Streamer Selection - Thoughts Requested Please!

I have a BlueSound Node 2i.  I tried an inexpensive DAC and found it sounded better without.  I really wonder if the sound is significantly better with these expensive streamers?  I stream Tidal and since MQA disappeared, I wonder if the old MQA files play hi-res.

The sound from these expensive streams would have to be significantly better to invest this kind of money.

I had a friend who auditioned speakers for a year with me for a year.  I finally settled for Paradigm Prestige speakers.  I didn’t know at the time they were 2 1/2 way.  Four weeks later this friend attacked an article from Stereophile Magazine explaining why 3 way were better than 2 1/2 way.  Shortly after he told me he purchased a pair of 3 way SALK 3 way speakers.  Since then I added a pair of REL SHO’s and they helped.  However, I have stopped listening to my system because I think I should have purchased 3 way.

A Mac Mini is a general purpose PC. Even most who have attempted to strip 'em down have appeared to have moved on and/or developed their own single purpose streamer.

My only advice is to ignore the advice to "save your money for a DAC upgrade". I had a Yggy LiM and regret selling it. It plays in a league well above it's price point. It's absolutely up to the standards of any of the streamer options you're considering.

I had a friend who auditioned speakers for a year with me for a year.  I finally settled for Paradigm Prestige speakers.  I didn’t know at the time they were 2 1/2 way.  Four weeks later this friend attacked an article from Stereophile Magazine explaining why 3 way were better than 2 1/2 way.  Shortly after he told me he purchased a pair of 3 way SALK 3 way speakers.  Since then I added a pair of REL SHO’s and they helped.  However, I have stopped listening to my system because I think I should have purchased 3 way.
 

Larry, this is absolutely wild. My “extremely qualified” advice is to listen to your system - and enjoy it; our systems are better than 99% of what the general population has exposure to (let alone on a daily basis).

I’d be curious to know your friend’s thought process - or maybe lack of awareness -  when he purchased the three-way speakers and then sent you an article confirming his purchase and your perceived loss. Hopefully this was unintentional on his part. If not, I don’t think that’s normal behavior and it’s more of a reflection of him than you and your great speakers. You literally need to turn up the volume and drown out the noise (internal & external) on you killer system. 

Paradigm Prestige are awesome speakers. Your friend is not.

Aurender is best for sound quality. Use your ears!