bits is bits

Retired IT here too. Started working with network packets from banks and retail back in the 80's. Totally agree with your conclusion. And the amount of jitter in today's DACs is consistently shown to be far below the level of human audibility.

Bit's are bits and some sound like chit, so I guess bit's are bits. 

It's important to have a sufficiently resolving system before the difference in streaming sources becomes obvious. 

@nogaps 

+ 1

I’m an old guy with lots of recorded music. And streaming has increased the enjoyment of music tenfold. The ability,  on the fly explorer all sorts of new music, or old music, is just incredible. iI’s much easier to use a streamer and have access to millions of albums.

@grunge1000 The question should be, why don't identical files sound the same?  What you're saying is technically correct, but not in practical application.  The files alone don't produce/make or project actual music that is audible to your ears through your audio system.  It's just a file that's just sitting there.  It's the implementation of the file that makes it sound different sourced through various different sources, Streaming services, etc., who do not use identical equipment, engineering to covert the file into audible music.   Consider a CD a music file.  Play the same CD through 10 different CD players, or sources, and you'll get a different sound from the same CD just about every time.  Happy listening.