Looking for intermediate-step Streamer: better than BS Node and not @ Bartok level pricing

I don’t have a fixed budget. Something in the 3-6K region sounds reasonable to me to be a MID-STEP. But again, that is part of the question I am asking. If there is nothing shy of a $10k investment to make the move up...well...that is what I would like to know.

Well, you kinda have a low bar with the Node so yeah, you’ve got a lotta upside potential in your price range. An easy recommendation is the Innuos Pulse that in addition to being an excellent streamer comes with their Sense app that gets very high marks for both usability and sonics, and they also offer top notch customer support should you ever need it. That said, Aurender is likewise excellent although not sure they work with Roon yet if that’s a consideration. I’d start by reading reviews of those two makes, but I think it’s a 100% sure bet you’ll experience a significantly higher level of performance with either. Best of luck.

OP,

Streamers performance generally conforms to the audiophile rule that if you invest two or three times more in a carefully chosen component (meaning great quality and crafted to your sound values) then you get a very sizable increase in performance. So, an Aurender N200 would be a great improvement, a N20 would be better… but probably really held back by your DAC. 
 

My best advise to anyone looking for a better streamer is to get the best Aurender they can afford. That to me is a really safe bet. I have auditioned many other good streamers… most above $5K are good and get better with investment level. There seems to be less difference in character among them like there is in DACs. Streamers provide a quieter background, more dynamics, better imaging, and better bass. DACs do the same but also tip tonal balance and an influence the musicality and natural nature of the sound more.

At the lower end of your stated range the Auralic Aries G1.1 and then invest $500 in the 45 minute DIY Hoer-Wege power supply upgrade.  Going up the Innuos Pulse and at the top of your stated range the newly released Aries G2.2 at $6000.  Also worth a look is the Lumin U2 at $5k.  

If you’re satisfied with your dac I can recommend trying a Lumin U2 Mini (streaming transport). I believe they are running in the $2-2.5K range (used or new). I’m using one in my system and it sounds very nice- no complaints. Others mentioned above are well designed units as well, I just have no experience with them.

Yup Lumin mini. Lot’s of info all over the web. Also Aurender N100SC.