Hi, I’m new to streaming as well, but I’ve got a solution that has worked out pretty nicely. I chose Qobuz for their hi-res-only library (esp. good if you like jazz and classical). I stream it wireless from my desktop/router to a Bluesound Node 2i, then bypass its dac and into my Schiit Yggy GS model, and out to my analog stereo system wired with vintage Kef 104/2 speakers. I think the sound is amazing. Just the Node and Yggy GS will put you a little over your $2k limit, so to stay within it, look at the Gumby, which is getting nice reviews and costs half as much as the Yggy GS. The Qobuz app works well enough from my phone, but I may upgrade to Roon on an ipad for a nicer experience, when I get around to it. Good luck!
Fairly new to streaming. Where to start?
$2k & under budget
Aralic Vega has streamer and DAC. May be the easiest start?
Then there is Schiit...Yiggy or Gumby...which streamer?
Ladder NOS dac? Or Chip? I'm old. maybe I'll like the old school DAC?
Then there is Benchmark DAC 3...I think it has streamer?
Then
Exasound E32
Audio Mirror?
Metrum
MHDT Orchid
Border Patrol?
Musical Paradise?
Whats a newbie to do? I am a classic rock fan with lots of FLAC & M4a files. I like detail & PRaT. Love a good bass line. I also play some 70's jazz. I have a Theta Miles CD player from the 1900's & play a lot of vinyl too. But I need to come into the 21st century. Besides, I will probably become tired of the vinyl ritual and work at some point as I get older. I think I have done enough homework to be somewhat confused. Maybe the biggest question in light of how fast digital changes is the question of streamer with DAC or separate Streamer and DAC. One other question is the streamer & bridge the same thing? OK Thanks!!
Aralic Vega has streamer and DAC. May be the easiest start?
Then there is Schiit...Yiggy or Gumby...which streamer?
Ladder NOS dac? Or Chip? I'm old. maybe I'll like the old school DAC?
Then there is Benchmark DAC 3...I think it has streamer?
Then
Exasound E32
Audio Mirror?
Metrum
MHDT Orchid
Border Patrol?
Musical Paradise?
Whats a newbie to do? I am a classic rock fan with lots of FLAC & M4a files. I like detail & PRaT. Love a good bass line. I also play some 70's jazz. I have a Theta Miles CD player from the 1900's & play a lot of vinyl too. But I need to come into the 21st century. Besides, I will probably become tired of the vinyl ritual and work at some point as I get older. I think I have done enough homework to be somewhat confused. Maybe the biggest question in light of how fast digital changes is the question of streamer with DAC or separate Streamer and DAC. One other question is the streamer & bridge the same thing? OK Thanks!!