Wanting to upgrade my streaming sound quality.

@jperry +1

This was my rationale for going with a dedicated streamer and external DAC.

As someone coming from analog, I knew the sound of a DAC would be an important consideration for me. Specifically, I was seeking a DAC that sounded more natural (detailed but also not harsh in sound). Going to a separate streamer and DAC provided more flexibility in finding this as the companies producing DACs of most interest to me tended to produce standalone external DACs. (mostly DACs with an R2R design rather than a delta-sigma design). It was not easy to find a one-box solution that had a streamer interface that I liked with a DAC that would seem to fit my sound quality preferences.

I appreciate all the recommendations and thoughts, however I think I’m going to stay with a one box solution and I’m leaning toward the hifi rose 150b. Everything I read is positive about this unit and it also has a dac out so if the future I could buy another dac. The reviews say it’s very much an easy streamer to operate and comes loaded with both Tidal and Quboz. Sound is supposed to be outstanding plus I can buy it with a 30 or 60 day trial with the option to send it back if I don’t like it. This thing has more features than anything I’ve looked at, in fact lots that I probably won’t use. I love the large touch screen and the app is said to be very good and intuitive.

If I were you and with the budget you have I definitely would go with a Lumin. It’s my next step up from my node, which is modified with a linear power supply. My 2 cents. Seriously though, audition one if you can. 

Dinov, I realize the Lumin is a nice product, but have you heard the hifi rose? I haven’t listened to either, that’s one of the reasons for my thread.