I can't pretend that I fully understand all the variables, so you might have different results, but I tried the following: direct connection to the router; connection to the router via a Cisco ethernet switch powered by a linear power supply; and finally WiFi connection using the 5G band as described - the latter setup definitely sounded consistently better to my ears, but as this allowed me to have the router and accompanying paraphernalia sited elsewhere, this may have been a factor - I didn't really expect this result, and did go to a fair amount of trouble to optimise the ethernet connection - I even acquired some Supra ethernet cable for the final link to the Auralic, which did make an audible improvement, but ultimately found wireless connection to be preferable - YMMV as ever...That's interesting to hear. Aurslic charge £100 for the internal hard drive kit (no hd included) which is just ridiculous considering similar hd installation kits can be had for £5! Save myself some money and go with external then!
Did you compare an ethernet connection against wifi - with having the router so close by i was going to connect with ethernet as I believe this to be better than wifi. I have a dual band router so could do similar but my experience sways me to want to use ethernet over wifi.
MH