What are you using as a streamer? Constructive feedback please.

NAD C-658 With MDC HDM-2 card. I went with what I could afford. I can't find any faults with this yet. I run a Panasonic DB-UB90001K and my laptop through the card. With a network connection to my media server I am happy, for now. I would like to get the HiFiRose RS150B eventually but so far I am not sure I need to.

I stream exclusively via Qobuz and moved from a tweaked Node2i to a Aurender N100SC. Dac at the time was a ARC Dac7. The overall improvement was substantial.

Current system, Tekton DI's,SVS sb 4000 sub, Benchmark LA-4 preamp, Their DAC 3 B, Peachtree AMP 500,  I stream Amazon HD service through my windows based laptop into my Dac3B to my listening position 15' away via a corded 2.0 cable. Listen mainly to Rock and Roll loudly. Had tried the Blue sound node unit, however my direct wired set up sounder far better. Only  downside is cord, however, once in place, works great. Many of the streamers do not support Amazon service either. Can't imagine a better sound through any streamer, unless it contained a better DAC. Thanks Robert TN

Liked the Lumin sound, big improvement over the best of Cambridge, but the app was confounding. Aurender N100H is less analytical but fuller, richer, with a pretty-good app aided by outstanding email tech support. Next step up will be one of the bigger, badder, cooler-looking Aurenders that give visual pleasure even when not playing. 

I've tried several components to support streaming in my system, at various times.

Roughly in order of preference (most to least preferred):

1. Matrix Audio Element X

Pros:  Roon ready; combines DAC+streamer+preamp in one box; excellent SQ; functions as either a USB-attached or Network-attached DAC.

2. Mac Mini

Pros:  all the versatility of a full-function computer, including support for advanced DSP/upsampling tools such as HQ Player and BACCH4Mac.

Cons:  need to access via screen sharing; complexity of setting up and trouble-shooting software

3. Sonore ultraRendu

Pros: relatively inexpensive way to get high SQ and simple streaming; supports HQ Player; Roon-ready

4. Bluesound Node 2i

Pros:  lots of functionality packed into small low-cost box;  nice programmable remote-control capabilities;  Roon-ready

Cons: not necessarily the best SQ for what I'm willing to spend; no USB except for storage.

5. iPhone 7

Pros:  Small and convenient in a pinch; portable

Cons:  Can't use it easily with my current amp and pre-amp setup.  With a Peachtree integrated amp, can  work pretty well.

So each of the above has a different mix of pros/cons.

I think the biggest differences have more to do with functionality than any effect on SQ of the streaming function, per se. For an all-digital system To me it makes sense to integrate streamer, DAC, and pre-amp into one box. In that case, the main concern isn't the streaming function but other functions such as the DAC, the pre-amp inputs, and the volume-control.  If cost were no object, my ideal component would look something like the new Lumin P1. Compared to the Matrix Element X, it adds HDMI Arc (for easier/better integration with a TV) , a Roon-ready IR remote, and fiber optic network input.  But it's nearly triple the cost of an Element X, so I'd want to believe the SQ is noticeably better. With fiber optics and more sophisticated volume control, as well as dual mono DAC chips, maybe it would be.