Streamer/DAC - Where is the value?

I have a Bluesound Node 2i streamer which I've paired with an MHDT Orchid tube DAC. I upgraded the Bluesound with a separate power supply and the Orchid with new caps and resistors thanks to @grannyring's expert help.

The Orchid has a nice review here -- https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/mhdtlab/

I had a long comparison between the Orchid and the Denafrips Ares II -- the Orchid had a wider, more articulate soundstage and more detailed presence in the tonalities than the Ares. I also compared the Orchid with the much more expensive Holo May DAC ($6k or so) and while the Holo May was better in the same ways the Orchid beat the Ares II, the Orchid held it's own -- I'd say it was about 80% as good as the Holo May. 

I've played with tubes in the Orchid, and one can soften or brighten the sound with various tubes; I like that element of tone control. I may decide to step up to the May DAC at some point soon and sell the Orchid, but for now it's quite an amazing value and delivers absorbing musicality.

I like the idea of a combination DAC/streamer but having them separate, or using Roon, makes me feel more comfortable about their future.  The thing I worry about is that Tidal/Quboz will fail and other services will take their place and that the streamer software won't be maintained.  Currently I use Roon to a Raspberry Pi 4 based streamer to my Mytek.

I would however focus mostly on sound quality.  Get a DAC you are in love with, and whether or not it has a streamer attached should be another issue.

Bryston’s DAC is fantastic.  The streamer sounds great but has the worst software management program imaginable.  I would avoid.

  My personal setup is the aforementioned Bryston DAC with  the Cambridge Audio CXN 60.  If you purchased the Bryston DAC and ran your Cambridge into it it would essentially be the same.  I also have the Melco N100 in the system which I  mainly use as a NAS, but it can be used as a player via usb and doesn’t sound that different from the CA.  I prefer the CA Stream Magic app, and occasionally I use the CA Chromecast to stream content such as the BBC Radio 3 from my phone, so it is just easier to stay with the CA.  The Bryston DAC is now getting a bit old in the tooth but at it’s price point I prefer it to the competition that I have been able to audition 

“The weak link here seems to be the Cambridge unit. ”

@jpearson3131 

What is about CXN 851N you don’t like? Do you have a another source like CD player or vinyl that you enjoy listening through MA9000. I used to own 851N and it’s a pretty decent streamer / DAC. My gut says the MA9000 could be your weak link. 

Before you go spend money on a new DAC/Streamer, try a different Integrated or amp. 851N has a volume control so that gives you a flexibility of trying another tube or SS amp. You could easily spend $6K on a new DAC/Streamer for not whole lot of gain in sound. 

I don’t stream, but I suspect from reading other Forum threads on Audiogon and on WhatsBestForum with respect to your general question, that if going with separate units that the source (streamer) is no less important than the DAC. It is essentially the same with listening via CDs which I do. My personal experience in this regard, and what some other members have also found, is that lesser quality transports do not allow the DAC to realize its SQ potential. hard to believe streaming is any different. And, just my further 2 cents for whatever it may be worth,  if the DAC isn’t realizing its full potential , or the all in one unit is simply decent it doesn’t matter what the amplifier is; quality of the source matters to overall system SQ.  Also, if you go the separates route consider that your budget also needs to cover the cost of additional cables , whatever your view on cables may be, so a higher SQ quality all in one might be something to continue to consider.