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Ethernet cable vs wifi for high definition audio streaming

AudiogoN community,

I would like your wisdom on the following:

Looking to connect either a Peachtree Nova 500 (once wifi has been added per the upcoming upgrade) or the NAD M12 with MDC Bluos 2i card to my router for hd streaming audio.  My router is in the basement and I have a 50 foot ethernet cable going from it to my HDTV.  Is there a preferred approach for connecting the audio system to the router (either wifi or ethernet cable)?  I have seen posts saying one is better than the other and visa versa.

If the ethernet cable approach is needed, that eliminates the Peachtree option since it doesn't have this connection.

If ethernet cable is the way to go, do I need to run a separate cable from my router to the audio system, or can I use the one going to the HDTV? 

If using the ethernet cable to the HDTV is an option, I have read in one place that an ethernet switch is better than a hub or splitter.  I would also like to know if this is correct if I desire to split a signal to both the TV and audio system.

Appreciate your thoughts on these questions.
michiganbuckeye
3 responses Add your response
tecknik
483 posts
 
Fiber optical is a better option and cheaper then a high end ethernet cable especially for longer distances. 

Computer-audiophile site goes into great detail how to properly implement fiber optical.
yyzsantabarbara
4,811 posts
 
One highly regarded streaming maker, Aurelic, has optimized their streamer for WIFI. I believe they think the Ethernet wire is noisy so they have optimized the WIFI receptor in their device such that WIFI should be the first option. I do not think any other manufacturer recommends WIFI as the best option.

I have a Peachtree Nova 150 and I am interested in seeing how the new WIFI module is implemented. WIFI has issues with dropouts, speed, and reliability, but mine is rock solid so I will investigate the Peachtree WIFI. Maybe they have optimized it for this purpose like Aurelic.

I have posted some info on Fiber Optical cable as maybe a better option than wired Ethernet for audio. The thread is called NETWORK SWITCH.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,769 posts
 
If you can run on ethernet, make sure you're using a gigabit router. While a direct run is preferable, you can insert a gigabit network switch (not a hub) to "split" the data.
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