Digital Path to Complete my System

Wow...ok...after reading the reviews....the Grimm MU2 would be an end game to my digital side. Anyone  have this in their system that can provide pros/cons or likes/dislike. Anyone listen to a side to side comparison to Aurenders top system? In one review this was good to see: 

Driven to keep improving, Grimm Audio works actively to provide ongoing updates. Whenever they improve the sound quality or enhance the feature set of the MU2, these improvements are offered to all existing customers via software or hardware updates (when possible). Software updates are free and can be installed automatically via the update server.

Finally, in case of a malfunction, the Grimm Audio Support Team is dedicated to getting you to enjoy the music again within the shortest timeframe possible. Grimm Audio offer a 5 year limited warranty to customers who fill in their warranty card.

I am a little bit into the weeds here... My digital knowledge/background is - how do you say ...less than zero. Speak to me as you "would a young child ...or a Golden Retriever". Digital path...ethernet - streamer - Dac/clock - to my preamp...is this correct??? The clock portion – I am at a loss…??? My experience/purchases with used or "b" stock has not been positive; prefer new with a great warranty & exceptional customer service. Several of the paths mentioned have good/great reviews. I am retired and have put this money aside to finalize my system...it is a lot of $$ for me personally, but will match/complete my system. I will travel to hear the system and make comparisons. To simplify... a one box/complete system or separates? The price point is a stretch...so want do it right...don’t want to hassle with upgrading. 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?? Looking at a quality streamer, a great/exceptional (very exceptional)  DAC/clock, interconnects/cables that match, easy user interface, reliable, well-made/designed, reliable warranty, great customer service, on-line upgrades, and most important musical equivalent to my analog side.... Am I asking alot???? 

My analog side of my system...McIntosh 12000 integrated (tube preamp with ss amp), McIntosh MCD 600 SACD player, VPI classic signature tt - fatboy arm & shyla cartridge, PS audio phono preamp, nakamichi dragon cassette deck, La Scala AL5 speakers, Tributaries cables & interconnects, and then the Blue-node to stream. My desktop/den system is a Hegel 190 integrated with Kef LS50meta.

Again - want a digital path to complete my main system....just hesitant to dive in as the digital side seems to change so quickly...and I have no experience. I like the idea of ripping my CDs to a databank as suggested. Don’t want to fuse (too much) or "refine" the digital path down the road. I like where my where my analog system is...except for the possibility of trying/upgrading the phonostage...the never-ending rabbit hole.  Not to go into the politics of analog vs digital...I enjoy the "act" of placing a record on the platter...diving into the $5 dollar used record bin for albums of my youth I still do not own, and even cleaning/prepping the LP before the needle drops. That said - I am looking forward to putting together & completing a digital path/side. Surprised how good the little Blue node is for the pricepoint what it brings to the table = so much at a push of a button.

Appreciate everyone’s insight,

JR