15k for streamer and dac....how much on each?

It’s always fascinating to read through these threads. 

A number of posters have stated it’s a waste to spend money on a streamer. I’d be curious as to how many better quality streamers they’ve actually tried in their own system. 

To some of us, investing in a quality streamer was more beneficial than upgrading the DAC. In my search for a new DAC, I auditioned the Simaudio 680 DAC (very nice unit, BTW - with built in streaming function).

I had been planning on getting an all in one DAC/streamer and figured I would sell my streamer, saving me some money, cables, boxes.

I then auditioned that same DAC but with my Auralic G2 streamer sourcing it - just to compare. The dealer doesn’t carry Auralic - so he was certainly not biased in favor of it. He was as surprised as me at how much better the DAC sounded when sourced by the outboard streamer as opposed to the Simaudio built in streaming function. (As an aside, he started working on picking up the line). 

This is but one example I can share. Those looking to improve the performance of their DAC should strongly consider exploring improving the source feeding the DAC. You just might be surprised at the results. Streamers can make a very significant difference for the better if you choose well. 

It’s certainly worth auditioning one instead of dismissing it.

I recently bought the T+A Dac200 and the Lumin U2 streamer, so about 50/50 in cost. Sounded spectacular but a touch " Hifi" on some cuts ( running unfiltered). However adding a high quality switch and a Network Accoustics ethernet filter/usb cable combo brought it to a level that now beats my more expensive analogue front end when listening to some 24bit files.

I have a $6300 streamer and a DAC that costs less than $2000. Let your ears decide, there is no % guide here.

@oldracer 

I too have the DAC200. Have you tried giving it DSD files? I’m not sure if the Lumin has the capability of file conversion or if you have a computer you could put HQplayer on to then give to the Lumin. But, the DAC200 sounds even better when using its DSD path.

to the rest on this thread  - sorry for the short detour.

I believe the Lumin feeds DSD to the DAC 200. I just got the T+A Dac 200 also. Sounds great on red book. Feeding it DSD files off the Melco Na H60 Ex is a step up. The Melco doesn’t convert native red book to DSD so would love to hear the Lumin take Quboz and Tidal files converted to DSD >Dac 200. 
I have played with the DSD conversion in Roon but doesn’t seem like it makes much of a difference. 
 

still drool over the Grimm Mu2. Hopefully down the road.