I don't respond often because I don't have experience with alot of the questions asked but this one I do. I have used a node 2i, wiim mini ,wiim pro and wiim ultra. Recently I started experimenting with running my streaming front end with batteries.This has made the largest improvement to my system in terms of electronics that I have done in years. Only extensive acoustic treatment has done more to influence the sound. I run a tp - link A 750 router with a LHY 5v rechargeable linear battery supply , a 6 inch Ethernet cable to a blue sound nano also running on a LHY 5v rechargeable linear battery supply . From the node nano, a 6 inch USB cable into a singxer su6 ( eventually this will run on battery as well) and then 10 inch i2s cable into a PS audio direct stream DAC. This setup ( not including the DAC) was completed for less than $1000. The node nano I got during Amazon prime day for $275, everything else was on eBay either auction or for sale. From my experience, the best sounding inexpensive streamer is the nano/battery combination. If you are patient it will cost $400-$450. The rest of my system components are Plinius preamp or a hand built 6sn7 preamp (depending on mood) into a CODA continuum 8 to Arial Acoustic 10T.
Battery supply front end isn't for everyone but I am sticking with this form of isolation for the foreseeable future because, for me, it has worked better than all the other switch/filter combinations I have tried. All of the information about this kind of setup was extensively covered in a resent thread on this forum earlier this year. Have fun experimenting, it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Cheers!

