I was first introduced to Steaming through dedicated set ups for Streaming as the Source in a few very expensive systems, both Valve and Solid State. At the time of these demo's there was no option to carry out A/B comparisons to other Sources.
My assessment was that I could not but feel the system was being sold short with a Source that is streamed material only.
Later down the line, I was in a position where I could experience Streamed Data and FLAC - WAV File Data, as Source Medium replayed on Audio Systems I was very familiar with. These experiences have even allowed for comparisons of other Sources inclusive of CDP > CDT + DAC and Vinyl LP using the same Album Tracks.
The outcome of such experiences for myself and as a result of only experiencing a very limited range of dedicated streaming devices, is that Streaming is not a contender for a CD or Vinyl Source.
That does not mean it is without attraction, as the music produced in these later demo's is very listenable for long periods, definitely not fatiguing. Combine this with the convenience of accessing preferred music as fast as a click of a thumb, along with immediate access to a vast range of music genre's and different cultural music is an attraction that is difficult to be overlooked.