Streamer with decent app

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.

Thanks all!  Some great suggestions. 

@dinosore How do the Powernode and the M10 compare?  They both use BluOS I assume so app functionality would be the same.  And for the price difference, I assume the sound quality is better on the M10.  Any other big differences? 

@panzrwagn That Rose RS250 is intriguing. For that price the app better be dang good. :-)

I love Marantz products but why does their streamer have to be so dang big? And I’m not sure about that HEOS app.

I’m really surprised how poor some of the apps are for some of these units. To me, that’s the most important thing (other than SQ).

Edit:  Almost pulled the trigger on the Marantz streamer (because I really like the sound of Marantz)  but haven't seen anything good about HEOS compared to BluOS.