The Best Budget Streamer with Built-in DAC

But if someone’s entire system is < $25,000 does spending $7K (or more with more options) on a streamer make any economic sense? 

It doesn’t make sense. But in my experience, bits are bits and the streamer alone doesn’t make a difference. The built-in DAC can sound different but only marginally. 
 

The best way to spend $25K on a system would be $20k into some used Rockport or Magico speakers and $5K into the rest, IMHO. 

Of course, there will always be those who claim to hear massive differences between $7K streamers through their $2K Wharfedales. 🤦🏼‍♂️
 

The WiiM Ultra is a ridiculous value. Not only does it have one of the best UIs, it’s onboard DAC sounds pretty darn good. 

I agree with @moonwatcher . Creating a list of "Best Budget Streamers with Built-in DAC" is like creating a list of best budget turntables with built-in phono preamplifiers. They exist, and people buy them. But they are the best of the worst.

In the case of streamers, separates don't cost much more or require much more space. But the performance envelope is considerably greater.

I have owned a Moon 280D for a year now and I am very happy with it. My stereo is in the $50,000 + range, but the Moon 280D with an excellent iPad interface was only $4K. I don't know if that's budget, but they're guaranteed for 10 years and I've seen them on the used market for about half the new price.

The Moon 280D is stripped down. No window to see what you're playing (I look at my iPad or phone). It's just for streaming and making a very musical sound. The reviews I've read say it punches above its weight because it is so stripped down. Although it has generous inputs and outputs. Just no much froufrou.

After 50 years as an audiophile I have a pretty good ear, and the Moon 280D sounds extremely musical. Is it the last word in detail? Probably not, but I don't really hear that when I'm listening to a high res album. If you can find one used for $2K or so, I'd snap it up. Audiogon had one but somebody else snapped it up.

Lumin D1, D2, T2 = All day long!