Streaming DAC recommendation

@lnitm 

+1

@audiobuddy 

There is a synergy between McIntosh components, and removing the C2600 may be detrimental. Also, as recommended by some members, the Bricasti and Meitner are fine components, and I doubt that the Cambridge will surpass their performance.

Lastly, I believe your C2600 has the DA1 DAC card? I have a C2700 with a DA2 module. An upgrade to the DA2 may be the cheapest way out, and then just add a killer streamer. If you want to outdo the DA2 module, you need about $5K on an outboard DAC. I have an outboard DAC that retails for 12X the cost of the DA2 module. It is better all around than the DA2, but I am gobsmacked as to how good trickle-down DAC technology has become and how much value the DA2 brings to the table. 

Thank you all for your time and writing about all these product. If I were to pick a dedicated DAC and streamer with great UI. What would you recommend. Is PS Audio Direct-stream DAC MK2 mentioned here a good dedicated DAC?

I read a lot of reviews about HiFi Rose 150B, especially about the software and the integration. Will it make sense to use 150B and a separate DAC or just use the 150B. As far as Lumin, I love the hardware quality, looks like the app to control streaming sources are not great is what I understood after reading about it.

I would recommend Small Green Computer over Roon Nucleus.  Way cheaper, but integrates beautifully with Roon. And then that givesultimate flexibility for dac/streamer options.  I have 4 systems with four different dac/streamer options, and they all work seamlessly. (You can check my systems under my profile; I’m about to replace the Raspberry Pi in one system with a Pro-Ject S2 Stream Ultra.) My best is the Gold Note DS10, which combines streamer and DAC.

If you can stretch your budget a little, consider the Cary DMS 700 from Cary Direct.  They rarely come up used but should come in just under $5K if you can find one.

Well, lots of good recommendations here so I’ll add a couple more because I’m prone to complicate things.  First, I’d recommend a separate DAC and streamer.  Second, if user interface is important to you an Innuos streamer may be your best option.  As far as a DAC, that really depends on what kind of sound you’re looking for so need more info to make a recommendation there.