Fairly new to streaming. Where to start?


$2k & under budget

Aralic Vega has streamer  and DAC. May be the easiest start?
Then there is Schiit...Yiggy or Gumby...which streamer?
Ladder NOS dac? Or Chip? I'm old. maybe I'll like the old school DAC?
Then there is  Benchmark DAC 3...I think it has streamer?
Then
Exasound E32
Audio Mirror?
Metrum
MHDT Orchid
Border Patrol?
Musical Paradise?
Whats a newbie to do? I am a classic rock fan with lots of FLAC & M4a files. I like detail & PRaT. Love a good bass line. I also play some 70's jazz. I have a Theta Miles CD player from the 1900's & play a lot of vinyl too. But I need to come into the 21st century.  Besides, I will probably become tired of the vinyl ritual and work at some point as I get older. I think I have done enough homework to be somewhat confused. Maybe the biggest question in light of how fast digital changes is the question of streamer with DAC or separate Streamer and DAC. One other question is the streamer & bridge the same thing? OK Thanks!! 
128x128artemus_5
+1 for Bluesound Node2i.
I have the NAD C388 (integrated Ncore-based amp) with BluOS2i integrated module (occupies one of the MDC slots). Heard NAD is discontinuing this topology - but they work great. WiFi, Amazon UltraHD, no cables, great interface using BluOS on PC/tablet/phone app.

Side note: Using C388 for the digital experience, and full range RCA outs to a miniDSP4x10 (for DSP control) to Crestron 12x60 (made by ATI) for class A/B experience. Needed DSP and multi-channel amp for LXmini and other speakers rotating through the demo stable (to compare LXmini against) - currently Tekton DI. LXmini require active crossover, and comparing other speakers requires adjusting gain to eliminate volume bias during A/B - that is all handled by the DSP config.

BluOS2i interface works very well by BluOS app. Any service, including Tidal with native MQA unfolding, is available. Or even by Bluetooth (for non-critical listening) from a PC/tablet/phone running any other (not BluOS) app.
@big_gregI love my vinyl but I am 69 yr old now. There will come a time where I won’t feel like doing the ritual which goes with vinyl. Digital is easy...even CD is easier than vinyl. But CDP’s will be extinct very soon. Streaming is the trend.

When I started this thread, I had certain notions that were not true. So I have learned from this thread. I also thought about getting a network extender so I could use a wired player. I have good signal now with a WRT1900 Linksys router. Network does 100mbps (Spectrum) so I am fortunate there. The extender may be added insurance since my system is 50 ft from the router. But maybe more important are the wired LAN connections it offers.

I don’t discount the streaming services. I’m sure I’ll try them. But they aren’t important at this point. I’m sure I have a terabite of files now. Sometimes I do Pandora but not often. And I know they are not hi def. I’m trying to cut out the subscription services...mostly cable TV.

Thanks for the link to the access point. I'll look later.
A relevant question. 
I am streaming Tidal hi fi with an OPPO
BDP 105 player with a separate DAC.  Would Node 2i improve the output digital signal compared to that of OPPO? 
(Unfortunately, I do not get with Tidal hifi the sound quality that my CD player gives.)
Would Node 2i improve the output digital signal compared to that of OPPO?

The 105 has a pretty decent DAC.  Probably not.  You might get better sound quality sending the signal from the 105 to an outboard DAC.

I am another very satisfied user of the Node 2i.  It is a really enjoyable product.  I think you will find that many of the posters who started with it and moved up the food chain probably did the same with every piece of equipment they own and are still looking.  As how much they ultimately paid to be satisfied.