Ayre QX-5 Twenty steaming performance

Im not sure this addresses your question.  I run Roon core on a Mac Mini that sends files via ethernet to an Ayre QX-5 Twenty.  In addition to rips and downloads, I stream Qobuz and Tidal.  The audio chain includes Ayre KX-5/VX-5 Twenty preamp/amp driving KEF Ref 1s supplemented by a pair of Velodyne HGS-10s with SMS-1 bass management.  The sound quality is superb.  Files sent to the asynchronous USB port of an Ayre DX-5 DSD sound nearly as good.

I’m skeptical of rossb’s claim, but John Atkinson’s review of the QX-5 Twenty for Stereophile did suggest it’s sound improved when paired with a KX-5 Twenty.  Ayre gear always seems to sound best in a balanced setup, and I've only heard mine with that pairing.

My skepticism fades away.  

I use ethernet directly to my QX-5 Twenty, but I bought a microRendu to use between a Mini that tuns Roon 24/7 and an Ayre Codex.  It hasn't been shipped yet.  I hope Roon doesn't have a problem finding it as an endpoint.

I currently connect ethernet directly to my Ayre QX-5 Twenty.  Would inserting a Senore microRendu for USB connection add any value?

I'm not sure what I was imagining in my previous post re inserting a microRendu.  I don't hear any noise with ethernet directly to the QX-5/20, and the sound is superb.

db