Biggest problem for me with some of the higher end streamers is the limited support for streaming services; many don't support Amazon, and very few support Idagio, which are the two that I use the most, along with Internet Radio. Innuos support says they are working towards support for both services, but don’t know when they'll get there. So I'm using a Bluesound Node as it supports a very wide range of streaming services, including the two I use. I upgraded it with a linear power supply and the sq improved significantly. I use the coaxial out into my PS Audio Directstream DAC. I have a pretty resolving system, and I think the results are really good. And the new BlueOS operating system is very intuitive. Some think it's crazy to spend almost as much on the lps upgrade as the unit itself, but the improvement was really worth it, imo!! BTW, I am beta testing the upcoming PS Audio Stellar Gold Preamp, and it is a fantastic unit. I think it's as good or better than the BHK Signature Preamp at two thirds the cost.
Is there such a thing as a good medium priced music streamer?
OK, been using a Marantz ND8006 for 5 years or so for the infrequent times I stream music in my living room. (Infrequent cuz its a PIA) The unit is a better CDP than streamer as the HEOS app it uses is a pain in the ass in this configuration where it is resident on a separate tablet. It was a sound upgrade from a Logitech streamer I had for years which was easy to use and my wife liked but had lost support. She "dislikes to hates" the Marantz. It impacts the amount of time she listens to IR or Amazon or Spotify at home. Frankly does the same for me. So, I figured it is time for a step up to a better/dedicated streamer. I frankly was blown away by how many there are out there as well a how fragmented the functions are. I want something that will 1) stream from Tidal, Spotify, Amazon HD,etc 2) play FLAC or WAV files from my network NAS, 3) play IR like WBGO, etc. I am comfortable with spending say $2k new, maybe up to $3k if there is really a gain in sound or ease of use, reliability. I am assuming a dedicated unit will be superior to one embedded in an amp like the Marantz Model 40 or others like that. Am I "deluded", have a good enough understanding of the landscape technically (I question that frankly) and does this exist. BTW, I have heard a couple of the more costly units like 2 from Auralic and Aurender but they are out of my retiree price range. I have lurked/read alot of the posts on here on this topic and am frankly a little overwhelmed at the permutations and combinations. Im beginning to feel like a 66yo dinosaur...HELP!