@jmrrobbie1 Stated " I will be mostly streaming but use my CD player about 20 % of the time...open to ripping my 2000+ CD collection into a data bank....pros/cons of this...I have no idea? I have come to embrace the simplicity of the streaming path,,,simple, easy, choice at the push of a button. Looking at different options - can not believe some of the cost/price points...wow?? "
Firstly referencing my own experiences had in this area, and reining then in to ones had using my own system.
With the DAC that is now in use, CD is used much more than the Vinyl Source, the End Sound is extremely enjoyable. When doing A/B comparisons of same Albums on CD vs Vinyl, it was the DAC in use now that created the condition that when either medium was able to play on for a short period of time, there was not a want developing to put on the other.
CD today has proved a excellent Source and one that keeps the Cartridge from use, meaning longer periods are now to be had before concerning oneself about costly replacements.
There is enough evidence on the Forum and others to suggest ripped CD's into FLAC or WAV files will be as good as CD, even if replayed from a particular type if set up for a Laptop or PC.
I have embraced the concept of Streaming as a Source for the same points you have raised, as well as the ease of attaining access to a Vast Library of Recordings.
The part I have difficulty with is the idea of Hiring the Music, I never used Record or CD Libraries when I was able to easily walk into a Local Library and do this.
The other part I have difficulty with is the remuneration to the individuals producing the music content. For some half a million down loads are required to remunerate the artist to the same level 100 Hard Medium Sales will generate.
For that reason I attempt to buy Five Albums per Year from New Artists whether from Kick Starter or their Merch' Sales Portals, last resort to buy the usual on line methods, even though this is the most user friendly if a quality issue is discovered and a return of item is wanted to occur.
My experiences had can't visualise where there is a Streaming Source to be found at monies within your Budget that will be Parity with a well thought out CD Source or Vinyl Source.
Recently an individual I know who has very nice Vinyl Source, who has invested numerous years of their time developing a Streaming Source, and are of the View there is not a betterment to be had in relation in how close they perceived it had advanced toward being Parity with the Vinyl Source. After hearing a Visitors brought along recently released to the Market CDT > DAC in their own system, as well as the CDT > System owners DAC, has now as good as abandoned the Streaming Source as the main Source and replaced it with CD as the Source.
I can only recommend that a home trial is sought when the final shortlist is assembled.