Point of higher priced streamer?

Unexpected result I ran into - I'm running what I'd call a modest system, all separates, about 10k maybe if bought when brand new.  I picked up a Node 2 because I'd never had a dedicated streamer except for my laptop/Audrivana setup.  I thought the Node 2 sounded better (and it freed up my laptop duties), so I wondered if the Node 2i would be even better.  Turns out IMO that the Node 2 separated the instruments/vocals better and was more dynamic than the 2i.  I have an Ares II so I didn't use the inboard Node DACs at all, but I was semi-surprised that the 2 sounded better than the 2i, even though I'd seen a few reports of the two streamer portions being pretty much the same and not worth the upgrade, as long as you keep the software up to date.  I was expecting that the Node 2i might have an edge over the 2 or at least that they would sound pretty much the same on my system, so I ended up getting rid of the 2i.  I have no experience with more expensive streamers, so I think I would upgrade all of my other pieces before I updated my streamer.

Not played with the Node2, but have with the 2i, and thought it had a problem till I found out about the Audio Clock Trim setting which you would think would make things better, but made things worse with an external DAC. Never bothered to hook up equipment and see what exactly it was doing. One day I guess.

One reason why I have not yet decided on a streamer/DAC combination to get is Roon compatibility. Many of the newest high performing and reasonably priced models such as the Minidsp SHD, Matrix Audio Mini-i 3 Pro, Arcam ST60, etc., have not received Roon certification yet and cannot be used as Roon endpoints until they do so. After reading several posts, I have decided to buy a Chromecast Audio (CA), which although discontinued, it can be still be found in e-bay for a whopping $50. According to numerous sites (e.g. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-chromecast-audio-digital-output.4544/), if connected via optical to a "decent" high performing DAC (e.g. Topping D50), it will outperform many higher-priced streamers and it will be hard to beat, at least from the performance measuring perspective.

I have not tried Roon yet and I figured that the CA will allow me to do so without incurring into too much hassle/expense. It may even become the permanent Roon endpoint solution, once I settle on a DAC and preamp to buy. For the moment I will use the DAC in my Marantz AV 8805, which I know is not optimal.

“I have decided to buy a Chromecast Audio (CA), which although discontinued, it can be still be found in e-bay for a whopping $50. According to numerous sites if connected via optical to a "decent" high performing DAC (e.g. Topping D50), it will outperform many higher-priced streamers and it will be hard to beat, at least from the performance measuring perspective.”

I never laughed so hard in my life 😆