Streamer with decent app

Thoughts on the bluesound powernode?

If you like the Sonos interface you can find Sonos Connects for cheap on the used market. Then for $500 have Wyred 4 Sound modify it, they replace the S/PDIF output stage and clock. I have been using one as a ROON endpoint for many moons on a secondary system and it sound purdy dang good and has been totally reliable. Then you got $2.5K to burn on a DAC/AMP. Like a used Hegel H190 or Rost

https://wyred4sound.com/products/sonos-connect-modified

If you go Bluesound just get a node and go digital to a integrated with DAC. Beat the pants off a powernode. Tidy 2 box setup.

Aaaand if I am not mistaken you can use airplay (16/44 only) with the Rost or H190) . So you use phone app to stream with a native music service app but control the Rost with remote.

ROON, and use it’s ARC for remote listening, and your choice of streamer, done!

Sticking to one box solutions, the next step up would be a Bluesound Powernode or an NAD C700.  Next step up in performance would be the NAD M10 v2, which looks to be currently on sale for US$2,499.  All use the BluOS app which, by most accounts, is probably one of the best out there.  

The "persistent queue" mentioned above probably refers to the fact that when you load an album or a playlist, it just gets added to the play queue.  The play queue does not automatically reset. This makes it easy to create new playlists.  The downside is that if you don't clear out the play queue (by merely pressing a button), when you load an album or playlist and hit "shuffle," it will shuffle everything in the play queue.  For some reason, this feature seems to drive some users into a fit of rage.

Other all-in-one units out there are the Naim Unity Atom and the Hifi Rose RS520, but both are beyond your USD 3k limit.

I have an older Powernode 2 in a second system, and it is a pretty good sounding unit.

+1 dinosore

I have an NAD M10 V2 in my office and it is fabulous!  Very happy with this unit.  This is my first NAD purchase and they are very innovative and seem to be pushing out new products frequently.  One of the best parts about this unit is the size....9" x 9" x 4" high which sounds important to you.

Let us know how you make out.

For <$3K you can find a very capable streamer with CD ripper. 

Innous has a range of streamers at various price points.  I use my Zenith MKII with 2TB drive to stream Qobuz and Tidal, and play my ripped CD collection. 

The Innous Sense app sounds excellent and is easy to use. I have a lifetime Roon subscription, and while Roon has more bells and whistles, Sense SQ is superior. I no longer use Roon in my listening room. I do use Roon, instead of AirPlay, for whole house stereo to wireless speakers throughout my house and backyard.