Solo streamer

Thanks for the tips.  I’m reconsidering.

Complicating the issue is that I’m now liking  my current streamer and don’t know how much better the Aurender will be.

We’ll see!

You’ll know when you hear it. Give the N200 at least 10 days to settle by running it 24/7 (just set the queue to repeat all tracks). Don’t jump to conclusions too early. 
The included USB cable is actually not terrible so if you don’t have a good USB on hand, I wouldn’t hesitate and use the “stock” cable. 
 

I used powerline adapters for a few years and don’t recommend going that route.  I ultimately bit the bullet and paid someone to Ethernet wire the home ( and simultaneously install an antenna for OTA TV signals, as both of these required going deep in my attic and was beyond my physical abilities to do so).

  Coincidentally I had to interrupt the Ethernet connection for one of my VXN streamers and go WiFi (I was painting where the room where the Ethernet comes out of a wall).  I thought that the WiFi connection was a tick sonically below the wired connection.

  The OP was prepared to spend a chunk on a new streamer, I think in the 8 K range.  For a fraction of that he can pay for a first class Ethernet setup.  I think that it will make his current streamer a bit better, and if he ever decides that he really needs a component that requires hardwire, he is all set to go

When you upgrade it is nice to leave a little 'upside buffer'.  The N200 gives him this.  If he CHOOSES to upgrade the DAC one day, at least the streamer will be ready.  And to many ears, the N200 does sound better than the N150.  So leave the man alone.  Enjoy @rvpiano!