for 1800 euro (showroom model). Sounds tempting as the listed price price is 5550 euro new (apprently the shop is discontinuing it's dealer relationship with LINN, for commercial -not quality -reason,s and so are liquidating the stock).Any useful insights ? LINN looks like one of those manufacturers that like to go their own way- I like that on philosophical grounds, but the sonic rewards have to be there!