Sound quality differences in streamers

I was somewhat surprised on how good my Bluesound Node 2i sounded with a SmoothLAN filter running the Node into my uDDC and utilizing I2s into Denafrips Terminator 2. It doesn’t sound up to my Innuos Zen MK 3 level In the same setup, but the Bluesound held its own pretty well. This setup let the Bluesound perform at its best capacity and very listenable. It’s always interesting to me to test the capacity level of more economically priced gear with much higher level gear supporting it. 

Somehow I am thinking the lower the voltage and amperage, ie. 5 volts 3 amps required to run a dedicated streamer, the easier it is for the vendor to manage an extremely low noise floor.  In addition, you add in the requirement of an external power supply, and you shift some of the issue to the consumer.   So, maybe the convenience of integrated components, ie. streamer, dac, screen, server, etc..., which require more power, provide additional challenges for the noise floor, and the vendor has to increase the complexity of the design and the cost.  

I visited this thread because this very question has been gnawing at me. I have a Bluesound Node X with the PD Creative LPS modification in my second system and I have to say, it sounds fantastic. My main system utilizes an Aurender ACS10 which also sounds great. The advantage of the Aurender is that it replaced separate CD transport and streamer devices. I enjoy the second system just as much as the main so I suppose as some have stated here, it all boils down to listening and determining your own satisfaction level.