Let's talk about SOTM SMS-200 ULTRA

[audiophile911]

Please forgive me if this is a dumb question but is it possible to connect the sms200 directly to a computer (mac mini in my case which runs my roon core) via ethernet and eliminate the need for a router altogether?  Is there a downside to this?  Alternatively, I would need to place a wireless router in the room and run ethernet from that to the sotm.

[audiophile911]

I could also put an Apple airport express on the audio rack and connect that to my wireless network and the SMS-200 via Ethernet. (Wireless access point).  Is there a sonic downside to connecting wirelessly?