getting into streaming

well thanks everyone....lots of info here to digest. There were a couple of people that were able to answer the first question I had, that there isn't a device that comes with its own interface (It might have been logitech that someone pointed out had one years ago). 

As it was also pointed out above there is a lot more to streaming than playing cd's. I will continue to do some research and see where it leads me

thanks again

My amp uses the same DAC chip as the AQ Dragonfly (I forget which color). It's a decent enough DAC chip for my needs. The amp allows for Digital Coax, Toslink and has a USB input, as well. I am using a desktop computer which is capable of 24/386 file playback, streaming to the amp's DAC via an upgraded USB cable.

My source is Amazon Music HD which has files that go beyond CD quality with 24/44, 24/48. 24/96 and 24/192. Most of the files are either 16/44 or 24/48. 

I was going to buy a dedicated streamer, but my 67 year old ears and moderately priced stereo system (under 4K) have made that purchase unnecessary. I may purchase some upgraded ethernet cables for an inexpensive tweak.

Like most threads here, everyone has their own sense of what constitutes a good piece of equipment. I believe that some of this involves personal taste, component synergy, and I suspect that it is mostly due to having heard few systems. The most important question are what is your budget and what components other than cd player are you using? Perhaps I missed your statement of budget, but considering that you are not looking to upgrade one of the most critical components, the DAC, I’m guessing that you want to keep costs down, in which case you have some excellent suggestions above. If you want to go to the next level then there are some members with extensive experience at various, including high levels of build. @ghdprentice above is in that category and probably others.

I’m not one of the experienced few, but over the last year I did cycle through various gear. I discovered that my sense of what sounded good and what I would recommend has changed as I discovered unexpected reproduction improvements. In my opinion general computers are not good streamers, but they do keep cost down. Roon is a widely used program for organizing stream content. You will then need a Roon subscription plus a subscription to a music service. Roon requires a Roon server and separate streamer, or a streamer with built in Roon server. I use an Aurender N20 streamer, which isn’t Roon based and uses the Aurender conductor app running on a mobile device, but it doesn’t require an external server. I still need a subscription music service. I have all of my CDs ripped and stored on my N20. The playback is, to me, phenomenal. So, consider buying used to maximize results. Also, this allows you to upgrade at a latter date without losing 50% of the new value.

You are me less than a year ago. I am very happy with a Bluesound Node hooked up to my tube integrated amp and I’m running Tidal. Unlike what most members have posted on this thread, I use my Samsung Galaxy S22+ cellphone to run Tidal and do searches, pick albums or artists, etc., and I have no problem or feel the need to use a tablet device. But that’s just personal preference -- the last thing I need is another device laying around for my Granddog to chew and eat...

Fwiw, I 100% agree with @moonwatcher here. I wanted to get a cheap streamer to get started (while I figured out what I wanted longer term). The WiiM mini has been excellent. Im using Qobuz hi-res using the optical out into my DAC and it’s great. 
 

I think my next purchase will be something in the the Innous range or an Auralic Auralic interests me because they prefer you to use Wi-Fi over Ethernet which is interesting.