Need recommendations for a streamer

it’s not clear which Node you have. If it is not then latest NODE 130, note that almost everyone agrees it sounds noticeably better than the 2i. I found that both the Node 2i and the NODE 130 can both be improved in a way that sounds obviously better with an external power supply. Inwas so happy with the improvement to my 2i that the British Fidelity Audio PSU made to it that I waited until FA had the fitment sorted for their upgrades and ordered my NODE from them with both the PSU module and a clock board installed by them. It arrived in LA two weeks after ordering and sounded so good that when I later was auditioning new speakers, the speakers I purchased sounded as good at home as they had in the showroom through a $2500 streaming DAC. It also wasn’t that expensive compared to buying a NODE in LA as I was not charged VAT and laid know CA sales tax. I now use it to stream through a Gustard X26 pro DAC. As a streamer only, I am fully satisfied, especially as I really enjoy the Bluesound operating system.

And if you will be listening to music on your wofe’s

system, you will definitely enjoy it more if you change out the PSU. I am not a DIY person, but even I was able to install the FA PSU replacement module in 20 minutes. Whether you also get a FA linear PSU or another quality one is up to you.

First question you have to ask is roon or no roon?    If you use roon, Aurender isn't an option.

In the lower price range I am very happy with the Allo USBridge signature with Shanti power supply.   Performs well above it's price point.  It now resides in my second system.

I have an Innous Zenity Mk3 which sounds great.  My only complaint is it is not simple to move back and forth between Roon and content stored on the system.

Jerry

I'm a big proponent of keeping the ROON computer completely separate from your audio chain.

Here's what I'm using...

Roon Nucleus+ wired LAN

Stack Link II wired LAN, usb out to Matrix SPDIF/2 out with i2s to PS Audio DirectStream

About as clean of a sound as you can get and significant improvement over connecting the Nucleus+ to the Matrix via USB.

Whenever I see posts for advice on specific streaming hardware to purchase, the amazing variety of advice given makes me think a whole lot of people believe their streaming setups are providing great sound quality. Not here to dispute that, I take reported positive experience at face value.

But with so many differing and positive experiences reported, how would novice know where to begin. I just know I'd be totally confused. I like what Rich said in post, nice comparison of differing topologies, this is where I'm at presently, still experimenting after nearly ten years streaming. Optimizing within each of these topologies is critical in understanding potential of each.

sns

Whenever I see posts for advice on specific streaming hardware to purchase, the amazing variety of advice given makes me think a whole lot of people believe their streaming setups are providing great sound quality ... But with so many differing and positive experiences reported, how would novice know where to begin. I just know I'd be totally confused.

Yes, it's easy to be confused by it all, in part because the vocabulary isn't really standardized. Then there's the mountain of silly misinformation, such as this gem from @jays_audio_lab on another thread, supposedly quoting a guy with a $2.5 million system and room:

I have been communicating with a top audio industry expert who brought to my attention something quite interesting. I am copying and pasting -

"Streaming quality is inferior to playing files from a HD, and it is always changing based on your current bandwidth. You just never know what kind of compression you are actually listening to (it does not matter what Qobuz telling you about the quality, it is passed their control - think about the times you see Netflix/amazon and the quality changes) .