getting into streaming

I went through all this 3 years ago.  A simple setup at first?

1.  Streamer.  Price $300 to $22000

2.  Ethernet cat 6 or higher from router to streamer.  $50 or less.

3.  I added am EMI/RF filter in ethernet connection.

4.  I use coax from streamer to DAC.  You can use the DAC IN your streamer if you want. $40

5.  I would use after market power cords.  $200 or higher

I personally have a Node 2i with an updated power supply.  I've the BlueOS app on my phone or computer.  It links to your streaming service library.  I also use an external DAC

A streaming service allows you to build your own library.  You can set up Playlist.

Anything you have done or need to do to lower digital and electrical noise will really add the extra air, detail, better sound stage.  There are lots of threads.  At first my brain was scrambled now I have a nice, easy to use setup.

To answer your question, I don’t know of any streamers that have a good enough interface built it to be of any good. In reality, any smart phone should work with many of the streaming apps associated with a streamer. As for your first streamer, it’s really hard to beat a Bluesound Node. It gives you the most options, streaming service compatibility, and bang for the buck, and it’s upgradeable. 

You can pick up an inexpensive I-pad at best buy or Target.  Go for it.

@nmolnar

I was looking at the new Brooklyn Bridge II....If money were no object, would you get the Empire over the Brooklyn Bridge II? Does the extra $ translate to better function and sound....Thx....

To the OP, I would rethink your use case. While it might seem "cool" to have a streamer with a screen interface, do you really want to have to stand there at your rack of gear choosing what to play when you could be sitting in a nice comfortable chair using a tablet or cell phone? The only such device I’ve ever seen that was a streamer with a touchscreen for navigation was a homemade device that used a Raspberry Pi and a certain particular screen. It wasn’t very elegant looking when assembled. Admittedly, I do wish more streamers had a display for "now playing" album cover art. A few do.

Curious, does your Accuphase CD player have an input to be able to use the internal DAC?  If so, what input type is it? You'd have to make sure any streamer of course has that as an output.