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

Not sure I mentioned this previously, but jitter minimization is key to best quality streaming, not sure there is any amount of jitter humans can't detect. This is where large measure of resources should be concentrated, relatively high levels of resolution/transparency can be attained with a large variety of equipment, clocking is key, this is where the best streaming equipment leaves the rest behind.

@loomisjohnson 

I fully understand the concept of diminishing returns, as long as you are happy with your system, nothing else matters. I am going to reiterate what @charles1dad said, 

Each one of us has their own level set points of performance/value ratio.

Yes, we should be in agreement and respect that diminishing return (DR) point depends on the individuals, disposable income level and other factors. However, if the point is so widely spread and subjectiveness driven, the DR therory is no longer valid. Basically, every price point and the corresponding performance cost ratio can be the sweet spot. Mr. A is fine with wiim, Mr. B is fine with iFi ZS, Mr. C is on the Mercury streamer, Mr. D is on the Auralic, Lumin, Aurender, and on and on. There is no diminishing return by this broad statement.

So, let us not talk about DR. Don’t talk about the big word that we could not handle. Just enjoy the music with the system we are content with. Happy new year, everyone. 😊

You can enter the world of HD streaming (24-bit/192 Kb/Sec) for under $200 and $13 a month via an Amazon Echo Studio and Amazon Music HD. Oh yeah, you get voice control and a home automation hub thrown in free. Add another Echo Studio for real stereo, and you're out the door for under $400. Make sure you do the latest Software upgrade which balances out the original bloated bass. Stepping up, the Marantz PM7000N Streaming Integrated Amp has won a boatload of awards from Audiophile magazines all over the world. It is a true integrated amp, with full streaming, as well as digital, analog, and phono inputs and a very healthy 60 W/Ch power and fed from a toroidal power supply. Beyond that, the Marantz Model 40 adds a bit more power and flexibility while upgrading the rest of the package. But if you have an existing system the for $499 you can just add the Blue Sound 2i streamer, the generally recognized high value standalone streamer. 

@laoman

"@mikelavigne . Do you like classical music? How many recordings of Wagner’s Ring Cycle do you have? I have 5. Can you get 5 different recordings on ANY streaming platform?"

In the future, if you are going to make a counter argument, perhaps have some basic knowledge about the subject so you don’t embarrass yourself.

I just did a brief check on Tidal and although I didn’t do a full count, there are perhaps 50 different versions of Wagner’s Ring Cycle available.

Last time I checked that is more than 5.