Best EXTERNAL DAC suggestions

Everything operates off WiFi. No cable.

You can improve your streaming performance by using a Mesh system and running an Ethernet or CAT 7 or 8 cable from a Mesh node to your Node. Many people do this here and report significant improvements over using Wi-Fi. Alternatively you could get a simple Wi-Fi extender like this, plug it in an outlet in your listening room and just run a cable from from it to the Node (but many here seem to prefer Mesh so I’d do that if it’s in budget)…

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Extender-RE700X-Beamforming-Compatible/dp/B09V455KZ2/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=tp+link+ax+wifi+extender&qid=1690123088&s=electronics&sr=1-5&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc

Here’s a CAT8 cable some people here think performs well…

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089N94XXV/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A1EA54VWB150Z7&amp=undefined&th=1

Just one more way to boost your streaming performance that’s not terribly expensive FWIW.

Yes, I went from a wifi extender to Google Mesh and connected it as Soix described. Much more stable, no more audio dropouts. 

Just to be clear, when I recommended adding  a Wi-Fi extender or Mesh system to improve streaming performance I meant that it should meaningfully improve sound quality as well as prevent dropouts.  I neglected to specifically mention that in my prior post so just wanted to clarify. 

Soix, I assumed that's what you meant. I have an upgraded Node feeding a Pontus II and the mesh system really helped stabilze my streaming experience. My wifi signal is average at best. I really couldn't hear a difference in sound, but it is difficult to AB this.  

@ericsch Nice system man! Hey, if you didn’t hear a difference you didn’t hear a difference — end of story.  But it’s great that you have the confidence and ability to honestly trust your own ears — that’s a true gift several here don’t seem to possess, and glad to hear you no longer have to deal with uber-annoying dropouts! That’s huge in and of itself.