Fairly new to streaming. Where to start?

@uberwaltz,

I think Node 2i or Vault 2 (used) is a safe and logical choice given OP’s $2K budget. Even if he decides to take the same upgrade path as you, he can still use Vault 2 for ripping CD’s. You and I both know CD players are going to be extinct in next few years. I certainly don’t plan on replacing my CD or SACD players once they stop working. My ripped CD’s stored on my Aurender N10 sounds terrific.  

I agree with you on Auralic Lightning app, its probably the most unstable app. 

If you can audition at dealers I would do so.

Try listening to a kit that is below your budget, like a Sonos maybe? Then listen to a kit that is 2x or 4x your budget. Doing so will give you a better idea how digital sounds at different price points.

If you enjoy the sound from your turntable system it is not guaranteed that you will enjoy the sound when streaming digitally as much? Sometimes the difference is minor and other times trying to improve the digital performance can send you down the proverbial rabbit hole. I like the sound from my vinyl station more than my digital system. But the flexibility, variety and ease of use that digital offers is just awesome.

As you move up the ladder for better sound quality the expense becomes out of wack. This is not linear but exponential in a way. Chasing those final percentage points can cost a ton of money. Listening to a variety of systems will train your ears to the sound quality vs dollars equation. Trust your ears and don’t rush this...

Do I need to run a network wire from my router to the Streamer? OR Can it run on wireless? I have good enough signal to stream video. I also have 1-3 GB usb hard drive which I can put near streamer. Can I download necessary files for streamer to a USB hard drive and have streamer read it off hard drive plugged via usb into streamer?

Depending on streamer you might have to run hard wire. For example the Vault2i is hard line for internet only.
A lot of other units are both wired and wireless for internet, Auralic for sure.

Just as matter of habit I have always run hard wire to ensure no dropouts on signal.

Most good streamers can read a USB HDD as well, the vault and Aurender definitely can. Both will allow you to browse the contents of the USB drive just like it was on your computer.

@artemus_5,

Do I need to run a network wire from my router to the Streamer? OR Can it run on wireless? - You can run it wirelessly but hardwired is better as it rejects any RF noise interferences and dropouts. 
Can I download necessary files for streamer to a USB hard drive and have streamer read it off hard drive plugged via usb into streamer? - Yes, that’s what USB input is intended for on a streamer.

+1 innuos
+1 Roon 

make sure your hardware is Roon compatible and factor in the subscriptions for Roon and either Qobuz or Tidal. 

nothing worse than a poorly designed app to manage your music. Roon is just amazing.

Auralic also have a good app and i hear good things from Aurender but that’s not Roon compatible and more expensive.