Thanks for the reply what do you think of the Denon HEOS Link? I like HEOS app plus i can connect it to a better dac like the topping d50s. I am not sure about its usb connection though
I have no experience with that or any Denon HEOS product, but based on my experience with the Paradigm PW Link I'm hesitant to recommend that kind of product. I would hazard to bet that HEOS is superior to dts Play-Fi as far as user interface goes, but I doubt it is on par with Google cast or Roon which are my preferences. I also don't like the PW Link because volume is controlled with buttons and there is no physical remote. The HEOS Link is similar in that regard and is not the kind of thing I would personally want to use as a preamp. The connectivity of the HEOS Link is nice, and I appreciate the inclusion of a subwoofer output, but for $350 it just doesn't really interest me. The only reason I like the PW Link is because it can be used as a digital in digital out room correction box.
If you really want this kind of all in one streamer, DAC, and preamp device, I would steer you towards the
Yamaha WXC-50. Based on Amir's review of the
Yamaha WXA-50 it should perform well enough. Not TOTL performance but competent and to be expected from this sort of device. I like it more than the HEOS Link because it has a volume knob and remote. But that's just my preference, Neither the Yamaha nor Denon have actually been measured here so all we have to go by are manufacturer THD and SNR specs which are similar.
My preference is to go with separate components. It makes things more complicated but it allows for more adjustment. My amplifiers don't have Trigger inputs so I use power conditioners with trigger inputs to turn them on and off. Right now I'm using a DIY infrared 12V switch I made to turn the conditioner on and off but soon I'll be using a Niles CS12V Current-Sensing 12V trigger instead. I got it used for about a third of the retail price, which is way too high in my opinion. The kind of power strip
@Willem is talking about could also work, but I've had a hard time finding one so far.