There are two different approaches. Streamers and Servers/Renderers.
A streamer (Node 2i, Naim ND5 XS 2, etc...) will allow you to control local files and streaming services. I have used a variety of these devices and like the Naim units the very best. You can just use them as "renderers/players" if you have Roon and a separate server or without a separate server and typically rely on their control app.
A Roon Nucleus, Antipodes servers, Rockna Servers, etc... have a powerful computer that runs software like Roon server. This manages your local files and manages will handle Tidal and/or Qobuz.
They can serve a dual mode and also function as a renderer or you can add a second computer to serve as a renderer. This is the approach I take in my systems. The renderer requires a lot less power compared to the server. taking data from the volatile web and making it placid is what the server does very well. The player optimally will take a placid signal and simply get it ready to be decoded by the DAC.
IMO, the best solution is a server (Roon Nucleus is awesome for the money) and an external DAC. If you can get a DAC that is Roon ready, that is better.
Bluesound and Roon are essentially competing software platforms. Roon is pricier but has a very pelasant user experience.
In the end, budget plays a huge role. Separate server, renderer and DAC costs a whole lot more than a streamer.
In order, I would look at the following -
Bluesound Node 2i and a simple external DAC like a Musical Fidelity V90. This would be $850 list and be excellent for the money.
A Cambridge, NAD or Marantz streamer. $1000 to $2000 depending on the model. I am a big fan of the NAD C 658 in this price range at $1650. It's internal DAC is a big step up from the Bluesound Node 2i.
From here, there are a million combos of DACs and servers or units from brands like Antipodes, Naim, etc... I would need to know what sound profile you like and the rest of your equipment to make a good recco along with budget.
Good luck and let me know if I can help.
FYI...I am a dealer for a bunch of brands including Bluesound, NAD, Naim, Roon, Antipodes, etc... I have no affiliation with a bunch of these brands like Marantz and Cambridge which are great products.
A streamer (Node 2i, Naim ND5 XS 2, etc...) will allow you to control local files and streaming services. I have used a variety of these devices and like the Naim units the very best. You can just use them as "renderers/players" if you have Roon and a separate server or without a separate server and typically rely on their control app.
A Roon Nucleus, Antipodes servers, Rockna Servers, etc... have a powerful computer that runs software like Roon server. This manages your local files and manages will handle Tidal and/or Qobuz.
They can serve a dual mode and also function as a renderer or you can add a second computer to serve as a renderer. This is the approach I take in my systems. The renderer requires a lot less power compared to the server. taking data from the volatile web and making it placid is what the server does very well. The player optimally will take a placid signal and simply get it ready to be decoded by the DAC.
IMO, the best solution is a server (Roon Nucleus is awesome for the money) and an external DAC. If you can get a DAC that is Roon ready, that is better.
Bluesound and Roon are essentially competing software platforms. Roon is pricier but has a very pelasant user experience.
In the end, budget plays a huge role. Separate server, renderer and DAC costs a whole lot more than a streamer.
In order, I would look at the following -
Bluesound Node 2i and a simple external DAC like a Musical Fidelity V90. This would be $850 list and be excellent for the money.
A Cambridge, NAD or Marantz streamer. $1000 to $2000 depending on the model. I am a big fan of the NAD C 658 in this price range at $1650. It's internal DAC is a big step up from the Bluesound Node 2i.
From here, there are a million combos of DACs and servers or units from brands like Antipodes, Naim, etc... I would need to know what sound profile you like and the rest of your equipment to make a good recco along with budget.
Good luck and let me know if I can help.
FYI...I am a dealer for a bunch of brands including Bluesound, NAD, Naim, Roon, Antipodes, etc... I have no affiliation with a bunch of these brands like Marantz and Cambridge which are great products.