Importance of streamer in audio chain

Still one of the most important points: does the streamer's OS support the streaming services that you want to listen to? If not,  it's not a good streamer for you. This is the reason I'm still using the digital out on a TeddyPardo moded Bluesound Node 2i. 

@boxcarman  don't forget that your CD and streaming source likely have different mastering, which could be what you are hearing.

I used a Wiim Pro when in limbo looking for the best streamer, it’s great for the money but  up grading you will notice a big difference if the rest of your system is up to the task…

I wasn't able to hear any difference between an expensive (for me) streamer going through an expensive DAC and my computer going through my relatively inexpensive DAC. I was able to quickly switch between them (they were each set up on a different input) and played the same songs over and over again and there was no appreciable difference. I sold the streamer and expensive DAC and I am very happy with my computer and DAC. I have a decent integrated tube amp (Don Sach's Valhalla) and decent speakers (Spatial Audio Lab X5s) so I would have been able to hear any significant difference. 

Whatever you do IMHE,  buy a streamer that is commensurate with ur dac.  I have the Aqua LaScala .  Started with the blue sound  ii, Eversolo, then Lumin mini, and settled on the Lumin 2 in each upgrade there was an audible improvement.  The Lumin 2 was a major step up.  Don't think I need to go any further.   Good luck and enjoy the journey 

as a side note I tried the Lumin mini on my friends system that had the blue sound mode ii with a $700 dac  and even though the this streamer costs 3-4 times the blue sound there was no significant difference.  Where in my system the Mini blew away the Eversolo