Aurender A20 or Lumin X1

Roon would be a major factor for me, too.  Another would be the separates v. integrated issue. If you want to integrate streamer + DAC + preamp, and are ok with the price, then either of these products appears to be a good way to go. 

I suspect you'd get even better sound and more flexibility with a good separate preamp for volume control between the DAC and power amp. Possibilities: the  Matrix Element X2 Pure (streaming DAC) +  Benchmark LA4 (or HPA4) line amp, with the sonicTransporter i9 music server/streamer.  That gets you Roon Ready, HQ Player, dual ES9039 PRO DAC chips, a top of the line analog preamp, more versatile I/O (including HDMI ARC, i2S,  WiFi) and a fanless Intel i9 server, all for much less than $15K.  

But then, I have not heard the Aurender or Lumin products. Unfortunately it'd be hard (impossible, even) to audition them all side by side. A single high-end integrated component does result in a lot less clutter, as well as more streamlined operation from a single app or hand-held remote. The SQ ought to be great from any of these alternatives.

The Lumin X-1 is a world class streamer even better is the Esoteric N05 XD. Good luck to you! These are the best of the best IMO.

Why peg yourself down with a dac streamer combo ?

when there are so many better individual dacs ,and as technologies get better you are not stuck , a server streamer like a Innuos  or others yes,

 then buy a individual dac to your exact tastes, is a bit more logical in the long run.

Your question is kind of like asking do you prefer a BMW or a Porsche? That's something that sound quality should decide, but IMO you can't go wrong with either unit.

However if it were my money, I'd go separates as others have suggested. An Aurender N200 and a Denafrips Terminator Plus 12th DAC can be had for similar cost as the A20 and X1....and that would be world class. I'd also throw the Weiss and T+A DAC 200 as options if one were so inclined.

However if it were my money, I'd go separates as others have suggested. An Aurender N200 and a Denafrips Terminator Plus 12th DAC can be had for similar cost as the A20 and X1....and that would be world class. I'd also throw the Weiss and T+A DAC 200 as options if one were so inclined.

This is an excellent recommendation IMHO, unless you’re a Roon user I guess.