On the grand scale of what things affect the sound most, streamers certainly can if done wrong but not so much when done right and that need not cost much these days. It can be done right these days using most any platform including home computers but there is more that can go wrong there for those less computer literate.
Do Streamer only devices really impact sound quality?
From a layman mindset, a streamer transmits electronic information to a dac via coaxial cable or other connection. The electronic information I believe is standardized for all streamers. That said, the streamer itself could not influence the sound quality heard by the audience. I think it is bit-perfect information coming across to the dac.
So for instance a Bluesound 2i vs Cambridge CXN V2 streamer should sound identical with the same connections and equipment used and of course same streaming service and content.
thoughts appreciated if I have this correct?