Apple TV Set Up


I would appreciate some advice on my digital streaming issues. 

My system consist of Vandersteen Treo CT, Mimas with DAC, and the older AppleTV Streamer (model A1469). The AppleTV is connected via Ethernet cables. I digitally stream with Tidal from a MacBook Pro via Wifi. The download/upload speed  for my MacBook is about 230/11 Mbps.

The AppleTV has the latest software update. 

Question 1
Every-time I wish to play, I open my MacBookPro, open the "System Preferences", then "Sound", then choose "Apple TV".
Is there a shorter path or can I set up my MacBook differently?

Question 2
My MacBook sometimes looses connection (AppleTV gets disconnected). I then have to manually connect "AppleTV" again. Why does this happen?

thank you all in advance!
kunasan1
I would bet )I'm not sure) that an ordinary college computer science major could write you a script for $30 that would probably fix problem 1 and maybe fix problem 2 (via brute force).
I used an apple TV in the same manner quite a while ago. A dedicated streamer is a much better way to go and will give you a nicer interface as well. Something simple like a Bluesound Node 2i would be a good place to start. 
tvad,
thank you for the detail reply.
My AppleTV is connected to the wall ethernet jack. My Macbook is connected via wifi to the AppleTV - I don't want cables running from my MacBook to AppleTV while I'm on the chair listening 10 feet away. My dog also might not like it! Is there something in my setup that I should do differently that I'm not aware of here?

I have considered getting the Bluesound Node 2i - anyone has a similar setup? Any other streamers that I should consider without going too $$$?

Thanks for all the help from everyone.
If your MacBook is losing connection to your wifi, then it’s a wifi problem that needs to be addressed. Perhaps a good mesh wifi router system. Hardwiring is best, but you state you don’t want extra wires. 

I think the Bluesound is a good suggestion, and worth a try, especially if you can hardwire it like the AppleTV.

I agree with everyone who says the ATV shouldn’t be in the chain at all, but if you wish to keep it there, try downloading the “Home” Apple App and see if that allows you to designate the ATV without having to change it with each usage