Streaming: WiFi or wired??

I run wireless and have no issues but I also have a good router and strong signal at the location of my streamer. I have a Bluesound Node 2i and a Benchmark DAC 2 HGC. No issues with signal dropping out when streaming Tidal or Qobuz.

I have pulled 2 runs of cat6e from my office-router across the house to my living room (via the attic and walls) for my smart TV and network reciever (Arcam SR250). This was done out of necessity. It was an option to add a run for the streamer but ultimately it was not worth the extra effort as there was no problem to fix. 

Also, it makes no sense to run ethernet cable in your home that is rated higher than the cable used for your incoming service. I got a couple partial boxes of cat6e left over from a commercial jobsite but my service provider ran cat5 into the house. If I was buying the cable, cat5 would have been just fine. Just my two cents.

I only stream, and I've been testing wifi and Ethernet connections at various stages of my stereo build. 

The last components I upgraded were the power supplies for my streamer, modem and router, and the Ethernet cables connecting them. I used the iFi power components because they are the most affordable low noise power supplies I know of ($50 or $100 depending on the amperage requirement of the component).

I added the LNPS's over time, and can say that the sound went from raw to refined when I replaced the streamer PSU. Next I replaced the modem PSU. The difference there was slight, but the sound had added resolution and body. Then replacing the router PSU changed the sound from edgy/fatiguing to relaxed.

So much of this hobby seems to revolve around prioritizing upgrades correctly. Sometimes an upgrade has no affect because of another bottleneck in the system. And only after I resolve the other bottleneck does the first upgrade become meaningful. 

What's your experience, OP?

Using Node 2i on wifi. No problems.
Your mileage may vary depending on router and signal strength

Bluesound wireless code is a trainwreck.  The Node 2i I'm trying out drops off the wifi network every few hours requiring a reboot to show back up.  No issues with any other wifi components on the network.  After conducting some research, this appears to be a long standing problem which Bluesound has failed to fix (among other wifi issues).  If you're getting a Node 2i (which is otherwise a nice fully featured streamer at the pricepoint) expect that you'll need to hook it up wired.

I started off wireless and soon got tired of losing the handshake. Much more satisfying experience running Cat8 from an Ubiquiti switch. I think BluOs is the worst of the three player OSs that I have. In it's favor it auto indexes locall files and it plays any service without requiring plugin.
I just ordered a 4th streamer that looks like a game changer. Maybe August.

WiFi works just fine if your signal strength is good.  For a system the level of using the Kii Three I would look at the Aries G1 or G2 then you have the option.

+1 to @mike_in_nc and @almarg 's posts.

It depends. 

The following thread will be of interest:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/better-sound-with-ethernet-cable

The bottom line to my three lengthy posts in that thread is that I agree with what @mike_in_nc said in his post above.

Regards,
-- Al

There’s nothing compromised about wireless if the signal is strong and you’re not using some kind of lossy compression (mpg, Blutooth). Given that, wired or wireless might be slightly better, depending on the quality of implementation in the particular device.

(This is similar to the question of whether USB or SPDIF is better. The answer is the same: it depends on the implementation.)

Audiophiles tend to make hard-and-fast rules about things that are not all that clear. My hard-and-fast rule is, ignore such rules unless there are real data to back them up. Real data does not mean one or a few guys listening to one or a few pieces of equipment and generalizing from there.

I suggest you use whatever is most convenient for you. Happy listening!

I'm curious about this "wired always best" attitude. What if someone (like me for example) obtains his or her internet wirelessly to begin with. Is my streaming signal already compromised? 

Or would the wired ethernet still be advantageous coming out of my modem as opposed to wireless?

I'm using a Bluenote Node 2 that somebody miracled me wirelessly and it (including its internal DAC) sounds pretty damn good streaming www.kfjc.org or www.archive.org content.

A wired connection will always provide the best connection.  

(1) When possible, do wired.   With few exceptions, in most cases wired will do better than wireless.  
(2) You haven't mentioned a budget.  If this is your entry into streaming, then a Bluesound Node 2i (retails for $550) is a good place to start.          Blu OS is a nice interface.  And it's good value for the money.