Why are so many people spending so much money to build “perfect” streaming system?

Bluesound Node 130 $500, Supra Excalibur USB cable $140,, and Denafrips Pontus II DAC $1,800......$2,440 total for a great streaming setup with a top notch versatile DAC

Take it to the next level by adding a Denafrips Iris DDC $550, and Supra 8K HDMI/I2S $80......$3,070. Amazing sound

Hi,  

  I don't think it's too costly at less than a cd a month.   If you are lucky  Tidal offers veterans a 6 dollar per month rate for a world of music!   Assuming you already have an amplifier and speakers,  a node and a few dollars a month will have you setup quickly and fit resonant cash. Then enjoy! 

The OP just me an offensive PM. Guy is whacked. 

@tk21 

When I search for "Wagner Ring Cycle" in Roon, I count 29 album hits from the Qobuz service alone
Yes, and that is the problem. You do get exerpts and maybe one full Ring, but not 5 or more full Ring versions with different soloists, conductors etc.

@laoman 

On Qobuz, among the 29 available Ring recordings I cited above, some are indeed excerpts (~3 hrs or less).  Others appear to be full Ring versions (or presumably as "full" as the original physical medium offered), including:

James Levine, 1994 on DG, 14 ":discs", 15 hrs 20 mins.

Clemens Krauss,  Bayreuth 1953, 13 "discs", 14 hrs 12 mins

Hans Knappertsbusch,  Bayreuth 1956, 13 "discs", 14 hrs 34 mins

Wilhelm Furtwangler, 1953 Rome, 13 "discs", 15 hrs 2 mins

George Solti, 2014 Decca recording (MQA), 4 "discs", 14 hrs 36 mins

Herbert von Karajan, 1998 DG, 14 "discs", 14 hrs 57 mins

Karl Bohm,  1973 Decca, 14 "Discs", 13 hrs 38 mins

I suspect this is more Ring than you're likely to find on CDs at your local Best Buy. Now, you could get a vinyl box set on Amazon (Furtwangler 1950, 11 records) for $98.99.  Many streaming service subscribers do also own CD players or turntables.  Some of them may use streaming primarily for "discovery".