Fairly new to streaming. Where to start?

@artemus_5,

Here are couple of recommendation assuming you already have a preamp/amp or integrated amp.

Lumin D2 Streamer / DAC - $2300
http://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-d2.html

Innuos Zen Mini + PSU - $1898
http://www.innuos.com/en/catalog/go/zenmini-mk3-1tb-lpsu

Bluesound Node 2i -$549
https://www.bluesound.com/products/node/

Both Lumin and Innuos will give you a very nice sound quality. Since you’re accustomed to Vinyl sound, you don’t want to settle for a subpar digital experience. The third option, Bluesound is a entry level streamer with a average sounding onboard DAC. Lot of folks, including myself heard the uptick in sound quality when Node 2i paired with an outboard DAC. This option also give you a flexibility to cherry pick a DAC of your choice. One of my favorite DAC in your price range is Ayre Codex,

https://www.ayre.com/product/codex-headphone-amplifier/

All of these streamers offers app that’s very intuitive and easy to follow.

Good luck!

@artemus_5,

Don’t stress too much about the interface or feel overwhelmed by so many options. Pick up Bluesound, get acclimated with streaming and app (use a iPad for best experience and ease) and continue to explore DAC options.

For the price of Node 2i, look at this listing, you get CD ripping capability as a bonus.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649598541-bluesound-vault-2-excellent-condition/

artemus_5,

You can certainly use a laptop to stream  audio files but it won’t sound as good as dedicated ‘audio’ streamer from aforementioned brands. 

@artemus_5,

The Innuos Zen Mini + PSU is a two box, streamer with built in DAC and external power supply. You can start with single box (streamer w/DAC) but it does sounds better with external power supply.

If you want to hook up your CDP into a DAC then you would need to pick up a DAC with at least two COAX Inputs. Benchmark DAC3 does offers two COAX inputs.

One of the very important consideration outside sound quality is the app interface. Lumin, Aurender, Innuos and Bluesound offers the best App experience that allows end users viewing and playing high resolution music collections a breeze.

I own both Aurender and Bluesound and never felt the need for Roon App. Roon also requires a subscription, $119 per year or $699 for a lifetime subscription.

“If you want to hook up your CDP into a DAC then you would need to pick up a DAC with at least two COAX Inputs

Why so? Can’t I use the coax for CDP and USB ior another input for streamer?”

@artemus_5,

Yes, you can provided streamer has USB output. The Node 2i or Vault 2 has no USB output. So you’re stuck with using its Coax or Optilink output to a external DAC.
If you pickup a Aurender, Lumin or Innuos streamer without the internal DAC, then you have an option to use USB output to a external DAC.

Vault 2 offers easy ripping. I use my Vault 2 for CD ripping only. And yes, you can use Android phone but a tablet makes it so much easier to browse / navigate. 

@uberwaltz,

I think Node 2i or Vault 2 (used) is a safe and logical choice given OP’s $2K budget. Even if he decides to take the same upgrade path as you, he can still use Vault 2 for ripping CD’s. You and I both know CD players are going to be extinct in next few years. I certainly don’t plan on replacing my CD or SACD players once they stop working. My ripped CD’s stored on my Aurender N10 sounds terrific.  

I agree with you on Auralic Lightning app, its probably the most unstable app. 

@artemus_5,

Do I need to run a network wire from my router to the Streamer? OR Can it run on wireless? - You can run it wirelessly but hardwired is better as it rejects any RF noise interferences and dropouts. 
Can I download necessary files for streamer to a USB hard drive and have streamer read it off hard drive plugged via usb into streamer? - Yes, that’s what USB input is intended for on a streamer.

^^^“Weakest links in this chain?”
Pandora Basic Streaming, if you don’t want to pay then Pandora streaming quality sounds fine in your home and office system.

Pandora Audio Quality - 192 kbps AAC
Tidal Audio Quality - 1411 kbps FLAC

Anything less than 1411 kbps, you’re listening to a compressed file.

“I suspect the tech has finally able to make a cdp capable of very high def playback. But the market has moved away from that media. Who knows? Vinyl returned. With streaming, apparently unless you spend the $10k on the necessary equipment. This is a new market with everyone trying to show the best way and have their ways adopted. It always happens with new media. It will come soon.”

@artemus_5,

I would like to further clarify....

1. Streaming is now on par with CD playback. Just like a good CD playback requires decent quality player, same applies to a streaming player.

2. Unless you spend $10K....Streaming is not any different than CDP or Vinyl. For quality playback, it requires careful consideration, just like Vinyl or CDP if you’re striving for high quality playback. There are some folks here who uses a $200 CD player and have the nerve to criticize the format because it’s not nearly as good as their Vinyl setup. Go figure!

3. It will come soon....IMO, it’s already here and thriving. With Tidal and Qobuz, you can enjoy high resolution streaming as long as you choose the right equipment. Not to mention, access to the library of artists you may not even had the opportunity to hear yet.

As many of us pointed out, you can get a Vault 2i (if you wish to rip your CD’s) or Node 2i as a start up device and add a DAC later on. Even if you don’t want to stream, you can start enjoying your ripped files through Node 2i without the hassles associated with a laptop. I would not bring a laptop as a source in your system unless you are ready to eliminate or filter the ‘noise’ on the USB output.