Streamer Value Question Innous vs Bluesound

Thanks for all the tips and expertise. So the streamer does in fact
have an audible impact on SQ as most other components?

mahler-I do intend to covert my few cds to files besides streaming with a
hirez source. Tidal, Qobuz or Amazon. Undecided yet. I may choose
the service with a real support department as opposed to a member
forum.

Would it be difficult to keep a copy of all my downloaded music
on a separate drive for security? Like a thumb drive? I understand
they hold a lot more nowadays.

highpeak-what is a nuc?

mgrif- which streamer did you buy?

Is the Lumin line of streamers a better value than Innuos?

Thanks!

Happy 4th!

I’m in danger of sounding like a broken record on this issue, but in my experience, the streamer/server is at least as important as the DAC and likely more so. I enjoyed a greater improvement in sound quality by improving the streamer than I did from the DAC.  

The Bluesound Node 2i is a terrific value - a killer unit from a utility standpoint (I have one in a system).  But, if sound quality is the goal, I wouldn’t be building around the Vault or the Node because even if you upgrade the DAC significantly, the end result will still be limited.  My $.02. Of course, YMMV.

Does the OP intend to stream Tidal only?  Or convert CDs as well?
if stream only then you don’t need the Vault2, the Node2 wii handle all.  If need storage I would also favor keeping the files on a separate location.  I did transfer about 0.75tb from a Vault to a NAS but it wasn’t easy.
if the OP intends to continue to play CDs I would put the money first in a good DAC and add the other stuff later.

The DAC in any of these (including the OPPO) is adequate, but not really good. You should pick a streamer/server then get a better DAC later, maybe a re-clocker too

Seems like with your options these will hold your files.
Personally I’d have the files on a NAS with suitable backup.
This separates the storage from the streamer then you can change the streamer without having any impact on the file storage.
I have a Synology 2 drive NAS with a LUMIN D2 streamer and I’m very happy with it.
You can use this independently or add a NUC/PC for Roon if you want it.
Or just get a NUC and also store your files on it.

At the end of my year subscription I’ll be dropping Roon and just using the LUMIN to stream.