Agree that’s been my experience. I was staying with my Node because of the BluOs operating system which worked for me streaming Qobuz with my iPad. I didn’t like Roon or some other ops I tried even though the streamer was better. I found the Innuos Sense app worked for me and the Zen Mk3 with my DAC sounded better. Ease of use is key for me. I suggest to my friends to find a streaming service and ops that works for them when they start streaming.
Streamer apps critical
I don't understand why high end manufacturers release streamers with terrible apps. One of the strongest advantages of the Nodes is the BluOS app. It's simple and effective, though not full-featured. I understand the Innuos app is great. Not all of us like much less want to pay the cost of ROON and the online apps, like USB audio Player are clunky. I would love to see a paid-for version of BluOS or other manufacturers license a common but customized app, much as early versions of Windows were available from Dell, Gateway, Compaq and so many others.