Modem performance and modem selection.

Do you mean a cable modem like from Motorola, or do you mean a streamer??

If you mean a cable modem, not sure there’s any difference other than speed and reliability but I have two suggestions:

Use a cable TV isolator in front of the modem. This will prevent ground loops between your gear and the cable tv entrance.


https://amzn.to/2ZxeXOz

Put all your networking/routing gear outside of your "clean power zone."


Use a separate power strip if necessary.

" use a cable tv isolator in front of the modem. this will prevent ground loops between your gear and the cable tv entrance "

you are suggesting the OP get something that he might not even need.

something like this could also cause issues with the return path.

Yes I did mean a cable modem.  Thank you for the responses.  However, with these responses being in conflict with each other...I am not sure which way to go.  I will keep the Cable modem outside of the clean power zone.  Thank you again.

jeff

you are suggesting the OP get something that he might not even need.

True, but so many ground loop issues end up being related to the incoming coax. I’m unusually concerned because I’ve seen a number of charts suggesting that ground loops can occur with digital devices, causing jitter instead of hum, so it’s a tweak I like for myself and recommend.

something like this could also cause issues with the return path.

What??  If you mean power ground return path, there shouldn't be any through delicate signal wire. That's an invitation for a fire. 100% of a power fault's path to ground should be dealt with by ground wiring in the AC cables.

When I mentioned the return path, I was referring to the cable return .
Often pieces will allow signal in but will not let things out and will cause issues that the customer would not be aware of UNLESS he has the proper tools to troubleshoot.   

These ground loop coax isolators are pretty smiple. Either a transformer or capacitor.

So long as the bandwidth is correct, they are bidirectional.

I use a Jensen VRD-1FF isolator at the input of my cable modem.  I don't remember what the symptoms were which prompted me to purchase it, as it was many years ago.  But whatever the issue was, the isolator resolved it, with no downside other than the cost.

Regards,
-- Al

“ So long as the bandwidth is correct, they are bidirectional. “

Erik, I was a cable tech for 16 yrs and things that I didn’t think would cause issues such as multi plugs that customers would buy ended up being why a trouble call was created.     As I said before, a customer would not know that there is a issue as to them everything is running fine, but when the tech / maintenance shows up at their door they will wonder why.      I have seen this countless times.

another thing that this could cause would be noise on the plant and if there is enough noise on the plant, you can actually slow everyone’s internet down to a crawl or you can create an outage and shut a whole node down.    Again, I have seen this happen and the customer is unaware that they caused this.

Sadly, by the time the signal reaches the DAC it’s too late. The damage has already been done. All the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty 🥚 together again. 😥

How much does a modem impact sound performance when streaming high resolution music and or video via Ethernet connection?

Not at all. See: buffer.

“None at all.  See: buffer”. I am somewhat in the dark when you mention buffer.  I did a search on “buffer” and found numerous discussions.  Most talked about using an active buffer in the chain.  Is that what you are referring to?  If so, what brand/model do you recommend?  If not, can you help me understand what you mean by “buffer”.  Thank you 

Streaming is not a very good alternative to CD transports, sound wise, I understand. 

The output of your cable modem is likely ethernet, so isolated at some level. The power supply would also likely be an isolated 2 prong class-2 supply. Not perfect, but pretty good.

Modem - Router - Some audio equipment. To Miller’s point, all buffered, so you are either getting it, or not, and it will be bit perfect (which the CD may not be .. but likely is).

Thank you all for the help...If there are any other comments they will be greatly appreciated By J.

Comment on Ethernet Cable directionality. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: Are you out of mind?

from AudioQuest page on Ethernet Cable (Diamond),

RJ/E Diamond prepared Cat 7 Ethernet cables use solid 100% Perfect-Surface Silver conductors, which completely eliminate strand interaction, one of the biggest sources of distortion in cables, for clearer, more dynamic and involving sound. Superior conductor metals minimize distortion by having fewer grain boundaries and less impurities (such as oxides) at those boundaries. Solid High-Density Polyethylene (PE) insulation helps maintain critical signal-pair geometry. Of course all AudioQuest Ethernet cables honor the directionality inherent in all analog and digital audio cables; arrows on the jackets indicate the direction (from source to destination) for the best audio performance.

Steakster, I would like to get your input on choosing the proper LPS for my setup.  What would be the best way to accomplish that?  Relaying all of my equipment and how it is setup will be cumbersome using this format.  Let me know what information is needed and I will be happy to supply that.....Thank you.

Geoffkait, I am not sure what prompted your comment on that specific cable...However, it just so happens that i do have/use AQ Diamond Ethernet cables.

I'm using an Uptone Audio JS-2 with both rails set at 12v to power the modem and router. I'm contemplating upgrading to a Mojo Audio Illuminati v3. 

Thank all of you for!input on this subject.  Based on a recommendation from Steakster,  I did some research on all of my wall wart power connections.  The idea was to find an LPS that would match up well to the wall wart power sources. Based on my research, I chose the Audioquest Niagara 1200 LPS.  That should arrive next week. Can’t wait to get it hooked up and listen!  Comments are still welcomed.  Again thank You.

JW

@jworth The Audioquest Niagra 1200 is a power conditioner and not a linear power supply. There's a big difference between the two. The Niagra cannot replace the wall warts. 

My understanding was that the wall warts plug into the power conditioner and has the same type of impact the the LPS would have?  Thank you for the feedback!

+1 @c_avila1 A LPS and a power conditioner do different things. It is common for a LPS to be plugged into a power conditioner. Acquiring the Niagra 1200 is probably a good thing. But, the wall wart is still the weak link in the chain. It should be replaced with a LPS.

Ok, I understand your point about the wall warts being the weak link.  I spoke with Chords North American Distributor.  I have two key pieces from Chord, the Hugo TT2 DAC and the M Scaler. They were adamant about not replacing their wall wart with a LPS.  I am not sure why... Their response was that the entire power system was designed to be what it is and any change will have a negative impact on performance.  Any advice?

I would listen to Chord. I've  talked to the manufacturer of my dac and they said to use what comes with it not to mess with these aftermarket suppliers of cords it's a waste of time and money. 

Fair enough, the LPS for modem.  You are correct.  Thanks again

Steakster, here Is the information for the modem wall wart:

model....   2ABS060K-1 NA. (Netgear)
input...  100-120V  50/60Hz. 1.7A
outup...  19.0V  3.16A

Can you give me a LPS suggestion with this information?  Thank you for all of the guidance.  The LPS should be plugged into the AQ Niagra 1200?



JW

Click here to view an LPS listing.

There is a small display that will show the voltage value. You can use electrical tape to cover it if you prefer not to see it. 

Thank you!  I will be ordering this LPS.