Any advantage to Bluesound Node 2i Versus Streaming from PC


I'm trying a loaner Bluesound Node 2i streamer which salesperson said will sound better than streaming from my PC.  I doubted this since both are just feeding a digital signal to my Amp.  It's just zeros and ones right?   I have the Bluesound connected with a decent (not high end) digital coaxial cable to my Lyngdorf 3400.  The PC is connected with a cheap USB cable to the same Lyngdorf.  The sensitivity of both inputs is set to 0dB.  The bluesound is set to fixed volume and the PC volume is set to max.  I am playing Tidal through both input devices.  I am trying to discern if there is any difference in sound quality.  When played through the amp the bluesound volume is a whole lot louder than the PC.  I have not found a way to level match the two inputs for comparison.  The bluesound sounds good and is a lot louder per any particular volume setting on the amp.  Does this mean the Bluesound is sending a better signal to the amp?  Is the  coaxial cable a better medium to transmit the  audio signal?  Is this the reason it's louder?  Could the Tidal feed through Bluesound be better than the Tidal Desktop app on my PC?  I need some help as I have to decide by Saturday whether to keep the Bluesound or return it. Other than sound quality there are only minor advantages to owning the Bluesound which don't warrant the purchase.  My amp has a built in streamer but no built in Tidal (which is the reason I'm using the PC.)
128x128ppack
yes level matching is critical in any A vs B comparison

and yes the node will sound better supplying the digital stream than your pc

search on internet or youtube for ample number of explanations of why this is so
I’m wondering the exact same thing!

I store about 4TB on external drive which I play through iTunes on Airplay. I have an extra airport that is connected to my DAC via an Audioquest Forest mini Toslink to Toslink cable.

I read the things like Spotify Connect stream higher bitrate, so that (along with the other services) would be my reason for trying the Bluenote. But, does anyone know if SQ is really any better for the hi-res files I play through iTunes?
I have a Vault 2i... it sounds great via coax to my DAC....  Sometimes I will mirror my PC to my TV and run Qobuz on the computer .  I honestly can't tell the difference as it sounds great via the Vault or USB from the PC.   The coax is a decent quality cable , the USB cable is generic....   both sound awesome .
Thanks.  Also wondering if upgrading my USB cable may help in my system.  Currently using a generic bundled printer cable.  Would something like audio quest Forest be worthwhile investment.  Many claim noticeable improvement over generic cable.
If you can't level match you're not getting a true comparison. If you have a SPL meter listen to them both at the same dB in your listening position. I imagine the only reason the Node sounds better is it's louder. My guess is it's louder simply because of the software differences.