I only use the A6 for streaming (+ some local FLAC). Of course, it would be great to have a cheaper version without the DAC section, but I am not sure how much cheaper it would be. $600 instead of $800 at best? The thing is, as a streamer the A6 sounds clearer, more detailed and better balanced than any Bluesound or iFi streamer under $1000. People who tried $1000+ streamers say the A6 can compete with even higher priced dedicated streamers. This makes it a good deal even with a built in DAC for $800. The best/clearest sounding streamer under $1K shall we say?
I have recently spent a week exclusively with the A6 as a DAC too. Normally I use my Pegasus R2R with a SR Purple fuse (I know it sounds crazy, but the fuse indeed improves the clarity of the DAC). This experience hasn't changed my view. The DAC in the A6 is decent, if I really had to, I could probably live with it. Its performance is around your average $400-$500 d/s DAC. I wouldn't even say the difference is night and day between these two DACs, but switching back to my (upgraded) Pegasus after a week did reveal some obvious changes in sound. My R2R sounds clearer than the A6 DAC, there is a lot more 3D space with more depth, better breathability and instrument separation. More natural details are coming through, as it is easier to hear them in this more natural and airier presentation. Tone is also more lifelike with more refined textures, resolution is higher. A6 DAC in comparison sounds a bit congested especially in the upper mids and treble. Also the soundscape is flatter, but actually not too bad for a d/s at this price.
So, yeah, for me the A6 was worth it as a streamer for its sound and also the ease of use (that is night and day versus the iFi Zen Stream for example). If Eversolo comes out with a Streamer only device I might be interested, but I probably couldn't sell my A6 for enough money to make the change worth let's say for a $500 A6 streamer. A $1000 A8 streamer could be interesting too, but that is kind of the very top of my budget I would ever consider spending on a streamer only device. For now my A6 does the job and does it very well.