Fairly new to streaming. Where to start?

Until recently, I had never owned a high quality streamer. I bought an Innuos Zen mini and the little power supply. I liked the sound very much. I thought I would stop there, but I replaced my 80’s era BK amp and preamp with a Simaudio Neo, and wow, It sounds really good to me!

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djones511,279 post03-14-2020 7:38pmYes you can use the Node2i as a streamer with a different dac, you can always just start with the Node2i using its dac to get your feet wet for low cost.
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Denon Heos is cheaper than a Node2i but performs the same function.  Node sounds better, Heos has a better interface.

If you are technically adept, you can build a Rasberry Pi, and connect it to your network for basically pocket change.

You don't need to be an adept to build a RPI solution.
Volumio provides a very good guide: https://volumio.org/get-started/
If Roon is your forte: https://ropieee.org/getting_started/
I've used them both and many others with RPI3 for years and spent more money on DAC.
If somebody still feels tech-challenged, I could help.
While all commercial solutions are pretty good, the do tend to cost $$$, after al, all depends how much $ you have to play withl.

Friends, Thanks for all the info. One thing I think is missing is that most of you probably have not looked at my system. It is listed here on A’gon (though w dated picys). But that may be something that most don’t know about. So here it is

Teres 340 TT
Vacuum State JLTi phono pre
Zyx 4D cart on OL Illustrious tonearm
Theta Miles CDP
Conrad Johnson CT-5 preamp
Bob Latino ST-70 amp
Silverline Sonata speakers
2 Sumiko S-10 subs (Rel S-5 clones)
Pure Note cables
Monster power conditioner
Oyaide R1 power outlet
Various tweaks especially footers (makes a real difference)

Some have suggested that I spend $200-300 +/- for a player/dac. Do you really think that will sound good or be competitive in my system? Of course not. Again, I appreciate your efforts. But top quality playback comes at a cost. Sure, there are giant killers. The Latino ST-70 is one. But giant killers are very few. As much as it seems to bother the new audiophile, price is an indicator. FWIW, I don't have deep pockets. Its taken me 20 yrs to get to this level. But I am committed to good quality sound. And I have often spent a quarter to save a dime. Its human nature. We want things as cheap as we can get them. But one thing I have learned is that 95% of the time when I try to  go too cheap I end up spending more than I would have if I had spent the necessary $$ to get what I was looking for in the 1st place.

Some good conclusions here: https://archimago.blogspot.com/2013/06/measurements-do-bit-perfect-digital.html
His system is likely better than mine and he still uses a "cheap" transport. Bitperfect transport of your music bits is pretty much the same, now it is more about packaging and features.