Wirelessly Connecting an iMac with TIDAL and Audirvana (flac files) to a DAC


I’m trying to figure out the best (and most cost-effective) way to wirelessly connect my Mac to a Cambridge Audio CXA81 which has an onboard DAC.
As my source, I use an iMAC with Audirvana playing flac files as well as Tidal.

Previously I had relied on a wired connection going from my Mac to an older DAC via USB then a long inter-connect going from the DAC to my amp. I’ve now replaced my old amp with a new one (CXA81) that has an onboard DAC and it’ll be located too far across the room for a wired USB connection. I’d rather not use bluetooth since, as far as I understand, even AptX is lossy.

One option is to get a Bluesound Node 2i. However, I’ve read that it does not support UPnP. But it does support Airplay 2. Is there a disadvantage (loss in SQ) to using airplay vs UPnP when listening with Audirvana?
I know I could also get the Cambridge Audio CXN2, but I’d rather not spend another $1K.
Is there a cheaper option than the Bluesound that would still result in good sound quality and allow me to wirelessly connect my Mac to the DAC in my amp?
Thanks for your help (and patience) as I try to figure out how network playing works.


olilama76
Thanks, Erik.  However, I'd like to avoid paying for the Roon subscription. And it still doesn't solve the need to first figure out the hardware solution. 
I know, the subscription fee was a stumbling block for me, but it seamlessly integrates Tidal with all my ripped tracks, plus adds DSP EQ capabilities so in the end I caved.

I use a Pi 4 with Ubuntu Linux ($150 including memory card) to stream via wifi to my USB connected DAC. You could use your Mac as the servers or buy a slightly beefier box than the Pi for this.
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