I have had players/transports w/separate DACS for years and am still buying CD's.
New doesn't mean better. I had 2 Arcams and were underwhelmed. Detailed but over all thin sounding ( to me)
I have a wonderful California Audio Labs Icon II CDP .Built like a tank, nice transformer and is bullet proof. It's mated to a very rare Kora-Hermes non over sampling tube DAC with a Monarchy Audio re-clocker in between the two.
I think used the whole set up- used ,was maybe 1,400 bucks - less interconnects AC and digital cables . Sounds fantastic! If you want new the Rotel would be the bang for the buck choice.
The nice thing about the outboard DAC is the ability to get more SQ and tailor (especially with a tube DAC) the sound to your liking.
As far as the whole streamer thing: I have a Internet tuner, running into the Kora,( 3 input DAC! )I have not found a streamer I like yet...
An internet tuner ( there are many out there for a reasonable price ) maybe the way to get your feet wet.
I HAD to go that way because of all the new high rise construction in my area. I couldn't receive the Classical music station I liked cleanly in MONO! -Stereo reception went away years ago -despite a range of antennas.
My humble Ocean Digital tuner, less than 200 bucks new with an added IFI power supply - 50 bucks and another Monarchy re-clocker is doing an OUTSTANDING job. It's been running 24/7 for years!
It's background mostly but it's great fun to listen to stations from all over the world and it does not need a smart phone to run it. It's self contained like a normal piece of gear.
Don't let those snobs push you around. As far as physical media,they are still making plenty of turntables aren't they......
Good luck whichever way you go!
HG-NYC