Have a Node 2i and a Firestick 4K and I can't tell the difference. Help!

This will be a bit long, but I think it will keep your interest.

1st what I have:

Bedroom- Firestick 4K into an audio extractor(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074HHSJVN?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details) and then into a powered pair of Audioengine 5+ speakers. I also run it thru a small TV thru HDMI so I can see the Amazon music app.

Livingroom- Yamaha RX-V757 AV receiver using Node 2i thru single coax then into Paradigm Atoms and Dayton subwoofer.

 Here's my quandary, both systems to me at least sound very similar, of course the Yamaha with the sub has more low end, but to meat least the powered Audioengine 5+ speakers have much better clarity, and in general a better soundstage. The highs are sparkling and to e the Paradigm's sound rather dull.

 So I did a small experiment, which is only possible because the Firestick is so portable. I took it down and tried it in my living room setup. But heres whats strange after hookup the same tracks which sounded so good in the bedroom, now sounded dull again.

 Could my living room setup just be worn out? I cleaned all the RCA jacks on the receiver with alcohol.Could the speaker wire affect the sound that much ?

Right now I'm asking myself why spend all that money on a Node 2i when a Firestick 4K sounds just as good? Or why not get a second Firestick. Or why not try replacing all my speaker wire and see what sound changes happen.

 I could use some sound  advice thats for sure.