Digital Path to Complete my System

@OP - An Esoteric N-05XD may be within your budget, or even a pre-owned N-01 as some people will be trading up to the recently released SE version. It can be used directly as a streamer and is properly certified for use with Roon.

I love my Aurender N200.   It replaced a Vault 2i which I still use in my second system.  

Your budget demands listening to DACs first hand.    This is a product segment where you are splitting hairs as the price increases.    You really need to love the sound of the DAC or any money invested on the streamer is moot 

I bought my DAC first, used it with the Vault for a while and got a trade plus cash deal I could not pass on the N200.   Support has been first rate.   Unmatched in my experience. 

Aqua hifi lascala is a killer dac

And it is fully upgradable an it has tubes for that magical midrange

Combined with a432evo Aeon music server and you have a

Digital front end which rivals realy good analog

We setup that combo vs a 25k analog rig and every one thought the digital sounded as good

DAVE AND Troy

AUDIO INTELLECT nj

Aqua and 432evo dealers

My Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty Streaming DAC, along with my Roon Nucleus Plus music server did the trick for me.  Once I was able to find the right digital setup, one that produced the kind of sound quality that I was searching for, I quickly sold off my cd player and my turn table.  For the past few years, I've streamed all my music exclusively.  I'll probably never spin another cd or record album ever again in life.  Happy listening. 

Would appreciate experienced feedback for those with a complete digital chain ( streamer, DAC, clock?, & cables/interconnects) - total package under $18K...

Aavik S-180 streamer: $7200

Aavik D-180 DAC: $7200

Total = $ 14,400

Balance: $3600 for AXXESS ethernet, digital and analog IC cables