My Node 2i has become a rather expensive remote.

I purchased a Gustard X26 a few months back and am happy with it. However, it has become apparent (to me anyway) that the SQ through USB connection is superior to Coax with the Gustard eventhough the USB connection is via Apple camera adaptor from my ipad. The Node 2i connection is coax (Node is connected via ethernet cable from Eero). Becuase of this I find myself using the the ipad vs the Node 2i %80 of the time, hence making the node more or less an expensive remote and expendable except for convience.

So, I'm looking for advice from members on better USB implementation (or i2S if that is a better option). I also want to be able to use apple protuct as remote interface. This technical stuff is new to me so I don't want to spend alot $$ to get started. I figure the camera adaptor is a pretty low bar and I want to make sure I can decern the difference before proceding to spend sigifigant money. Below is what I think is the pertinent info you'll need to help.

*I have Fiber Optic internet (Sonic)with a Adtrans 411 modem and Eero router (Cat 5e from modem, cat 6 from router to node 2i. https://portal.adtran.com/web/page/portal/Adtran/product/1287787F1/4488

* I stream both Qobuz and Tidal. Prefer Qobuz.

*I use the USB cable that came with Gustard from adaptor

*I've tried different Coax cables ( coax was superior to optic) and couldn't decern a difference among them. So at this point I really want to focus on USB or I2S implementation for this discussion.

*advice from router to modem to streamer to cables is all welcome. I don't suspect I can do all with budget limit but priority is always useful.

*Budget is absolute max $1000 and prefer to buy used and keep to $750.

Thank you all in advance!