Aurender A Series DAC Performance

I highly recommend Aurrender streamers. But also to buy a separate streamer and DAC. An N20 is an incredible streamer and you should match it to an equally great DAC. I have not myself analysed the sound of the A series DACs, but there is no lack of folks that say they are pretty good (damned by faint praise). But I have compared Aurrender streamers with other stand alone and some that were integrated with a DAC and in the same and sometimes with higher level streamers the Aurender comes out ahead. So highly recommended.

But if you later choose to upgrade either the DAC or streamer then you are stuck if you have an integrated. And both pieces are critical to the sound you get out.

I have always used separates, and would recommend that path unless your system is just for casual listening or you have significant space constraints. I recently upgraded to a used Aurender N10, and it was a significant improvement in sound. I would find a standalone streamer you like and use it with your Benchmark DAC for a while. 

Thanks to each of you for your valuable insights.