Well...I am taking the plunge into digital..

I agree... Vinyl still is a commitment for me... however digital is no longer just a convenience, the technology has come very far of late and at least for my ears competitive when all the variables are calibrated. Your observation is exactly what I am working thru now...evaluating reflection points, cable runs and " optics" within the room was a full day today.  I still would prefer class A amp/pre amp integrated solution and then component separates for the streamer and DAC... My room is 22x15 with a 22 ft vaulted ceiling... At the moment I am leaning towards the Zu Soul 6 (213cobra's analysis was exceptionally helpful)...speaker and studying up on streamers and DAC's... the immersion into the brands, functions and comparability's and complements is what I enjoy just second to listening to the music this effort brings forth.

Are you directly connecting the iPhone to your amp?

I could... but current just connecting via Wi-Fi... it is my understanding the phone degrades the signal either way, and as my receivers DAC capability is more algorithmic than a dedicated component I am sure I am not hearing Hi Res anything. I think my next step is to pick up a Bluesound streamer and hear how much difference I gain

The DAC in your receiver, as well as the Bluesound Node will be pretty bare bones.

Like most things in life, the more you pay, the more you get.

My 2 cents-

get your system dialed in a best you can, then take on digital. 

I started with the Bluesound Node, which is great for the money, but not the end all in terms of sound reproduction. It all depends upon how far you want to go down this rabbit hole.

Bob

So the Yamaha AVR is playing Qobuz and you are controlling it with the MConnect app on the iPhone.  How is Qobuz getting to the receiver?  Is there a Bluetooth connection?  Or is it coming via Ethernet?  In other words, does the Yamaha have a built in streamer?  Or if not Bluetooth or Ethernet, are you using AirPlay?