Re: streaming recommendations for newbie

You could get a streamer/DAC combo unit like the Bluesound Node X or the Eversolo DMP-A6 and be off and running for under $1000. But, if you’re more serious about audio I’d go with a separate DAC and streamer as you can upgrade each in steps, which you’ll almost certainly want to do at some point.  Here’s a nice DAC at a good price along with a good review in case it’s helpful (I own this BTW)…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650084368-musician-pegasus-r2r-dac-black/

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/musician-audio-pegasus-r2r-dac-review/

For ease of use, performance as a streamer, and price the Node is a solid choice…

https://www.amazon.com/Bluesound-Wireless-Multi-Room-Hi-Res-Streamer/dp/B0937LC7P2?th=1

So for $1175 you’d be off to a great start, and you can upgrade the DAC or streamer down the road when you get “the itch” for even more — and you most certainly will. Or, as an alternative to upgrading the DAC and/or streamer, you can add a separate linear power supply (like Teddy Pardo, etc.) to the Node and/or a DDC (like the Musician Pisces or Denafrips Iris) in front of the Pegasus to take advantage of the i2S connection and get a significant boost in performance for not much $$$. Always nice to be able to upgrade in steps if possible. Anyway, just a few ideas for equipment FWIW, and then just get a Qobuz or Tidal subscription (both offer free trials) and you’ll be in great shape for starting your streaming experience. Best of luck.

Couple of Blue Sound nodes over on TMR for around $300 and a Bel Canto DAC 1.7 over on USAM for $550.  

First streamer/DAC should always be a Bluesound.

From there it's easier to decide where to go, if at all.

Bluesound is a great starting point. A lot depends upon your system resolving point, with regard to upgrading.

B

If you go for a used Node, better to get the Node n130 or Node X (or the current version) so you have a viable USB output — earlier versions lack this valuable connection.