"Need" Roon, Bluesound Node, or or other streamer?

+1 on dropping the MQA requirement.  Do some critical comparison MQA vs standard 24/96.  Opens up your options as well

Another vote on dropping Tidal. My experience is that it sounds worse than Spotify Premium.

Another streamer to consider is the Pro-ject Stream Box S2 Ultra which is supposed to sound better than the Bluesound Node. It’s about $750-800 new and you can easily get one used for about $500. It runs on the open source Volumio software so there is ongoing work on improving the interface. Some other interface software is slicker, but Volumio works fine for me. The Pro-ject doesn't have a lot of flashy features such as LCD screens, built-in DAC or internal memory for storage, but its materials cost seems focused on areas that improve sound quality such as the isolation of its power supply and cleaning up its USB output.

Here's some comments from the designer about the considerations behind the design of the Pro-ject: https://www.avforums.com/threads/why-is-pro-ject-stream-box-ultra-s2-so-expensive-700euro-for-an-r-pi.2175090/

What I heard about the current version of Roon is that it doesn’t sound as good as prior versions or compared to other streamer software.

I think there is only one product that meets all of your criteria:

• Tidal with MQA
• Quboz (I'm assuming also 24/196 lossless)
• new Apple tier (lossless)
• Amazon
• and my ripped CDs
  

I think the only products that support Apple Music Lossless are the Apple TV, Apple computers running macOS, and iOS devices with a hardware dongle. Of those, the only one that supports all the other things is an Apple computer running macOS connected to an external 24/196 MQA-capable DAC over USB.

There are two different approaches.  Streamers and Servers/Renderers.  

A streamer (Node 2i, Naim ND5 XS 2, etc...) will allow you to control local files and streaming services.  I have used a variety of these devices and like the Naim units the very best.  You can just use them as "renderers/players" if you have Roon and a separate server or without a separate server and typically rely on their control app.

A Roon Nucleus, Antipodes servers, Rockna Servers, etc... have a powerful computer that runs software like Roon server.  This manages your local files and manages will handle Tidal and/or Qobuz.  

They can serve a dual mode and also function as a renderer or you can add a second computer to serve as a renderer.  This is the approach I take in my systems. The renderer requires a lot less power compared to the server.  taking data from the volatile web and making it placid is what the server does very well.  The player optimally will take a placid signal and simply get it ready to be decoded by the DAC.  

IMO, the best solution is a server (Roon Nucleus is awesome for the money) and an external DAC.  If you can get a DAC that is Roon ready, that is better. 

Bluesound and Roon are essentially competing software platforms.  Roon is pricier but has a very pelasant user experience.  

In the end, budget plays a huge role. Separate server, renderer and DAC costs a whole lot more than a streamer.  

In order, I would look at the following - 

Bluesound Node 2i and a simple external DAC like a Musical Fidelity V90.  This would be $850 list and be excellent for the money.

A Cambridge, NAD or Marantz streamer.  $1000 to $2000 depending on the model.   I am a big fan of the NAD C 658 in this price range at $1650.  It's internal DAC is a big step up from the Bluesound Node 2i.

From here, there are a million combos of DACs and servers or units from brands like Antipodes, Naim, etc...  I would need to know what sound profile you like and the rest of your equipment to make a good recco along with budget.

Good luck and let me know if I can help.

FYI...I am a dealer for a bunch of brands including Bluesound, NAD, Naim, Roon, Antipodes, etc...  I have no affiliation with a bunch of these brands like Marantz and Cambridge which are great products.  

Wow! Thank you for all very much for this amazing advice. I have learned so much, and you've all given me a lot to think about.

By way of update:  I have installed the ROON suite (14 day trial) on my MacBook Pro, integrated my Tidal, Qobuz, and my external HD with my ripped CDs.

So far, I am really liking the Roon user interface.  The MBPro is handling everything just fine, even while I am surfing or doing some work, etc.  

I will continue to trial Roon and see how that works out while I digest everything above and figure out which hardware direction to pursue given my budget constraints.  

Thanks again.  Loving the  journey!