Re: streaming recommendations for newbie

@tlh28 if you already stream on your computer, why not start with a USB DAC, and just use the computer as your streamer via USB? If the computer is a far distance from the HiFi setup, there are active USB cables.

Can’t hurt to try if you’re okay having streamer x DAC be separate. I advocate that because streamers are limited-feature low-power computers and a given model’s software might not be kept up indefinitely; even if upgrading is not necessary for sonic reasons, obsolescence of a dedicated streamer may become unavoidable depending on company x hardware x software. So a dedicated streamer (whether separate from or integrated with a DAC) should, by design, be more susceptible to shortcomings over time than would be a decent DAC on its own. 😉  A streamer x DAC combo assumes the streamer side will receive software + firmware updates for the lifetime of the whole device. Maybe yes, maybe no.

Using your computer also leaves you greater choice of which platform / OS to stream with. Conversely, a dedicated streamer will have a proprietary in-house OS with software you may like, or may not like. It will probably be run from a small touch screen on the front panel (perhaps with remote), or from a smart device app. Computers have some downsides, mostly in terms of greater learning curves for relevant software and options, but they also can offer more power in this area.

Seems to me the most obvious, and potentially least costly, starting point for OP unless a streamer-DAC combo unit is preferred.

If you specifically want a dedicated streamer, then consider posting a virtual system for folks to weigh in with their specific preferences / opinions?

This is an interesting thread.  I currently listen to mostly vinyl.  When I do stream, I use blue tooth and the streaming that is built into my Marantz receiver .   Please tell me how a streamer like the bluesound node is better for this.  Asking because I honestly don't know or understand.  Thank you

@anotherbob Go to Vegas and you will. A nickel bet is commonly referred to as $500. 
@brottdwayne can’t tell you if a blue sound will make any difference than your Marantz,  But I can tell you that A Innuos PULSE mini made one of the biggest upgrades to my system. This replaced my HEOS streaming from my Marantz SR5015. Getting a good quality streamer to begin with sets you on the correct path.  

As many have mentioned the Bluesound is a great choice since they offer tremendous support and the software is very good. I recommend a wired Ethernet connection as many have had problems in the past with wireless (maybe they have engineered that better now). I think the Bluesound Node X with a Teddy Pardo external power supply (easy install) is very very good for the money. I have this setup and another 6 times more expensive. The Node X with internal DAC and Teddy Pardo power supply can compete!!!

Obviously one can get better sound, but you have to give something away. More money and often much less customer support.

I'd suggest the Node 2i with a PD Creative PSU interface upgrade and an SBooster 5V/3A Linear power supply. Best sound for $1000.