Streamer wanted

@docknow I respect what you say above, and relate to your descriptions.  Makes me anxious to try some options.  I could see galvanic isolation keeping analog noise from propagating.   I've just been so impressed with the sound I am getting from FLAC data and Qobuz going through laptop to USB to DAC.  Thanks for sharing your experience.

All interesting comments, but I’m going to try the streamer I ordered and if it isn’t an improvement, I have 60 days to return it and get my money back.

Best of luck to you.

Thanks

I’ve audited the bluesound node 2i and was quite disappointed. Maybe I shouldn’t be, given the price tag? I then tested the CA CXN and the CA Azure 851n. I’ve chosen the Azur 851N and can only highly recommend it. When fed quality source material, it competes quite well with my LP12. It also fits nicely in your budget.

However, if you're only going to use it as streamer (and not the DAC), it might be overkill. A simpler model with the same functions might fit your requirements just as well. I'm happy with the whole package: streamer, DAC, and app. I'm using Qobuz and Roon, so my user interface is mostly Roon.

Full setup: CA Azure 851N, Linn Klimax (analog generation), Harbeth P3ESR.

I used to love Arcam in its early days (Alpha 9, Alpha One), but got quite annoyed with their quality issues. I can’t speak for their current quality.