What are you using as a streamer? Constructive feedback please.

I've tried several components to support streaming in my system, at various times.

Roughly in order of preference (most to least preferred):

1. Matrix Audio Element X

Pros:  Roon ready; combines DAC+streamer+preamp in one box; excellent SQ; functions as either a USB-attached or Network-attached DAC.

2. Mac Mini

Pros:  all the versatility of a full-function computer, including support for advanced DSP/upsampling tools such as HQ Player and BACCH4Mac.

Cons:  need to access via screen sharing; complexity of setting up and trouble-shooting software

3. Sonore ultraRendu

Pros: relatively inexpensive way to get high SQ and simple streaming; supports HQ Player; Roon-ready

4. Bluesound Node 2i

Pros:  lots of functionality packed into small low-cost box;  nice programmable remote-control capabilities;  Roon-ready

Cons: not necessarily the best SQ for what I'm willing to spend; no USB except for storage.

5. iPhone 7

Pros:  Small and convenient in a pinch; portable

Cons:  Can't use it easily with my current amp and pre-amp setup.  With a Peachtree integrated amp, can  work pretty well.

So each of the above has a different mix of pros/cons.

I think the biggest differences have more to do with functionality than any effect on SQ of the streaming function, per se. For an all-digital system To me it makes sense to integrate streamer, DAC, and pre-amp into one box. In that case, the main concern isn't the streaming function but other functions such as the DAC, the pre-amp inputs, and the volume-control.  If cost were no object, my ideal component would look something like the new Lumin P1. Compared to the Matrix Element X, it adds HDMI Arc (for easier/better integration with a TV) , a Roon-ready IR remote, and fiber optic network input.  But it's nearly triple the cost of an Element X, so I'd want to believe the SQ is noticeably better. With fiber optics and more sophisticated volume control, as well as dual mono DAC chips, maybe it would be.

I currently use a BlueSound Node 2i.  I am in the process of changing from using RCA cables to connect my BlueSound to my ARCAM AVR550.  The Cable Company suggested connecting my BlueSound to my ARCAM AVR550 because the DAC inside my ARCAM AVR550 is higher quality.  What I would like to know is by connecting via digital cable, I will lose MQA.  Will I be giving up a better sound or will I notice better sound quality using the DAC inside my ARCAM.  I have been told I will not be able to stream at 24/192.  Is that true or false.  So many people feel MQA is just a marketing tool to capture Tidal users.  It is difficult to know who is being truthful or who wants complete control.  I recently had someone over to my house from the Harmon Luxury group.  He demonstrated Qbuz and Tidal and I felt there was a noticeable sound quality difference using Qbuz.  Qbuz to my knowledge does not use MQA.  So many in this hobby say MQA is nothing but a marketing ploy.

Unless you are having software problems,  all streamers will sound alike. 

Zeros and ones. 

Then could you diagnose whatever is wrong with my ears.

Believe it or not I use an LG V 30 phone plugged directly into my amp. It has a quad dac and I hook it in with a nice quality audioquest cable. I use Amazon hi Rez and it sounds great. LG V series phones all came with a hifi quad dac built in. They are all discontinued and can be picked up used for a few hundred . It works very well.