Streaming recommendations

@jcipale -  I think you will be happy with the WiiM Pro, especially if you will be using will be using basic streaming service such as internet radio.

... and @cyackulic , why you are bringing up a $12,500 streamer for someone looking for a solid budget model, escapes me.  

I have a Bluesound Vault 2i and it's been great .  It's probably at least 6 years old now.  I use it everyday.  Several times a day.  

When that dies I'll probably buy the Icon.   

I did have a demo of the WiIM Ultra and I thought it sounded pretty good 

You're buying into an Eco System that's driven by both the hardware manufacturer and the streaming platforms.  I recommend Blusound because they have been doing it a long time and it's a solid platform.  Lenbrook , parent of NAD, Bluesound, PSB, etc  has huge resources.   Cyrus and Roksan have both adopted the Bluesound OS for their streamers , among others.

Yes Aurender makes great machines.    If you look at it from a build quality, sound quality, support prospective it's a good value, but only if your associated equipment warrants the cost.   I have a N200 but I use my second system with the Vault  a lot more.   The Vault may not be as good but it's a much better value in the true sense of the word.  

If i was looking for a sub $500 streamer I would buy a Bluesound Nano or a WiiM. End of story.  

@jcipale if you’ll just be streaming internet radio, WiiM pro a good choice. Check ebay, there may be some good secondary market options for less than retail.

Enjoy the music! 

For a budget streamer you will love, the bluesound 2i. Easiest to use interface and best for the money.

Here’s a NO on the Eversolo DMP-A6 model.

It works. Sounds GREAT. HAs some really nice bells and whistles. I can even stream my favorite podcasts.

Tried importing CD’s into it. It only gets metadata on about - ABOT - three out of five discs. I’ve updated software, discussed with mfr, support groups on fakebook and the usual places. It’s the single most wasteful audio purchase ever.

CD’s Apple iTunes imports and populates with album art, track and album titles, 10/10, the DMP brings in as CD, track #1,2,3… etc.

Nice hardware, software, support seriously lacking. NOT worth buying. IMO. YMMV.