I just read this great response on another forum from a person that is an audio reviewer.
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I've used a few streamers in my time as a reviewer and the ones I recommend at each price tier are:
1. Bluesound Node 2i ($550)
2. Innuos Zen Mini ($1400)
3. Innuos Zen MK3 ($2850)
4. Metronome DSS ($4200)
You really do get a performance jump in these, especially once you get to units that have real power supplies in them. I used the Pontus ii for my Metronome DSS review and I thought the two worked well together. If I were spending my own money though I would probably get an Innuos. With the Zen mini you do have the option to upgrade to a separate power supply ($700) down the road.
I haven't heard these side by side, but detail and control are the things I've noticed most when I got up the streamer chain. The Metronome is a detail machine, and it has whisper quiet backgrounds, reminded me a lot of their CD player which was far and away the best digital source I have ever used. The Innuos stuff I got to play with for a few days only, but I remember they had a lot more "body" and low end than the Node 2i which I have heard in a number of systems. I think you'd be happy with either the Zen Mini or the Zen MK3, they will sound a lot better than the normal $500 wall-wart streamers. Also they let you rip your CD collection so you have everything in one place. I would find a dealer to see if you can compare the two streamers, they might even let you bring in your DAC.
