Diagnosing a streaming failure

The issue is the Qutest USB interface is not agreeing with the cardas cable. I had this problem twice with my Bricasti DAC. Once with Audience FrontRow USB, once with Stealth. If you bought Cardas USB new, give them a call and see if they can swap it. I bet if you pause the stream, pull the usb out of aurender and re-insert it you will restore it back to working order. 
I’ll also add that Qutest, as well as TT2, are very sensitive to USB cables. Both require periodic reboot. 

Usually stock USB from Aurender (came with my N200) works 100%. Or any standard usb

For skipping songs issue try clearing cache but I don’t exclude the possibility that usb is impacting that as well

@signaforce you may check if devices and cables are compliant with USB org., starting here: https://www.usb.org/cable_connector

Good suggestion from @audphile1 to check the USB cable.

@soix Internet speed should not be an issue. 1Gb fiber, Ethernet connected. Speed checks are good. I did clear the cashe. Thanks!

@cleeds Ethernet connected to main router. Thanks!

@audphile1 That makes sense. I did buy the Cardas new, but prefer to keep it as it warmed things up nicely over my XLO ultra plus… unless this problem will introduce distortion. Thanks!

@soix @audphile1 While I have you SME’s quick question on my previous post. What do you think about the Mojo Audio Mystique SE DAC for my system. It is available on TMR, great reviews, perfect form factor, good price. Thanks!

@signaforce I may have not been clear about what I proposed to do with Cardas. I was talking about having them exchange this cable for the same model but one that doesn’t exhibit this issue. It’s a defective USB. Talk to them. They should send a replacement. 
As to your DAC question…I really don’t know much about Mojo Audio. But…TMR has a return policy. I would recommend calling them. I normally work with Ryan there. He’s knowledgeable and will explain the sound characteristics as well as their return policy.