Does the quality of the streamer really matter? Here's what I've found: I mostly listen to Qobuz these days. I started with an Auralic Aries ($1599), which sounded great. I eventually upgraded to an Innuos Zen MkIII ($3149) which sounded noticeably greater. If that upgrade made such a difference, I was curious what a further upgrade would sound like. So I recently received the new Innuos Pulsar ($6899), which is akin to a streamlined version of the top-of-the-line Statement. Whoa! Wide, holographic, enveloping, unambiguous soundstage with distinct individual voice and instrumental location and non-fatiguing sound (on good recordings) with remarkably well-controlled and extended bass. No placebo effect there!
Ethernet connection for best sound quality
As far as I'm aware of for streaming audio with tidal hi fi plus ethernet. I need; besides modem and router.
1) A Streamer
2) A ethernet card specifically for audio jcat or matrix if I use my computer
3) Shielded ethernet cat 5 or better cable
So from wall to modem to router to streamer to dac, correct?