Starting Over and I need your help

wavendon

I would stop trying to cheap out on your upgrades, otherwise your sound will never improve.....you have a comfortable budget, I would spend it.

Keep the Omega speakers, they are probably good enough for a $3,000 system; and the 94db sensitivity makes an easy load to drive. Same with the Node 2i outputting to your new Modi DAC, though if you are handy I would add the before mentioned LHY linear power supply ($279).

Dump your amplifier, there is nothing you can do to make it suitable. Now buy the best integrated you can afford with the remaining $2,800.....that is the only way to get to the next level. Dump Apple music, and get a Qobuz or Tidal account (I use Qobuz)....also connect the Node 2i directly to your ethernet output from your carrier's box if possible. Then you'll use the phone or iPad to control your music, but not stream

Replace the amplifier! You already have some very good recommendations for amplifier.....I would get an integrated amp, here are a few more:

Brand new Heaven 11 Billie MKII integrated amplifier ($1,900) - Has a tube preamp section, has enough inputs for you, and is very well reviewed by many.....I helped a friend put together a system with the Billie amp, and it really punches above it's weight. 120wpc into 8 ohms, 215 wpc into 4 ohms

Used Hegel H190 integrated amplifier ($2,100) - Recommended already several times, do not got with the H95, the H190 is much much better. Well reviewed, well thought of, and sounds great. 150wpc into 8 ohms, down to 2 ohm stable. Also can stream to the H190, to compare with your current gear

Schitt Ragnarock 2 ($1,100 in silver, $900 in black) - Well thought of, and a very good amplifier for the money.....I'd much prefer the Heaven 11 Billie or the Hegel H190, but the Ragnarock might be the best entry level amp.

Forgot to mention for the Schitt Ragnarock - 60 WPC into 8 ohms, 100 WPC into 4 ohms. Get the "Just An Amp" version.....the pricing above is for that version

I have began having experiences of Steamer Sources over the past few years, where attempts are being made to discover a Source in that is Parity in comparison to both CD and Vinyl.

By Parity I mean, where the experience had, has left myself feeling their is another Source with capabilities that will make it as attractive as a Source as the CD and Vinyl that it is being compared to.

To date I have not had a Steamer in use in my home system, I have heard them initially, up to a Value of £6K, in use in quite expensive Systems I was not unfamiliar with.

As time has gone by, I have kept the interest alive and the later periods of receiving demo's, has been where Demo'd Streamers, especially with a £7K Linn Model in use, along with lesser Value Loaned Streamers, used on a System that has required quite a significant spend to create. This system is one I am quite familiar with, where the System in use with a selection of Sources, either the resident one, or loaned to the System is a very very impressive end sound experience when certain Sources are in use.

Keeping the focus on the Streamer as a Source, I am yet to encounter a experience where I perceive the Streamer as a Source, is Parity to CD or Vinyl.

Keeping the focus on the Streamer as a Source, I have discovered Streamers that I do believe are worthy of a sitting with my CD and Vinyl as a Source, but to be exploited for the convenience the device brings to the table, immediate music replays from numerous Genre, of which many encounters of music are likely to be New and where many encounters will prove to be very enjoyable.

I personally, when having a Streamer in place as a Source, will not spend any energy trying to attain Parity in the impression made in comparison to the other Sources, I will learn as much as I can about making the experience as easy and convenient as can be achieved.

From experiences had to date, I will strongly suggest, to try and get a Streamer as a Source to present an end sound that has Parity with the already in use Sources, will be as much a waste of effort, as attempting to get the use of CD and Vinyl to be as convenient as having the Streamer Device at hand.

The OP will do well to stick close to CD when parting with $3K for the main Source and Supporting Devices. Best to retain the present Streamer Option and Postpone Spending. Only to invest in Streamed Data as a medium, if this is something wanted to be kept at hand and improvement sought at a later time.     

Hey, do we know the specifics of his meaning of "underwhelming". Most popular speaker brands are underwhelming. At reasonable prices, Klipsch Heritage, Volti, Daedalus, Tekton JBL and another handful are the brands that come to mind when you want to experience "overwhelming". To my ears, most other brands are bland and lifeless, but attract listeners for other characteristics. Those listeners who own my mentioned brands know those qualities I am speaking about. My best, MrD.

Muddy sound during streaming, ok while playing cds

just got Tidal account but am out of town so have not heard it on my system