Options to improve digital sound

I am not able to recommend a device to purchase as I am not familiar with this type of Source.

I do have an interest in this Source Type, and foresee one to be in use sometime in 2026, especially to be used in a system created for my Wife.

The Source in the Link is one adopted for use by an individual who I know has done extensive research through owning and using Digital Sources, where CD, Ripped FLAC and and possibly WAV, Downloaded FLAC and Streamed Data are used as the Source Material to replay recorded music.

This individual has made it known the device in the link has transformed them, all they thought they knew has been turned on its head and they are in a new chapter where the pages are blank and all experiences had are quite new and a betterment to their other experiences.

A used device is closer to the $2.5K budget, but the investigation of what is on offer is worthwhile undertaking.

 https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650220466-teac-ud-701n-network-music-streamerstereo-preamp/ 

People pointing out lots of expensive options but dipping in can be inexpensive and far superior to a Mac Mini. 

You can test out a WiiM streamer. The Pro version allows an external 5v power supply. I’ve done that outputting to an RME ADI-2 via glass toslink (192K connection) with excellent results.

Have also used a ethernet connection to the WiiM. Running Blue Jean ethernet cables, the only cable difference I’ve heard with fiber in-between from the router.

Added two Cisco Meraki 8 port units and easily removed the internal power supply parts which are no longer needed. Ran one Blue Jean cable from the router via ethernet. Then another out with via fiber to another Cisco Meraki and then a short ethernet cable to the WiiM streamer.

Qobuz connect can be run from a tablet, phone or computer of your choice. No direct connection, right from the Qobuz server to the router and to your system. Very impressive output and should be tried. 

Those who try this inexpensive options will be surprised at how little investment can make such an improvement. All less than the cost of a commercial "audio" network product. 

@mswale I am confused on how mesh is crap and a repeater is superior. I would think they operate on the same WiFi principle except with mesh you have a consistent SSID & handoff. Then if you have an Ethernet backbone and attach your streamer via Ethernet, a mesh would be vastly superior to repeaters. Am I missing something?

@signaforce 

That isn't what I said at all. Cheap mesh is crap. If you look at the FCC tag, then look up the radio spec, most of them are under .1w of power, the CPU parts are inferior, do not handle handoff, or more then a couple devices at once. They get bogged down. Usually the radio signal is not clean, introduces jitter. 

In that instance, you are better off with another basestation, there are a ton of basestations that will "extend" your WiFi, making basically a mesh. 

romanesq

I am confused on how mesh is crap and a repeater is superior ...

They're both a compromise, imo, when compared to a hardwire connection.