Gents thanks for the suggestions, we've arrived at the rub;
Can there, is there, and if there is, how big can be, the difference between streamers only doing streaming of either cloud based services or local storage files? (Keeping the DAC the same and all else being equal).
I realize some people have said that "bit perfect is bit perfect" but I'm not so quick to accept this. As I said earlier, I notice a significant different on the same system of a new PC running into a Mojo, between the Web version of tidal and the tidal app. Same bit-rate, same presumable settings, the App sounds significantly better.
So above someone wrote that ultimately a good streamer is a stripped-down, purpose built PC and I'm inclined to agree, so I don't care WHY it might sound better, I just care what is out there and how much better can one piece sound than the next. But I have to imagine if my PC system (as an example) would sound better simply adding a line conditioner, or adding one just to the PC, that a streamer's P/S approach would matter....etc. So this is what I'm curious to look into. I'm interested in options for streamers, not changes in DACs as that is a separate matter for a separate day.
So far the interesting suggestions are the Arylic, the Bluesound Node 2i, The Allo, and the Lindeman.
OOC, I wonder how an original Linn Klimax Renew would sound? Can it access Tidal and what bit rates does it support?
Anyway great suggestions by all. Thanks. Also thanks to Strictly Stereo for giving a solid retailers opinion, many thanks.