Are "streamers" the new "transports"?


Have been following recent threads on streamers, DACs,etc. and wish to pose a question...

But, first, I would like to limit the discussion to just streamers and NOT DACs.
The analogy to which I seek clarity is the CD transport.

Assuming I have the same DAC (Chord Qutest) in use, will a "better" streamer measurably and audibly improve sound quality. If so, at what price/performance thresholds do you see?

Is it analogous to CD transports "5-10 years ago"?
Meaning, I could use:

1. Cheap Sony CDP ($200)
2. Oppo whatever model ($500)
3. Bel Canto transport ($1500)
4. Metronome or DCS ($5k+)

...and pass the signal to my DAC then to the amp. Now, as it relates to streaming...I could then...:

1. Use Apple TV or Chromecast then optical to DAC ($75)
2. Bluesound via Coax, Opt or USB to DAC ($500)
3. Lumin or Aurender ($2000)
4. Any crazy streamer that is $5K+

Sure, it's system dependent and only noticable if you have the ears and the gear for it.

But, my broader question: Outside if the "cost no object" gear ($5K+), is there a difference in the transmission of the digital signal that then creates SQ improvements via the SAME DAC?

If so, WHY?

Thanks.
ianrmack
I guess the value add is more bandwidth and less flaky connections if you have poor Wi-Fi, plus you can spend another fortune on audiophile routers and Ethernet cables or optical networks.
Hey if you are happy at 92% more power to ya! That just means you are more of a music lover than an equipment lover. As long as your wi-fi has the bandwidth you need (and most routers do) you should be fine.
@ sonicjoy

I think you summed it up.

I'm writing this while listening to the same Grateful Dead album I have been listening to since the 70's and it has NEVER sounded better streaming "HR" via Qobuz to my Node 2i then to Chord Qutest.I hear instrument passages that I have never before noticed.

Plus, my internet and WiFi are VERY, VERY strong and as stable as Xfinity/Comcast can be in the 3rd largest city in NA.The router is in the same room as my stereo but on opposite ends of the room.

I'm happy at 92% and know that the path to the last few increments can be finicky and VERY expensive.

Cheers, all.
The reason for no wifi is almost the same why its advised to use a streamer which was built for audio, instead of a noisy laptop.
Wifi protocol generates lots of noise and interference, its not like you hear it in your music, but its there. 
I was always against such ideas when friends bring them up, thinking its too much of stretch. but when i tried myself i was astonished and even became obsessed with tweaking my ethernet further. Even using better power supplies on your network devices could make a huge difference!!

Its very easy and not costly to test things for yourself. You don't have to be the last 5-10% type to spend 100-150 USD of a ubiquity edgerouter. You can have long runs done by optical fibre cable, then use a Tp. Link media converter next to your streamer to convert back to ethernet wire. Even connected to your laptop by a generic ethernet cable, you would hear a positive difference.