Worry about updates? Some old OSs totally sucked before recent updates. They ALL update before first play, like all digital devices and programs. Using Wi-Fi is recommended to a dedicated Wi-Fi receiver like a node system or an extender for rock solid internet. Your first streamer should be a Bluesound, it is the easiest. You can’t be serious about a digital device without mentioning connection (to the DAC) requirements or preferences. No mention of a streaming service either. Network players all have different ISP radio stations that can be easily found. You might settle for Radio Paradise (not on all of them) Forget about ever trying Roon with an Aurender. For background music a $100 Wiim and Spotify is overkill. Alexa is probably sufficient for a Prime member. You are going to have to educate yourself, $2-5K won’t do that.
A quick question on what streamers to consider.......
Hello fellow Audiogoners - a quick question as I have noted above on streamers. I am looking for a steamer only, no DAC, that would be easy to use. I don't want to worry about any updates and would prefer a US made product if at all possible. I have a WiFi service coming into my home so that would be how I would be getting my music. I would like it simple to use and without any hassles. I would be using it in the summer providing music to my back dec, or when cooking or entertaining inside. I would looking in the price range say of ; $2,000 to $5,000 used or new. Thank you in advance and look forward to suggestions on what to buy based on what I have outlined above. Thank you in advance and please stay safe and well.....