Looking for High Quality Streamer Only Options (NO DAC)?

Sonore opticalRendu Lite version - Roon Ready DLNA Network Player For Sale - US Audio Mart

The above is a screaming deal (if the power supply is included). I have 3 of these and if I had a 4th DAC I would get 1 more..

Holo Audio Red $800

Roon Ready + NAA for HQPlayer

Lots of outputs: USB, i2s, AES, coaxial

@jbhiller thanks for all the details and sharing some of your audio journey.  Makes sense to question the value proposition in streamers.  You’ll find a lot of debate on if moving up in models, brands really makes a difference.  Your comments on longevity, life cycle also make sense.  I think digital is evolved and matured to the point that you’ll get at least 5 years from a streamer but likely more without issue should you take the plunge in something in the 2-5 k range.  How much difference there is between the various streamers will be debated by both sides.  If possible, order a Wiim or Node off Amazon or a dealer with a return policy, compare it to using the T3 as a streamer only.  If you notice a difference in favor of the T3, investing in a Auralic, Lumin, HiFi Rose priced in that 2-3 k range should yield some nice results.  If you don’t, then you’ll know the Wiim or Node is all you need.  
 

Aurender is often mentioned as being the “gold standard” for streamers. If you found a used N100, N200 guessing you would be a really happy camper.  
 

And…. Thanks for the info on the LTA DAC, sounds like it creates some beautiful music. 

Roon optimised rock kit NUC latest version. Solid and smooth in operation. Add a Farad Super 3 and don’t think about that bit of the chain anymore.  

You mention it needing to be Roon Ready, but to clarify - do you already have a device running as a Roon Core?

Not sure how down the rabbit hole you have gone with Roon but if you are new to them, they need a "Core" which is usually a more powerful PC but can be a general purpose device like a laptop, NUC, desktop PC, etc. 

Then you need an "endpoint" which is a more audiophile oriented device that streams music from the Core and plays it back like a dedicated transport should, spitting out a digital signal over USB or AES or coax or whatever. 

Some devices do all in one approach to this. Like an Innuos Zen or similar will handle all the functions in one unit. But other times it is better (and maybe even cheaper) to have a separate Core on the network and a dedicated endpoint for audio playback, in your music setup. You can stash the Core in another room, it doesn't matter.

That said, I like the Matrix Audio Element S for $1500. Great little transport with lots of options and killer sound quality. It's an endpoint only though, but satisfies all your requirements.