What differentiates a Pi in a box from an "audiophile" streamer is the user experience; (app - desktop/mobile & (very) nice to haves like named presets and easy to sort playlists), the power supply helps sound Q quite a bit as does the quality of the DAC IC application (a bit like watch movements, not all ETA2824 implementations are created equal, so don't think having the same chip-set will result in good sound, it may or may not).
How much would a used BluSound Node 2i be? Their app is top drawer & you'll use it more as a result. That would be my choice.
I won't bore you with my c.v., streaming (high quality) audio is my work area.
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