Why are so many people spending so much money to build “perfect” streaming system?

Yes, we should be in agreement and respect that diminishing return (DR) point depends on the individuals, disposable income level and other factors. However, if the point is so widely spread and subjectiveness driven, the DR therory is no longer valid. Basically, every price point and the corresponding performance cost ratio can be the sweet spot. Mr. A is fine with wiim, Mr. B is fine with iFi ZS, Mr. C is on the Mercury streamer, Mr. D is on the Auralic, Lumin, Aurender, and on and on. There is no diminishing return by this broad statement.

So, let us not talk about DR. Don’t talk about the big word that we could not handle. Just enjoy the music with the system we are content with. Happy new year, everyone. 😊

You can enter the world of HD streaming (24-bit/192 Kb/Sec) for under $200 and $13 a month via an Amazon Echo Studio and Amazon Music HD. Oh yeah, you get voice control and a home automation hub thrown in free. Add another Echo Studio for real stereo, and you're out the door for under $400. Make sure you do the latest Software upgrade which balances out the original bloated bass. Stepping up, the Marantz PM7000N Streaming Integrated Amp has won a boatload of awards from Audiophile magazines all over the world. It is a true integrated amp, with full streaming, as well as digital, analog, and phono inputs and a very healthy 60 W/Ch power and fed from a toroidal power supply. Beyond that, the Marantz Model 40 adds a bit more power and flexibility while upgrading the rest of the package. But if you have an existing system the for $499 you can just add the Blue Sound 2i streamer, the generally recognized high value standalone streamer. 

@laoman

"@mikelavigne . Do you like classical music? How many recordings of Wagner’s Ring Cycle do you have? I have 5. Can you get 5 different recordings on ANY streaming platform?"

In the future, if you are going to make a counter argument, perhaps have some basic knowledge about the subject so you don’t embarrass yourself.

I just did a brief check on Tidal and although I didn’t do a full count, there are perhaps 50 different versions of Wagner’s Ring Cycle available.

Last time I checked that is more than 5.

Being an older person (76) simplifying life where possible is important to me and one of the reasons for streaming my music. Music streamer, dedicated DAC, integrated amp, CD burner, and a pair of speakers are all that is needed. No record or CD collection or the electronics to play them is needed. The CDs all have been down loaded to the music server and then sold or given away. We use Tidal and once they learn what you listen to through AI they post a daily collection of 10 songs similar to what you listen to. This opens up a whole world of new songs and artists to listen to. On forums like this one posters will occasionally post favorite songs they listen to, and instead of having to purchase and album or CD, just pull it up from the streaming service and your music world expands even more. Cost for a music system ranges from a few hundred $ to thousands of $$ depending on your budget. Figuring out what to buy can be intimidating but there are a lot of experience posters on these forums with good recommendations. Jump into the streaming pool you won't regret it.

Happy New Year,

Craig

I'm simply not ready to give up my collection of bought music yet. I can play you streams and I would dare someone to sit there and claim there is something missing. I doubt my sanity all the time because I start by playing records but after a couple sides I just would rather sit in the chair and play things at my leisure through streaming.  We have all been given a dream scenario for listening to music and we seem to not be able to accept just how fantastic streaming is. I could buy a condo in Florida with my music collection money and I wouldn't have lost any of the music minus a small number of non streamable albums which I could keep. The question really should be 'why aren't more of us going to streaming only?'.