Do different streamers really sound different when using an external DAC

I never even put my Node 2i on WiFi. Ethernet only. I agree, much better.

@alvinnir2, 
"There is no question that a better external DAC improves on the internal DAC of the Node 2i.  

Seems like the streamer also is key but perhaps not as significant.YMMV!"

I think you hit the nail on the head there. But IME, you don't need to spend a ton to get a better sounding streamer than the Node 2i. Have you read about the Sonore microRendu? It's very flexible and reliable, with regular firmware upgrades. One key aspect of the SQ with a streamer is the power supply. microRendu can be used with an inexpensive iFi that's great on a tight budget or something better when cost allows such as Uptone, Sbooster, Paul Hynes or Sonore's own. The 2part review by Chris Connaker does a great job explaining the pros & cons in detail. 
I've compared it alongside a number of listeners against many streamers that cost thousands and the microRendu always held its own or better. One caution, this all assumes you are streaming from a service or have your own library on a NAS. There's no internal storage, which while debatable for some, IMHO is an advantage, especially if you have a large library and are on a budget. Cheers,
Spencer

@sbank 

Thanks for that Spencer. Interesting to read about the Sonore. Unfortunately not a solution for me as my new DAC does not have a USB input and I really LOVE this DAC. The first thing I will do is switch to an ethernet connection, easy to implement. Then moving up the streamer food chain would be a good move I suspect, something like an Auralic streamer perhaps. Certainly open to suggestions in that area, but want to avoid products that have a buggy or unfriendly control app. The control app is one of the nice things about the Node 2i.

Anyone have experience with using the USB input as a sole method of accessing music files on the Node 2i, as opposed to NAS. In the past not really a viable option with traditional hard drives but with the price of SSDs now might be worth considering.

@alvinnir2, one thing to keep in mind when researching various streamers is that many (maybe most) aren't tied to one control app like the Blu and Aurelic, which both are known for pretty nice apps. Look for references to DLNA, UPnP and/or Open Home renderers in streamers. This will tell you that they're compatible with any control app of that type. For example, I used the Lumin app mostly. Linn Kazoo, 8player, Audionet and others can be used with many, many streamers. 

This more open nature was a deciding factor for me years ago when I chose my Sonore over an Aurelic. I didn't want to get tied in with software dependent on a relatively small company that's mainly a hardware manufacturer. Now that Aurelic's newer models are Roon Ready I'd be far less concerned, since Roon has >100K subscribers and agreements with a huge number of hardware manufacturers. With Roon doing the software, I enjoy a better experience and have a much higher level of confidence that my gear will soon be obsolete in that regard.

Cheers,
Spencer

@sbank ,
Great point!
I ended up with Innuous-mostly because I can run two systems simultaneously- something most streamers don't offer.
But, being able to use either Squeezebox or Roon is a plus.
Though I hate paying for software, I think I am going with Roon as it has a nice interface. Squeezebox seems a little rough around the edges, but what do you expect for a $5 software program?
Bob