There are two camps: those that favor separates for everything and people like me that like the simplicity of a one box set up. You did not say what your budget would be but I have been happily using a Weiss Dac 501 for three years and that has a dac, streamer, and can also function as a preamp The software also allows room correction. however this is a $10,000 pro unit. I have the Weiss connected direct to my amp.
DAC's Streamer and Preamps
I have been searching for a DAC for a while now. In the meantime I have been using a laptop plugged into my preamp until I decide on the DAC I want. I definitely know this isn't optimal. In my search I have been looking at individual DAC's, DAC's with preamps or volume control, DAC's with streamers built in and sometimes all three. I wanted to throw it out there and find out what people's preference is? I know previously having everything separate was the best way to go but because of technology things has changed a bit. What are your thoughts?