Streamer Value Question Innous vs Bluesound

Thanks for all the tips and expertise. So the streamer does in fact
have an audible impact on SQ as most other components?

mahler-I do intend to covert my few cds to files besides streaming with a
hirez source. Tidal, Qobuz or Amazon. Undecided yet. I may choose
the service with a real support department as opposed to a member
forum.

Would it be difficult to keep a copy of all my downloaded music
on a separate drive for security? Like a thumb drive? I understand
they hold a lot more nowadays.

highpeak-what is a nuc?

mgrif- which streamer did you buy?

Is the Lumin line of streamers a better value than Innuos?

Thanks!

Happy 4th!

NUC small form factor PC
if you go the Roon route you will need something to host the core.
https://www.intel.co.uk/content/www/uk/en/products/boards-kits/nuc.html

Just read a rather poor performance review on ASR for the Bluesound.
I think I need to continue shopping for a better $1,000 solution.

Start with a Zen Mini Mklll and upgrade the DAC and power supply as funds allow.  

Chorus,

I have three streamers in different systems and have been able to do direct comparisons of each.  I have the Bluesound Node 2i, and Aurender N100H, and and Auralic Aries G2.  The Aurender is audibly  better than the Node 2i and the G2 is audibly better than the Aurender.  They are priced accordingly as well.  There are other users in these forums who have gone much farther upstream in performance (and price) than I have and report additional gains in performance.  And, having read their various posts on these forums, it would appear there’s general agreement that that the server/streamer is at least as important as the DAC.  Happy shopping and let us know what you decide.