I finally swapped my Macbook Pro for a Project Stream Box S2 Ultra. It's been noted that by design (John Westlake), an LPS is not necessary.
If your Mac is old enough, it will have an ethernet port.
Point of diminishing returns for a Network Streamers?
You have super cheap Pi streamers (build yourself), $399 IfI Zen, $500 Bluesound Node (no DSD), $700+ Pro-Ject Stream box, then $1k -$2k for Lumins, and others.
I'm running an old iMac as my Roon Core and running a super long, active USB cable to my Dac. I probably do not have to pay much for any improvement since my setup is not ideal.
I'm really fascinated by the Pro-Ject stream box...however...would it be a major improvement over the IFI Zen? I need DSD so the NODE is out of the question .
I could save and go with the new Lumin U2 mini, however....would it be a huge jump over the Pro-Ject?