Roon Nucleus as a Streamer

It would be helpful if we understood what you're currently using for a DAC.  If your goal is to keep your DAC then you've received some helpful feedback.  It sounds like perhaps you don't have the DAC yet either. 

If that's the case, then the easy button may be to simply get a combined streamer and DAC.  Most will come with a free app that will allow you to stream music from Tidal and Qobuz and depending on what you get there are a number of aftermarket apps that are free or close to free that may provide a better user experience than the manufacturer's app.

I use the Nucleus plus with a ps audio directstream dac along with a 14rb external hard drive with 10tb of high res music. I also stream tidal and quboz

The roon acts as a wickapedia of music and is very informative.  Overall i am very happy with the sound and the convenience of it all. 

big_greg - I am planning on using an SPL pre-amplifier that has an on-board DAC, which I have not heard yet, but from my understanding most built-in DACs can be greatly improved upon. Once I give it a listen I will make that call, but most likely I will be upgrading the DAC. 

The question is then, how good are the DACs in the streamer combos? 

@lwong 

So you are using the USB out of the Nucleus Plus?

I use the Nucleus + and run it with my McIntosh integrated amp, with DAC, and a Tidal subscription as the source.  It sits on a shelf underneath my amp and makes absolutely zero noise (I mention that as I wasn’t clear on the comments upthread about placement and noise..?).  Yes, I could run Roon off a laptop, but I love the clean look and pairing it with my iPad using the Roon app.  Very simple setup - integrated amp, Nucleus +, and speakers.  My music never sounded better.