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

WiiM Pro $149. Supports Amazon music which others don't. I've been using it to feed a Schiit Yggdrasil DAC for a couple of years. It's good.

Node Icon. It has a DAC but I bypass it to feed my ANK DAC 5.1. Works and sounds great. Software is bulletproof. And if a tube fails in the DAC, plan B is the Node DAC.

My third Node. Can't recommend it enough.

 

$1,000

I agree on Bluesound.  It's a proven platform that is easy to use and probably the best bang for the buck.   

I've had a Vault 2i since '19 and when it dies I'll will most likely replace with the Icon. 

I’m streaming Qobuz with an original Auralic Aries into their Vega dac and get very good results, especially like their app. Also using  Lumin u1 mini to a Schiit Yggrasil GS which also is very nice, seems the mini is a bit more detailed sound. Of each, I like Auralics app but prefer the minis sound.