Streaming Services

Amazon high rez is the best overall deal.

As many have already suggested, Quobuz is my preferred service.

Also as many have suggested, you will have to dump the Mac as a streamer. Even an entry level BlueSound Node 130 (newest version) will provide a great interface and superior sound quality. Add a quality linear power supply and excellent USB cable and you are set as a starter package. I'm still using this package (with a Denafrips IRIS DDC outputting I2S to Denafrips Pontus II DAC) until I can save up for an Aurender N200 at $6,300

BlueSound Node 130 (latest version) $600

LHY BlueSound Node 130 Linear Power Supply kit $279

High quality USB cable (Supra Excalibur USB cable) eBay seller Zendada is preferred distributor $140

Total $1,019 for a terrific starter steaming setup with a great interface. And you can compare the internal DAC of the Node 130 to your DAC and see what differences you see. I personally use a Denafrips Pontus II, for about $1,850

@rbschauman

KISS. Before ever posting I read for many years. @lalitk knows his stuff and his consise entry recommendations are excellent.

The typical pathway into steaming is from conputer to low end streamer and then to mid to high end gear with cleaned up internet. The pursuit of high end streaming yields sound as good as a fancy cd setup, most turn tables but maybe not a high five to six figure record rig. Many here agree/disagree with this and there’s a trove of previous “discussions” on steaming and vinyl setups. And now DSP’s able to fix room problems too. Thanks Pandora.

Forgot to add. A better steamer into your DAC could be all you’ll ever need
especially if you put some care into your signal via ethernet in. Like power internet signals can be and often are dirty.

I’ve been down this path a few times.  Ended up with Roon (meta data manager and music search engine and catalog, Qobuz,  Bricasti w/ network card and Small Green Computer (dedicated music server).  The SGC solved all my network interrupts and latency issues and offered a great solution for storing and integrating my music collection.  Roon is managed but SGC, Bricasti serves as steamer / renderer.  There are a lot of great DAC’s out there.  You have a wonderful system and I suspect you will take some time to land on the DAC that fulfills your tastes.  Enjoy the journey. Access to all the artists and music available on Qobuz and the ability to search, store build playlists and the convenience will make it all worth while.