Digital Front end for Dummies


Have been an analog guy and will likely continue to be but am getting fiber optic Internet (I live in the middle of nowhere so this is a big deal) and am interested in developing a digital front end. My goal is really just to have a streaming set up, either Tidal or Qobuz, with a solid DAC. My dilemma is that I don't want an all in one as I feel like I'd rather have the opportunity to change DAC's later if I want. I also don't want to lay out a pile of money all at once. Wondering if I should get something like a Bluesound Node 2 to start and then add a DAC later or go with a less expensive front end like an Audioengine B-Fi and spend more on a DAC like a used Ayre Codex, Schiit Gungnir, or Denafrips Area II. Rest of my system is:
Rogue Audio RP-7Rogue Audio M180 monoblocksVandersteen Quatro Woods
rmdmoore
Not to harp on this, but the anti-jitter setting in the BlueNode2i has a serious issue. Turn it off.  How good the BlueNode2i works is going to be DAC dependent. If your DAC is really good at rejecting jitter/noise, the results will be excellent.
My comments on the Node 2I are also based on the fact the price of admission is only $549. A few months ago Audio Advisor had it on sale for $100 off. I get it that there are better streamers available. 

If you are somewhat technical you can start with a Raspberry Pi and a dac. The Pi only costs around $100 leaving you more for the dac.

There is also a Volumio Primo that is ready made and the same price as the Node. And one called Orchard which can have a dac, it's optional. 

Another way to start is to buy a cheap computer and a DragonFly dac. Or any USB dac if you want something better.
Tried BS Node 2i standalone to preamp.  Sounded good but not great.  Ran coax to Dac magic.  Much better sound.  Wasn't bad on it's own but definitely much better with a Dac.