Hans likes Cary 700

@audiotroy 
I am interested in whether streamers can sound different IF the DAC is bypassed.
Otherwise, one is not really comparing streamers, right? 

Huh?
As Hans states some streamers (network players) have DACs.
Some DACs have streamers.
No clue what you're talkin' 'bout.

@fuzztone
Thanks for the link. I’ve been looking at this Cary unit to replace a Sony HAP player. I like that I could copy my CD’s to a SDXC card and leave it plugged in. And I assume the supplied remote allows it to function and play CD’s if WiFi is down. One box, no Ethernet cable required with WiFi available. More streaming services than HAP. There’s a lot to like here.

Hello,
I have a buddy who owns the 550. He really enjoys it. He mostly does Roon and uses the DAC with the Cd transports. 

I have a 700. The remote can run the whole show. Not that it used a lot but it works. Really nice 1 box solution. I will spare the superlatives as everyone’s system and preferences are different. The integrated SD player is the best sounding of all the inputs but I have a EtherRegen in front of it and streaming sounds real good. Certainly more flexibility than I will ever use but as a streamer/dac it does a excellent job.