Need help selecting a streamer for a beginner.

Blu sound node-3 is the latest $550  Excellent deal

Except for that the OP asked for a first streamer. Not a second rate streaming alternative.

Nonsense.

Audirvana via a computer (I’m assuming he has one) into a standalone DAC at his 1K budget will be superior to the Bluesound, since the Bluesound’s internal DAC is it’s achilles heel.

The OP is a lifelong analog music lover. He has a far better chance matching his preferences and enjoyment quotient via a carefully selected DAC at his budgeted price, than with the Bluesound player-DAC solution.

Well sir. I’d get a Node 2i, replace the PSU interface with a PD Creative PSU upgraded board and get an SBooster 5V/3A linear power supply. Let it all break in for 40+ hours and it sounds extremely good.

Use an outside DAC. MQA phooeey.

I’ve got the Node2 and like it. The BlueSound middleware apps are good and I only stream high res these days via Tidal. I recommend just using the Node2 for streaming and getting a DAC. I started off with just the Node2 and it sounded fine, but I didn’t know what I was missing. Since then I added the tube MHDT Orchid and love it. The upgrade in sound quality is substantial. It’s around $1,100. Both together wouldn’t put you much above your $1,000 initial budget. Lots of DAC choices, but I’m a big proponent of one that utilizes a tube(s), non-oversampling and R-2R. The BorderPatrol DAC is also a nice unit. Both lines are sold by Linear Tube Audio and Nicholas is very helpful over the phone.

Blusound has a new, updated version of their streamer called “The Node.”  Currently sold out on their website, they say back orders will be accepted soon.  A very reasonable $549.00.

https://www.bluesound.com/products/node/