Streaming

Do different sources of streaming material sound different? - Yes.
Do different devices sound better than my current $100
Auris bluMe HD Bluetooth 5.0 ? - Yes or No.....a better streamer also cost more $$$...you may or may not hear appreciable uptick in performance.

You’re going to hear all sorts of opinions based on personal experiences and then there are those - bits are bits, are we talking 1’s and 0’s ....how can they sound different? Digital can never sound as good as analog (vinyl) BS...so why bother. 

First off, why are you’re seeking opinions on something you already own...are you unhappy with its sound or just curious. If you’re looking to improve your digital experience or even curious what else is out there then please outline your rest of the system and the budget so members here can give their recommendations.

Here are couple of recent threads that will provide some insight on digital streaming.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/fairly-new-to-streaming-where-to-start

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/streaming-for-beginners

jw944ts,

Node 2i will work on Wifi but sound better if you hard wired to your modem or router as hard wired connection eliminates any RF interferences.

You can connect Node 2i via its analog output directly into your preamp. Once Node 2i connected to your WiFi network, you need to sign up with Tidal or Qobuz service for lossless streaming.

Both services offer free trial so you can pick and choose what you like best. You will need an iPad for best experience to browse music content from Tidal or Qobuz but you can also use Android or iPhone. The Node 2i app allows you to browse music content from Tidal or Qobuz and many other streaming services. But only Tidal or Qobuz offers lossless content.

It may seem overwhelming at first but once you get Node 2i, the setup is fairly simple.