Best streamer for a returning audio guy

@twodogs112  - What streaming service(s) do you plan to use? A super inexpensive, but easy to use setup is the WIIM Mini Streamer available on Amazon for $99 (sometimes on sale for $89). I own one and find it super easy to use. It does sound the digital optical output into an external DAC (you have a DAC in your Yamaha AVR), but you can also use analog outputs.

It does native Spotify and Tidal. I think it will do Qobuz, but not in native mode, so it may be a little more complicated.

So, for $89-$99, you can try out streaming to see if you like it, and then upgrade to a higher level streamer that should produce better sound.

If you want to skip over the inexpensive trial hardware, a good first step-up option is the current version of the BlueSound Node.

Good Luck, and Enjoy....

I see many mentions of the BlueSound Node 2i and also mentions that you are using it with an external DAC. I understand that the newest (current) BlueSound Node has improved sound quality from it's internal DAC vs. the previous Node 2i. Can anyone that has compared the previous Node 2i with the new/current Node comment regarding any sound quality improvements they heard with the latest Node? Just curious. I have a DAC in my Rega Saturn-R CD player/DAC/transport that I could use with a new Node, if needed. But I would also be curious to know if the newest Node, using it's internal DAC, would be adequate free-standing for my needs in a second system.

Since HT has been mentioned a couple of times, with regard to Sound Quality, here's a solution. Build your quality 2-channel setup, using either an integrated amp, or seperate amp/pre-amp. If the integrated amp, or separate pre-amp has the HT bypass/processor loop output, you can simply add all of the HT functionality by connecting an HT receiver's front L&R pre-outs to the HT bypass inputs of the integrated amp/pre-amp. Now you have a dedicated 2-channel system without any compromising HT hardware in the mix. When you want to play HT, turn on both the 2-channel system and HT receiver, select the appropriate inputs, and off with go with multi-channel HT.

This type of combo system works like a champ. There is no compromise with the 2-channel sound quality. There may be a slight compromise to HT sound quality performance, based on the HT hardware you use, but you likely won't notice it, or hear a difference. I don't currently have this type of combo system set up, but I have had it on multiple occasions in the past. If I recall correctly, @erik_squires is currently using this type of combo 2-channel/HT setup.