Office streaming solution?

+1 for the Bluesound Node.
Have had Bluesound kit as part of my desktop setup for a number of years. Originally paired with Audioengine A2 powered speakers. Now paired with KEF LSX active speakers. Use tape monitor switch to switch between PC and Node 2i. You can check out my desktop setup here:
https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9168

What are you streaming? iTunes/Apple Music? Spotify? Tidal? Local files?

I’m streaming itunes, tidal, pandora, tunes radio.

OK, so you stream a bit of everything, including iTunes. Well, I don't believe BlueSound Node 2i supports iTunes/Apple Music. If that is important, you may need to go a different route.

I use an Auris bluMe HD bluetooth receiver in my man cave system. It is a fantastic bluetooth receiver. Check it out directly from the manufacturer's website. It's $119, but they offer 10% if you supply your e-mail address. I love it and use it nearly every day.

Yes, I know I could get somewhat better sound quality with a dedicated streamer and a streaming service that offers high res. But the Auris works great and I can stream anything that I can stream from my iPhone or laptop. Easy, Peasy.

Just an fyi that Bluesound kit does support input via Bluetooth, and Node 2i supports 2 way Bluetooth.

ruebent:" I use an Auris bluMe HD bluetooth receiver in my man cave system."

ruebent,

     Does Auris know you're kissing n telling about what goes on in your man cave?

Tim

@noble100  - They don't care what you do with it after your purchase......

Yes, the Bluesound Node 2i has bluetooth. But it's also 5X times more expensive than the Auris bluMe HD. It's still a good value in a streamer. But in a system that doesn't require high res, like for background music, or casual listening, the $100 Auris bluMe HD might be perfectly sufficient. It works for great for me.

     blume or bluyou in the man cave?  C'mon, you can tell us.

Tim

@noble100  -

 blume or bluyou in the man cave? C'mon, you can tell us.

It's a matter of perspective. Depends on who's doing the talking......

     You guys can still talk while doing that stuff?

Impressive,
   Tim

I use a Matrix Mini-i 3 Pro in a bedroom system. It is a very good DAC for the $800 price. The connectivity options are second to none. They are still working on ROON READY on this unit. It should have been done last month but their other products are ROON READY and this unit will also be ROON READY. 

I am currently streaming my ROON core with a hardwired Ethernet to the DAC and Apple AirPlay2 via my iPhone. Great results and AirPlay2 is ROON READY. Once the Matrix itself is ROON READY I do not need to use Airplay2.

This is my low cost streaming option and it is good. This DAC also has wireless and it works well unit it does not. So I cannot recommend WiFi for this low cost solution.

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/matrix-audio-mini-i-pro-3-third-time-s-a-charm/

Is your Airport Express the first or 2nd generation version? The first gen units were not as stable as the 2nd gen units. I currently have 2 Airport Express units (2nd gen) in separate systems and I have no issues with my iPhone or iPad so I suspect there is a problem with your Airport Express or with your network. My iPhone is the latest SE and my wife's is an XR. They both work fine with our Airport Express units. 

Your least expensive solution is to purchase a 2nd gen Airport Express which goes for between $30 to $50 on eBay.

I don't think a  Bluetooth unit will give you as good a quality as WiFi.

By the way, I auditioned a Bluesound Node2 and found that the Airport Express with any of my external DACs sounded better than the Node2 with its internal DAC. Using my external DACs with the Node2, I could not tell any difference. So the DAC is more important for the best sound quality.

Good to know
Thanks,