Streaming questions

You guys are great. So much useful information to consider. My friends, who value sound quality, have been on me for a long time to give up the CDs and start streaming. When I switched from Pandora to Qobuz I started putting together a playlist and realized I was not able to really take advantage of their high resolution recordings. I believe this is going to greatly increase my listening pleasure. Thank you for your help.

At the low end the Bluesound Node is a good buy.

If you have a DAC the Eversolo T8 is a pure streamer, and is first class.  I use this in my "big rig".

The Eversolo DMP  A8 is excellent and includes a DAC, used in my 2nd system; the DMP A6 is a notch down.

The Eversolo devices are incredibly versatile, having codecs for just about every streaming service, and support the use of SSDs internally or connecting to NAS storage.  They also allow ripping CDs if you add a USB connected CD drive.

Also, they support very high res, up to DSD 512.

Given your username I guess that you listen to "classical" music.  The Presto streaming service is outstanding; it is supported by Bluesound and Eversolo, but NOT by most of the other streamers.  They try not to process the files but give you the best quality, the other streaming services often play games with the levels.

Really need to know what your budget is. How much you want to spend?

Lots of really good replies so far.

I’ll toss out another option. Get a $100 Bluetooth receiver from Amazon and connect to your amp. Then just use your smartphone to stream to it. Cheap way of seeing if streaming is really for you. Bluetooth SQ is actually pretty good but not the best. Once you have been brought over to the dark-side, move the Bluetooth receiver to a lesser system, like your garage (exactly what I’ve done and I love it).

BTW: i now use a Cambridge Audio 851N and its great also.

I had Bluesound Node 2i.  Their software was not good.  Qoobuz sounds better and is seamless with several softwares.  It is a very nice jump to move into the nice streamers.  Lumin, Innuous,  Aurender work well with Qobuz.  DAC are too numerous to mention I like USB from streamer. I bought used.  I hear lots about eversolo, wiim but don't know how they compare.  Price difference!

Run ethernet from internet to streamer. This will get you started.  You can add switches or filters later if you like.

A lot of people have asked about my budget. I have no problem with buying used.I have found that people who are serious about a hobby tend to take care of their equipment. I would like to get everything I need to stream with my Rega Elex-R integrated and stay around $1000. Greatly appreciate all of you taking the time to help a newbie.