Streaming Dac $5000-8000

Went with the TEAC 701 here after similar academic search, but didn’t have luxury of home auditions of other units as with the TEAC.  I was quite impressed with what was accomplished with this device. 

I will say the Lumin/TEAC/Esoteric app is certainly not my go to…I really prefer Mconnect.

I use Bricasti M3 with network player. Mac Mini as Roon Core. I tried Mconnect but prefer Roon for sound quality and user interface. Highly recommend the M3. 

Another vote for the Bricasti M3

@acdvd 

In your original post you didn't mention you had a Boulder 866. I owned one and also hated having using MConnect. I was hoping Boulder would create an app. I did hear the 866 with Roon and you may want to get a trial version of Roon before spending money needlessly on a DAC/Streamer. Don't let the idea of needing a Roon Nucleus stand in your way. It's actually quite easy to install. 

Hi acdvd,

you like the Luxman D03X so why not add an Innuos Pulse streamer.

excellent Sense OS that is even better than BluOS in some respects. Excellent SQ, including radio paradise natively. If you enjoy the option of Tidal, the Pulse will output MQA via usb to the Luxman, which is one of a small number of DACs that can accept MQA for full studio unfold. 

All bases covered and in budget  both units offer the highest standards of build quality