Streamer/DAC - Where is the value?

“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.

I spent more on my DAC than my speakers or my amp. I like them seperate generally since you can never predict your upgrade journey. I would buy either an Allo USBridge Streamer or an IFI Zen streamer, both very good and under $500 and get the best DAC I can get. Upgrade streamer later. I went with Chord Dave DAC and Innuos Zenith Mk3 streamer.

It depends on your longer term goals. Will you keep evolving your system to better sound? Or is this next purchase an end point?

I would recommend an Aurender A200 (combined streamer / DAC)… if you just want one and done. I own two Aurender streamers and cannot recommend them too highly.

If this is a step towards a better system, or really getting the most out of your system, then separates. They are both equally important. Aurender for the Streamer and… in that price range I don’t know the perfect DAC. I will say given the rest of your equipment if you want very top notch performance up to the standard of the rest of your equipment I would be looking in the $4 - $6K each range, DAC and Streamer. [my estimate is based on matching to,your speakers] Yes you can get stuff for less money.

Also, I recommend switching to Qobuz. The service sounds a bit better than Tidal but also has half a million high resolution albums versus Tidal… only a few.

My systems are shown under my UserID.

I like your system - I have Sf Nova's as well and I previously owned McIntosh pre and amplification.

I am biased towards DAC/streamer due to space and simplicity.  I started with Node 2i, then moved up to Moon 280D and now I have Moon 390 which is also a preamp.  The Moon 390 replaced my Moon 280D and McIntosh C2600...it was an upgrade for both.  And I sold the McIntosh for more than I paid for it. 

If you like the streamer/DAC that happens to be a pre-amp.  I wouldn't shy away from it.  Your integrated amp can be used just as an amp and if you decided to go to components a streamer/DAC "Network player" provides you flexibility in transitioning to separates (such as MC 312).  

Good luck in your journey!