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

@naperaudio

If an Innuos Zenith Mk3 ends up as a contender, it just so happens that I placed an ad for one on US Audio Mart yesterday evening. The price falls within your stated budget: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649831352-innuos-zenith-mk3-music-server-2tb-storage

Aurender N replaced by N20, a iittle more expensive than N10 , But half the cost of W20SE !! Take a lppk, a sweet spot in the line !!

I bought a Bluesound node 2i and never looked back. The software, flexibility,   steaming options, ease of use cannot be beat. It has been reliable with no problems. I run the digital output to a Shitt Bifrost and it sounds great. I run it to a Primaluna integrated.  It sounds wonderful. The great DAC you have will complement the sound.

I was in the same place. I love my DAC  - Aesthetix Romulus Eclipse with Telefunken & Amperex.  But my McIntosh MB100 was no good in many different ways. It had to go.

So - the Lumin U1 was my choice and the reliability, sound and interface have been a significant upgrade. I've received solid support from the manufacturer when I had questions, and there have been 2 or 3 firmware upgrades  Good overall experience.

I have the same need as you.  I found nothing that was streamer only at an affordable price - - similar to your budget.  I looked at all "the usuals," Aurender, Lumin, Innuous, and so on.  Finally, I looked at Antipodes - but a mid-range model with power supply was $7K. 

While I made inquiries at Antipodes, I also began taking a close look at LDMS, who makes streamers only of very high quality focused use, even custom order per user needs/specifications.  And they are very experienced with Roon.  The Pico model is under $3,000.  The next up their line is $6,700 (but what is included is amazing).  It has been said that of this unit even as streamer only is preferred over other streamers/severs in the $15K to $20K, as remarked by audiophiles who moved on from some of the brands I listed above.