STREAMER - WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?

To the OP: I also apologize for @soix’s lack of humor too.  Apparently I’m to blame for that as well, lol!

I’ve got a great sense of humor, but there’s nothing funny about recommending a $2k streamer to someone with a $20k DAC — it’s tragic and sad, and no one here save you would even consider such a thing.  If you wanna do something insane like that fine, but I’ll be damned if I’ll sit idly by while you try to pervert someone else into making that mistake.  I find nothing funny in that whatsoever. 

Look, we’ve disagreed about this for about 2 years.  I provide science, analysis, measurements, other users’ experience, and my own 20 years of streaming experience as support for my views.  You launch poorly reasoned, ad hominem attacks.  I appreciate your fervent mission to convince others of the need to spend more.  May peace be with you (though you really do remind me of my crazy ex, lol!)

I am an old timer that like you concentrated on my vinyl setup for many years.  A few years ago after trying streaming I finelysold my turntable and records and began concentrating on streaming.  I started with a Node and some other lower priced streamers including Aurender and Innuos gradually moving up to their pricier units.  I can tell you from personal experience that there is a difference in streamer sound quality.  I can also assure you that with your DAC and other fine equipment you will hear the difference.

One more thought.  What ever you decide on make sure the manufacturer has good tech support.  Both Innuos and Aurender do,which I can attest to. Many of the other names mentioned do not.

Bat  is not known for good digital ,  ever solo is a entry level streamer ,

innuos and others has nice streamers 

start from the router,get rid of garbage wall wart, put in a Linear power supply 

then a decent Ethernet hub, quality Ethernet cables ,best one  at end  point