adding a DAC/Streamer or what

raw33, I had the same questions you do about streaming, I also have an extensive CD collection in addition to vinyl. I purchased a Marantz Network CD player (ND8006) 14 months ago without auditioning first (60 day return policy). This ND8006 is like a Swiss army knife: CD player/DAC/Bluetooth/Wireless connectivity/HEOS app controlled to Spotify, Tidal, etc. It also has Internet Radio and Apple Air Play.  I ended up using a Windows 10 computer as a dedicated music server , following Marantz instructions, the Windows 10 computer passes the digital signal unaltered to the ND8006 and the end result: it sounds really, really good for $1100.  I am sure others will disagree but at the end of the day, I will always find a good use for this ND8006 even if I decide to upgrade to separates down the road.

Streamers are Computers masquerading as Audio Components.  They can be optimized for sound by eliminating some of the noise a PC puts into a system, but the more important component is the DAC.  You can also use a DAC with other digital sources to enhance all of them.
  I have 3 systems in my home, with 3 different types of streamers.
In my basement HT system a use an old MacAir with a software program, Audirvana Plus, that optimizes the PC for sound.  DAC is an Audiquest Dragonfly.  In my living room HT I have a Bluesound Node2 that feeds an Anthem AVR.  My two channel system uses a Bryson DAC3 and a Bryson BDP3 streamer.  The Bryston sounds the best but it cost 10 times more than the Bluesound.  The PC was headed for the recycle bin.  Files are from a Synology NAS.
Sonically when played through the same DAC, as noted earlier, the Bryston gets the nod, but I could live with the other two as well.
  My take-spend well on a good DAC.  If you buy a combo DAC/streamer and you wish to upgrade one of the two entities within then you have paid for some functionality that is not being used.  Either use a PC or a mid level streamer.  If streaming is for you upgrade later.

Great comments. I have decided to separate out the DAC and Streamer. I thank the person who directed me to the you tube videos to try to understand the basics of streaming and DAC's. Now I have to make the decision what products to purchase. Listened to a Chord Qutest yesterday and the dealer introduced us to a Bluesound Node 2 but have more research to do prior to finalizing a decision so any comments are all read and taken into account and greatly appreciated for those of you who take the time to express your experiences and opinions!

Knowing a budget would be helpful.
Node2 has a DAC which you won’t be using, but it’s still a good introduction to streaming.  It has one of the better software packages, which is very important in streaming, and it’s a good enough streamer that many people never feel the need to upgrade. It also does Bluetooth.
Many people don’t find the DAC to be adequate, but some find it sufficient.  One suggestion would be to see what return policy the dealer has.  If he will give you a few weeks then purchase the Node2 and the Chord.  Try the Node2 first by itself for a few days and then add the Chord.  If the Node2 is adequate return the Chord, and if you later hunker for an upgrade, there are many fine DACs in every price range, or just purchase the Chord.  Later on you may feel the need to change the streamer and at least the Node2 is a relatively small investment.
  Another option is to purchase the DAC and try it with a PC for a while before deciding if you need a streamer.

I am thinking of spending under 10K for both items together. Your thoughts?