Will audio streaming devices push out computer audio?

Wireless streaming is the way to go for best chance at best sound with low noise and distortion. Wifi or Bluetooth. Source can be any commercial computer capable of running the software needed if connections to streamers are wireless because there is no inherently noisy electrical connection to the devices actually making the sound.

Any newer device with good quality USB support will likely do quite well also especially if the DAC its connected to is newer as well and does most of the work involved to make the sound like reclocking, etc.

There is no reason to not give whatever you can a try and see how it goes. Chances are you will be pleasantly surprised. Plex software can dliver top notch sound quality and  can be installed and used for free with most home computers. Apps that run on phones tablets or other wireless devices are only $5.

@mapman I respectfully beg to differ. IMHE, and generally agreed upon by wide consensus of many computeraudio-obsessed on CA forums, bluetooth audio isn't a serious competitor and barely deserves consideration in a high fidelity system. Wifi is far better than bluetooth, but although the electrical noise is reduced with wifi, wifi is not immune to wireless interference and it's sound quality rarely equals that of the same routers/NAS etc, when connected via a good quality CAT6 or CAT6A ethernet cable (e.g. Bluejean Cable). I've had a number here who tested this with me and none of us preferred the SQ via wifi vs. ethernet.

Also when you recommend "any commercial computer capable of running the software needed" that advice is broad brush and might help a novice who hasn't tried most of the digital concepts regularly discussed here. However, it isn't really going to help a more experienced audio enthusiast take his digital to near the highest levels available today.
Unless you are talking about HQ Player doing 8x DSD conversion etc., it is rare that any windows or mac o/s computer will be part of a top tier digital rig. I've tried most and other approaches discussed in many other threads take the digital game to as Keegan Michael Key would say  "a whole 'nuther level". Cheers,
Spencer

sbank yes its hard to generalize but my point is I’ve found its easy to get ones foot in the door with good quality digital sound these days, probably better than most have ever had in the past.

Of course its always possible to tweak and improve once you’re in the game.

I use wifi in my main system with no reservations. Have dabbled with newer higher quality bluetooth and see promise there but have not put that to the aid test yet. Soon...

RE: the original post

I just purchased the Bluesound Node 2 and I am very impressed
- neddless to say - my iMac will never be used for music again!

Computers are fraught with software and hardware compatibility issues. Every time a new upgrade or OS version is release the vendors of the playback software are left having to upgrade or re-write.

I lived with the iMac for a few years, but with the Bluesound is in the system - even my wife can use it without fear of crashes or glitches.

I’m a long time computer user, but the Bluesound has made me a convert.

It’s not quite as flexible as the computer, but its easy to use and I can live with the few things it does not do.

Regards...

Looks like the Bluesound Node 2 is a game changer at such an affordable price. 
 Being network capable, you can play directly from your hard drive. Can you then save those files to the Bluesound?