Digital Front end for Dummies


Have been an analog guy and will likely continue to be but am getting fiber optic Internet (I live in the middle of nowhere so this is a big deal) and am interested in developing a digital front end. My goal is really just to have a streaming set up, either Tidal or Qobuz, with a solid DAC. My dilemma is that I don't want an all in one as I feel like I'd rather have the opportunity to change DAC's later if I want. I also don't want to lay out a pile of money all at once. Wondering if I should get something like a Bluesound Node 2 to start and then add a DAC later or go with a less expensive front end like an Audioengine B-Fi and spend more on a DAC like a used Ayre Codex, Schiit Gungnir, or Denafrips Area II. Rest of my system is:
Rogue Audio RP-7Rogue Audio M180 monoblocksVandersteen Quatro Woods
rmdmoore
Have a Ayre Codex for sale here on Audiogon.  Great dac, moving up the Ayre line.
oldhvymec

Streaming iS Qobuz (I recommend over Tidal) for lossless.
BluSound for starters because it has it’s own player app (BluOS) that is virtually plug and play so It’s the easiest for beginners.
Start with its DAC and when you try an external one your listening preferences will guide you to the SQ you prefer.
It plays virtually all services.but MQA which is a money grab. If you want Roon, (try it on your computer) then you are better off with a Ras Pi.
Less money for better sound.
See Erich for that.
You’ll appreciate the savings that you can apply to your subscription.
It displays art better than Volumio does.
(Not as good as Orange Squeeze)
It plays most ALL internet radio and has plenty of USB power for local SSDs.

Thanks everyone. After reading the comments I feel like Bluesound is probably the way to go. I've done some more reading since starting this thread now though and am wondering if I shouldn't try and go even a little less expensive and give myself more options. 

I've read a bit about the Allo Boss Player R-Pi based unit. Saw Darko's review as well as a couple others and seems like it sounds pretty darn good for the price and could use Volumio to access Qobuz or Tidal. Later, I could swap out the Boss DAC HAT for the Allo DigiOne and get a great outboard DAC. 

Thoughts? 
I agree with everyone here about the Bluesound products. I’ve got two Node 2i’s- one upstairs and one downstairs. Setup is easy, usability is solid, and the flexibility they offer is astounding.  I wanted to chime in as I’ve actually tried the Audioengine adapter for a simple airpla antwnna. I didn’t care for the internal DAC, and when I fed it through the DAC in my Yamaha as801, it just sounded lifeless. I know this is a different caliber of equipment than yours, but with the bluesound, my setup sings. I’m not sophisticated enough to really describe it better than that. We returned the Audioengine (still love them) and shelled out for the bluesound node and never looked back. The two units I have sound phenomenal streaming Tidal masters. The music sounds alive but not overly warm or cool- it’s my favorite digital source because of how it sounds. NAD has also started manufacturing integrateds and network streamers with the bluesound compatibility, operating system, and features. I’d look into those as well. Good luck! 

Agree with what others have said about the Node 2i. I started with that and used it for a few months, sounded pretty good. Then got a MDHT Orchid with a WE 396A tube and with Qobuz, it's damn good. The Bluesound App is very good, it could use some minor improvements like the ability to alphabetize my Playlists.