A question about what "streaming" is

Thanks, that's a big help. I went and checked out Tidal, I see how it works now.

Can I just use my Mac to stream, and get as good of quality as, say, a Cary DMS-550, $3500?

Am I sending the audio through my preamp like with a CD player?

Then I'd think the better DAC in the Cary will make it sound better than my Mac?

New to this stuff.

Thanks.

You can use your MAC to stream and it should sound very good it might sound as good as the Cary. Remember a streamer is a computer within a manufactures cabinet. I have seen $300 computers in 10k streamers.

Your DAC should be the best you can afford it matters most in streaming along with a good USB cord and yes it matters.

When I stream via my Mytek Brooklyn Bridge streamer/dac/preamp, the sound quality is clearly superior to what I get directly via my Windows laptop. Heck, at least 50% of the time, streaming sounds better than what I get from vinyl...at least when I'm streaming from Qobuz or Primephonic.  And ethernet makes things better still.   Right now, I'm truly enjoying some Qobuz-sourced Tony Bennett. 

If you’re new get a free 3 month trial at Amazon. $8/mo after that (for Primers.) Play around on your computer or smart phone. Make some playlists you like.
The problem with Amazon is that they are not available on many streamers besides BluSound.
Qobuz is your best bet (and best sound) but their library is smaller.
All services allow you to download music for when the internet is unavailable. My lp
Downloaded tracks only stop working when your subscription lapses.
You can download your faves and take them with you to BF Egypt.
Don't worry about testimonials about what sounds best, get the hang of it first.

There are many different approaches to streaming. Everyone likes their own brand. Still, it is usually best when you have questions of this nature to seek out the advice of a good urologist.