Looking for a front end streamer only.

+1 @surfmuz

As I noted above -  I own three streamers in different systems and have had the opportunity to compare them going into the same DAC using the same cabling.  The difference is quite significant. The better units offer more resolution which is nice, but the real difference is that they offer far more spatial information.  The Node 2 (as a streamer only - not using the internal DAC) sounds “flat” dimensionally in comparison.  The Node 2 Is a killer unit for what it offers for $500, but It’s no match for better units.  BTW - same goes for optimized Mac Minis, etc.  Been there.  

Best,

@mgrif104 THANK YOU. The notion that a server doesn't make a difference is a sad misconception. We can take customers through seven or eight different streaming options here in our shop and the differences are remarkable. 

-Wes 

+1 vote for DCS Network Bridge. I had Auralic Aries G2 before and DCS SQ is much better!

BR
Kirill

Wanting higher resolution that the Node 2i supports I recently added the SoTM SM-200 Neo to my system. Sounds excellent, supports very high res,  and has great features.  
Only nit is that if I want to switch from streaming Roon to say streaming from iTunes as I explore music I the Apple Music store I need to stop Roon endpoint and start the airplay listener. Then reverse that when done.

My two cents and please don't take it the wrong way: you are looking for a $6,000 streamer to use with a $2,800 pair of speakers? And with an all-in integrated amp costing $4,500 MSRP (including built in DAC)?

Of course price does not mean much, but if I were you, I would look to upgrade those components first, before looking at a SOTA streamer. Unless of course you were in process of already doing this upgrade.