When I upgraded my system after moving. I ditched the mesh network only and installed an Amplifi HD system (also mesh) fed by an Arris SB8200 high speed modem. But, I ran 50' of quality ethernet cable from my Amplifi HD box to another of the same caliber in my Audio closet. I hardwire my three ethernet capable boxes, and use the Amplifi nodes for extending the network to my shop, and outside. Also enabling Wi-Fi with my streamer and receivers, this all works a treat. Critical streaming hard wired, guests and background wireless. You could grow into this kind of system incrementally. I do think the hardwire provides a narrow margin of improvement over the Wi-Fi. As usual YMMV
Mesh network versus a simple Wi-Fi extender
In anyone’s experience, does implementing a pricier Mesh network yield any sonic advantages to just using a good Wi-Fi extender and running a good Ethernet cable from that? From people who have very good streamer setups it seems like using a simple but good Wi-Fi extender from TP-Link etc. is more than fine. Thoughts?