New to Streaming

Spotify has threatened to go lossless for years.

Look elsewhere

I like Qobuz best.

I always point first timers to the Bluesound. Then you decide what features you prefer. Most all OS’s are superior. Don’t worry about the DAC, the streamer alone is worth it, especially if you get a decent buy on a used one. A Node is the first of my 6 streamers, all in use.

One is an Allo. Not for beginners.

I have a question. I only use my Android phone as a streaming source. What’s all the hubbub about the cheap WiiM Pro 2 for streaming?

https://www.amazon.com/WiiM-Receiver-Chromecast-Multiroom-Streamer/dp/B0CC2HWC7N/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1GLA074FF41UC&keywords=audio%2Bstreamer&qid=1696302778&sprefix=audio%2Bstreamer%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-2-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.f5122f16-c3e8-4386-bf32-63e904010ad0&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

I agree Qobuz is best but Tidal works too if there is some reason you prefer it. I highly recommend the bluesound node to start. Great value at its price point. It's very easy to use- good interface and I found it to be very stable. While there will be a time to upgrade, I had one and thought the dac was fine. I think the biggest considerations as you start this journey are stability and ease of use. Bluesound will give you that and I think the sound quality is plenty good for the money.

Enjoy the music 

Welcome to streaming. I was a stubborn hold out for to long and missed many years of the hi-fidelity sound of streaming. So glad I ate my pride. Streaming,,,, your gonna love it.

In your budget you can't go wrong with a bluesound node. Just be prepared though cuz your gonna love it and want more sound quality and move up faster than you expected. If i was you, I'd spend $1500 +/- off the bat on a Audiolab, NAD, Cambridge Audio etc. unit.

I can only recommend Tidal. I tried Qobuz and found no difference in sound quality. Both basically same monthly price. I really like the Tidal connect app.

The Bluesound Node (or Node X) is a good suggestion.

One alternative is Matrix Audio's new Mini-I 4.  For $649.99, it offers an LCD touch screen, the ES9039Q2M DAC chip, and balanced analog outputs. However, it has no headphone jack, no Wifi, no Bluetooth, no digital output, and is not Roon Ready yet.  The Mini-I PRO 4  version does add headphone support and WiFi, for $959.

For someone new to streaming, I'd probably lean toward the Bluesound Node X. Bluesound has a very large user base, which can be helpful when you run into setup or playback glitches.