Fairly new to streaming. Where to start?

Best Advice In This Thread:
djones511,279 post03-14-2020 7:38pmYes you can use the Node2i as a streamer with a different dac, you can always just start with the Node2i using its dac to get your feet wet for low cost.
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Denon Heos is cheaper than a Node2i but performs the same function.  Node sounds better, Heos has a better interface.

If you are technically adept, you can build a Rasberry Pi, and connect it to your network for basically pocket change.

You don't need to be an adept to build a RPI solution.
Volumio provides a very good guide: https://volumio.org/get-started/
If Roon is your forte: https://ropieee.org/getting_started/
I've used them both and many others with RPI3 for years and spent more money on DAC.
If somebody still feels tech-challenged, I could help.
While all commercial solutions are pretty good, the do tend to cost $$$, after al, all depends how much $ you have to play withl.

Friends, Thanks for all the info. One thing I think is missing is that most of you probably have not looked at my system. It is listed here on A’gon (though w dated picys). But that may be something that most don’t know about. So here it is

Teres 340 TT
Vacuum State JLTi phono pre
Zyx 4D cart on OL Illustrious tonearm
Theta Miles CDP
Conrad Johnson CT-5 preamp
Bob Latino ST-70 amp
Silverline Sonata speakers
2 Sumiko S-10 subs (Rel S-5 clones)
Pure Note cables
Monster power conditioner
Oyaide R1 power outlet
Various tweaks especially footers (makes a real difference)

Some have suggested that I spend $200-300 +/- for a player/dac. Do you really think that will sound good or be competitive in my system? Of course not. Again, I appreciate your efforts. But top quality playback comes at a cost. Sure, there are giant killers. The Latino ST-70 is one. But giant killers are very few. As much as it seems to bother the new audiophile, price is an indicator. FWIW, I don't have deep pockets. Its taken me 20 yrs to get to this level. But I am committed to good quality sound. And I have often spent a quarter to save a dime. Its human nature. We want things as cheap as we can get them. But one thing I have learned is that 95% of the time when I try to  go too cheap I end up spending more than I would have if I had spent the necessary $$ to get what I was looking for in the 1st place.

Some good conclusions here: https://archimago.blogspot.com/2013/06/measurements-do-bit-perfect-digital.html
His system is likely better than mine and he still uses a "cheap" transport. Bitperfect transport of your music bits is pretty much the same, now it is more about packaging and features.

Here is my recommendation.  I have been streaming since 2014.  My first streamer was a Pioneer N50.  Later in 2017, I moved to a Sony UHP-H1 SACD/Streamer.  Finally in 2018, I moved to the Denon Heos Link V2 so that I can subscribe to Tidal.  As far as sound, they were all very close to each other with the Pioneer being slightly above the other two.  The average prices was around $600 US but the Sony was under $300.  By they way, all of these units sounded better with an external DAC. (REGA)  Anyway, what I discovered through AB comparisons is that my Cambridge Audio CD transport ($500) sounded much better than all three.  I am not implying that you buy a cd player instead.  Streamers offer other benefits that cd players don't have.  However, my recommendation to anybody who is after great "audiophile" sound is not too spend too much money a streamer.  Get something decent that will satisfy your needs. Used streamers are a good option if you don't plan to subscribe to music services.  With that, I will recommend the following three streams based on the fact that I have auditioned them:

1.  Cambridge Audio CXN V2.  This streamer has a great sounding DAC as well with plenty of digital inputs.  Best sounding of the three, with or without external DAC.

2   Bluesound Node 2i. This is my second choice.  It has a good app as well.  Will sound best is connected to a "decent" DAC.

3.  Denon Heos Link V2. This is what I have on my system.  Not bad when connected to my REGA or Musical Fidelity DAC.

I hope this helps.  Good luck
Cheers.