How good is Blue Sound Node 2 in WiFi vs Ethernet connection vs external CD player?

I have the Node 2 and play Tidal via WiFi.  I connect it to the DAC in my Esoteric K-05 SACD player and it sounds very good but not as good as a cd.  I haven't tried it with an ethernet cable.

I think the answer to your question will depend on quality of the CDP you use as a transport. If you are just trying to compare the differences in sound quality between a WiFi connection vs. a hardwired RJ45 with all else being equal, I don't think the differences will be significant assuming you have high speed broadband internet access and your router is not too far from your Node 2. Needless to say, hardwired connection is immune from occasional loss of reception between the streamer and the router. Curious to hear if others have noticed a difference between the two connection methods.

I find myself not understanding the OP.  The Node 2 has a built in DAC.  It's ok but nothing special.  If the Node is connected to your pre amp by the analog connects that is the DAC that you will hear.  If you connect it digitally to an an external DAC then the external DAC will be heard.  Which is better?  Devil is in the details.  If you have a stupendous external DAC, I would respectfully suggest using it.  If Said external DAC is a $39 Wal-Mart special, use the Node.  When in doubt, listen yourself and see which you prefer.
   Wired vs Wi Fi?  The manufacturer suggests wired.  That's what I use.  My wi Fi set up is somewhat dodgy, thanks to the incompetent folks at AT&T.

I find myself not understanding the OP.  The Node 2 has a built in DAC.  It's ok but nothing special.  If the Node is connected to your pre amp by the analog connects that is the DAC that you will hear.  If you connect it digitally to an an external DAC then the external DAC will be heard.  Which is better?  Devil is in the details.  If you have a stupendous external DAC, I would respectfully suggest using it.  If Said external DAC is a $39 Wal-Mart special, use the Node.  When in doubt, listen yourself and see which you prefer.
   Wired vs Wi Fi?  The manufacturer suggests wired.  That's what I use.  My wi Fi set up is somewhat dodgy, thanks to the incompetent folks at AT&T.

I find myself asking the same question regarding the Node, or any streamer for that matter. If you already have a decent DAC that you're satisfied with, why would a Node be better than an Apple TV or Airport Express, or any cheap streamer (Roku, etc).

Surprisingly, there's almost zero information out there that compares, say an Apple Airport Express to Node 2 purely on the basis of streaming capabilities.

I looked at ways to integrate Tidal/Roon into my system for some time after also looking at the Node 2 and others I ended up buying one of these Ausus  VivoPC VM42 (or one of the many versions they have) multiple USB ports an Optical out to go to your DAC (or the USB for that mater if you need DSD) I find its great as a stand alone music server I can plug my external hard drives or NAS into I  can stream from WIFI or a wired connection. I added a wireless keyboard/ track pad combo to act like a remote ( the pc's come with wired keyboard and mouse) and pluged it via the HDMI out to my TV (could use a really small monitor as well). all said it gives me the flexibility of a PC but since I'm using it as a dedicated streamer and NAS it sounds really good and is dead quiet. all told less the $500 Canadian.

As @mahler123 stated .. the devil is in the details. I use the WIFI connection and find the sound quality is superb with Tidal and my own uncompressed FLAC library. Yes, I have a pretty robust internet connection and a good router. Rarely a hiccup. 

@arafiq  .. it's like any other component really (i.e., you can spend $20 or $20,000 on an amp, preamp, DAC, etc.). For me, the Node 2 ticked all of the boxes when I was looking for a streamer. The Aries Mini was a close 2nd. Bluesound's broad focus is to be a whole-house hi-res solution. Their products work great alone and grouped/synced together. I also have a Pulse Flex in my bedroom and will likely purchase another at some point. Would someone else be happy with an ATV or a Chromecast Audio? Absolutely. BTW, I have 2 Apple TV's and the Node 2 is much better to my ears. FWIW, I've used the Node 2 with it's on-board DAC, my Chord Qute EX, and my Schiit Bifrost Multibit.

I purchased the Node 2 not as a stand alone, but as part of the whole house Bluesound system.  Arafiq  asks a good question .  I would point out that Apple is discontinuing Airport Express.  I have a second generation ATV and have tried using it as a digital transport but It sounded muffled in comparison to the Node; perhaps the current ATV  is better sonically.  
  The Node2 DAC is really pretty good,, considering the entire component sells for $500

@wtf  Assuming that you've done an A/B comparison between Apple TV and Node 2 in the same system, what aspects of the sound improved with the Node? There are not too many people who have used both the ATV and Node in the same system, so I'd be very curious to learn about your experience.

@arafiq .. the Node 2 is more refined and nuanced with a better sound all around really. Apple TV’s resample everything to 16/48 which may be the reason they sound as though something is missing in comparison. Perfectly good for streaming Apple Music though.

@wtf  Sorry just saw your reply. I guess I should just get one and try it out. Magnolia Design Center carries this brand, so I can always return it if not completely satisfied.

On a secondary thought, I wish someone can build a quality streamer without an internal DAC. I bet the price of the Node would be half if it were not for the built-in DAC.

Thanks for the feedback.

@arafiq .. well, the Sonore microRendu has the computer audio geeks all gaga and is reported to be the "best" out there if you can live with the ethernet-input/USB-output. Wasn't a good option for me (I use wifi with the Node 2) and the price is higher even without an on-board DAC. 

http://www.sonore.us/microRendu.html
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=142426.0