Streamer only

Node 2i is an excellent product but it’s really designed to be used with its analog outputs. It will likely beat everything in its price category especially given its fantastic app. A pleasure to use, speaking from experience. However, if you can stretch your budget by 200 bucks for a used entry level USB based Aurender, it will be a major jump up in performance without a doubt. Its app is also proven to work well. The beauty about Aurneder is that its software and hardware built together in the same factory, a huge advantage and their entry level products are just as well engineered as their higher priced products. That should put you on a good path in your journey to music appreciation.  

My NODE N130 has USB out. I use it every day.

ifi makes a streamer that is in the $300 range that’s excellent, and will give you enough of a savings to purchase a nice ethernet cable and or usb cable to round out a really high performing unit for very little money. I have one mated with their dac in one of my vintage systems and I’m astounded by it’s performance for the money. IMO it out performs the Node. Hope this helps.  

Ifi steamers sound great when they work….

I can vouch for the Project Stream Box S2 Ultra.

A very good streamer, reasonably priced, that performs above its price point.

I'm looking at upgrading in the future, but will have to spend more than double the cost for a reasonable improvement.