Streamer, no DAC please?


Sorry if this topic has been beaten to a pulp...I recently upgraded the digital side of my rig, Denafrips, Pontus 15 with a Project CD Box RS2T transport...

Now I have the itch to try streaming. It pains me to invest in a high end streamer and once again pay for a DAC.

Is it possible to find a quality steamer without a DAC? Any direction is appreciated, FYI, I consider myself a luddite.

larseand

Most high end streamers do not have a DAC. I highly recommend Aurender. For budget... N200 or used N100... or N20. The more you invest the better they sound... up to the very highest level. One of the considerations is the app used to control them. Aurender has Conductor... for iPad, phone, MacBook or tablet. It is easy to use, well regarded. Aurender has excellent service as well. 

I have friends that have purchased other high end streamers... most complain about the app that controls it. While others may have good sound quality... many do not, the app is your interface. 

Lumin, Aurlic and others make good quality streamers. 

Most good streamers don’t have a DAC. Innuos, aurender, Grimm MU1, etc. the all-in-ones tend to be lower quality with some notable exceptions like the Grimm MU2.

PS  decide if you want to use Roon before you buy. this will influence your decision.

As a Luddite get a WIIM mini. Cheapest way to educate yourself on streaming. 

I would look at Innuos and Auralic in your price range.  Eversolo support is non existent.   It's decent hardware with a decent interface but if one of their firmware updates has a bug don't expect a fix.   Been waiting 6 months for USB out to work again with DAC.