DAC's Streamer and Preamps

I have become impressed by Eversolo's offerings.

In particular the DMP A8 is rather good, I use it in my 2nd system, connected to a 300B SE amp and Harbeth P3ESR speakers.

This device has a streamer, DAC and Preamp in one well made box.  It supports a very wide array of streaming and Internet Radio sources.

IMHO it matches its reviews.

I used my Weiss Helios as a preamp for quite a while, it also has a built in streamer which is convenient.  A preamp does make it better but certainly not a requirement.

@brbrock there is no blanket answer here. Depends on design and implementation. And it all boils down to your budget.

A high end 3 in one unit will beat out cheap separates. So what price range are you looking to stay in?

Since starting down the digital source road, having separates enabled me to grow my system while learning more about each digital process and how to optimize those.  However, all that said, times are different, the playback of digital music files is a more mature process, and the gear is better.  If simplicity is important to you, one piece you may want to look into is the Meitner MA3i DAC which also streams and adjusts volume and, which, at a list price of $11.5K, is said to deliver a good portion of the sound qualities of the upper EMM Labs offerings costing over $30K, while leaning to the musical side of playback. The display also looks really good. (review with measurements)

Great advice from @elliottbnewcombjr ...

It never hurts to start with an inexpensive piece that sounds surprisingly nice, 'good enough' to start, for future emergencies, loan to friends .... and you have it to compare/prove something you try sounds better.

I've owned multiple DACs. They all sound different. You may have a preference for a cheap one over an expensive one. I sold a $6k DAC because I liked an $1800 DAC better. I now use an all-in-one that I love.