Personality

@rvpiano you have vinyl, CDs and streaming. Enjoy all three formats and the feelings triggered by each media. Streaming sounds simply fabulous in my system. I don’t spin CDs as I think it’s kind of pointless as my streaming is superior to CD (sold the transport). I just got back into vinyl. Different sound. It’s cool to be able to throw on a record and chill for 12 minutes before you need to get up and flip it. But it’s fun nonetheless. 

"no worries, after the robots decimate the human population. Whoever is left will go back to physical media."

That's why I have a Victrola. 

To my ears, streamers sound much better and more enjoyable. Surfing online is so fun. YMMV.

Below is all-in-one Bluesound  Powernode amp video in my shop (big room, 32'w x 44'L x 12'h with no acoustic treatment). All-in-ones are so convenient that I'm getting Wiim Amp Ultra to modify. I guess it'll sound better than Bluesound.  Alex/Wavetouch audio

Bluesound powernode 2i, Wavetouch audio

This is a system problem. My first thought was that the Benchmark DAC is on the detailed / analytical side, however, you are hearing it with CD and for the same mastering the bits are the same on streaming. However, I think you are using the USB connection for streaming and SPDIF for the CD player. Meaning the DAC is doing more of the processing. So, perhaps there is a difference between their. Depending on the degree, is it possible the interconnects between the Streamer and DAC. You might play with the interconnect and power cord on the Aurender to see if you can improve the sound. 

Alternatively, perhaps you need to upgrade your streamer. The Aurrender N20 is much better sounding, as well as supporting most connection types. 

As you know my streaming, stored files, CD and vinyl are all at the same level... although there is a lot of variability in vinyl dependent on the pressing number as the stampers wear out.