Here is Hans Beekhuyzen take on why Ethernet switches influence the SQ,
Network optimization for serious streamers
In my ongoing experiments, now going on seven years, with network optimization for streaming I've discovered a number of optimizations that should work with any ethernet ISP.
I've tried a variety of ethernet cables, modems, routers, switches, FMC, ethernet filters, the following is what I've found to be most effective optimizations.
I'll start with ISP quality and speed. Recently I discovered 500mbps to be preferable to 300mbps. Along with upgrade in speed, modem capable of 1gb service replaced 600mbps, both have Broadcom chips and powered by same lps. Can't say which more responsible for improvement, speed or modem, presume speed has at least some role in ping time. As for ISP, there is importance in ISP server geographic location to you, shorter distances means lower ping time. For information as to how ping time affects jitter-https://www.fusionconnect.com/speed-test-plus/ping-jitter-test
Now for modems, modem close to audio system is most favorable, extending coax cable preferable to long ethernet cable. Coax more resistant to rfi and closer positioning to system means one can more easily afford top quality ethernet cable for modem to router connection. The modem should use Broadcom chipset vs. inferior Intel Puma, Broadcom chipset has lower jitter vs the Intel. Modem should be powered via external lps using quality DC and AC cables, lps to power conditioner for ultimate performance.
Following close positioning of modem to audio system, router should also be placed near modem in service of same advantage of making highest quality ethernet cable more affordable, in this case, modem to router and router to switches, streamers and NAS. Router should be powered with lps, this lps should be able to provide more amps than router requires in service of providing greater reliability, having lps with reserves of amperage means lps runs cooler, heat is enemy of reliability, longevity. As with modem, quality dc, ac cables and connection to power conditioner.
The next finding is new to me, provides very meaningful upgrade to streaming sound quality. Noise from wifi, injected both internally to router and externally with routers sitting close to audio systems has long been a concern to me. I have quality Trifield meter which measures rfi, router with operational wifi manufacture obscenely high levels of rfi, rfi is noise, noise is enemy of streaming at level we're talking about here. And its very likely the more wifi devices one has in home the higher the levels of rfi produced. This noise is then injected into following cables and streaming equipment. One may convince themselves FMC totally isolates this noise, and while correct, it doesn't mitigate the noise and masking going on within router. The only way to eliminate this noise is turning off wifi. And then, how to provide wifi for the many wifi devices we have at home? The answer is to connect a second router to the primary router. The primary router will only provide ethernet for streamers, switches and/or NAS in audio system, also for the second router. Second router provides wifi for the home, this scheme keeps vast majority of rfi out of audio system streaming chain. My own measurements find rfi significantly diminished in primary router, more than mulitiples of ten times lower vs wifi enabled. This was seamless install with the Netgear routers I'm using. There may also be value in provisioning higher quality routers. My new primary router, Netgear XR1000 is marketed as a gamer router, claims of lower ping time, latency, jitter vs other routers. Since my old router, Netgear RS7000 didn't have means to monitor ping time I can't provide evidence of this claim. Whatever the case, my XR1000 ping time test measurements are as follows, 25.35ms highest, 16.50ms lowest, this is A+ measurements against objective criteria. Ping time under load is download 25.93ms, upload 37.34ms, idle 17.31ms, this rates as A. My speed of 565gbps rates B grade, likely need 1gb service to get A here. At to how this all pertains to sound quality, adding up the upgrade in ISP speed and the off loading of wifi is without a doubt one of the most substantial, if not most substantial network upgrades I've experienced. While I long considered my setup as having a vanishing low noise floor, with this setup I heard a new level of vanishing if such a thing is possible. Even more astounding was a more analog like presentation, while I wasn't aware of even the slightest digital presentation prior, this upgrade certainly exposed it was indeed there. It seems logical to conclude there has been some lowering of jitter here.
And then we come to the ethernet filter. I suppose audiophile switches can be considered as one, then we have actual filters such as Network Acoustics Muon, my JCAT Net XE and others. I continue to believe these necessary even with the all measures above.
Optical conversion is also valid approach post router. While I found generic FMC somewhat effective, at this point I prefer ethernet. On the other hand I've not yet tried optimizing a fiber solution, for example two Sonore OpticalModules, both powered by lps, further upgraded with Finisar optical transceivers.
Assuming one has high resolving audio and streaming systems the above network optimizations should provide for substantial sound quality improvements. In my system, perception of performers in room has been taken to a new level of intimacy, meaning a more emotional connection to the performers and performance.
At this point, I consider network has been fully optimized, the only upgrade I'm aware of would be ISP upgrade to 1gb.
Showing 16 responses by lalitk
Thanks for sharing your journey. The Melco C100 Ethernet cable appears to offer a unique feature, will keep an eye on users direct experience with this cable. “The opposite (non-grounded) end of the cable features an innovative ‘floating’ shield, which is not attached to the connector plug, meaning unwanted noise cannot transfer to connected audio devices downstream”. I am also anxiously waiting for Telegartner Optical Isolator North America release. I personally prefer Ethernet cable over Optical Fiber so it will be interesting to learn how this device further enhances my listening pleasure :-)
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“Now, how about two box setup, two streamers, first is server only, second streamer only, the above fully optimized setup on both sides of streamer” Above reminds of some of the extreme analog setups, separate TT for stereo and mono recordings or TT with multiple tonearms to accommodate stereo, mono, MM or MC carts :-) You always been an advocate for separate renderer and server, driven by your preference for ROON. For this reason alone, I commend Aurender vision and efforts to develop their very own robust app and hardware that is devoid of all the complexities, challenges and compromises accompanies ROON driven setups. |
I agree, the 16/44.1 resolution on CD or streaming can be just as good as any other high resolution file. I don’t buy the notion that high resolution is always going to sound better. To me, it’s the original master source that matters the most. This is one of the main reason, I am still buying and paying top dollars for CD’s that are mastered from original analog tapes. |
“I even hear there is a newer version of the M12 coming” The newer version dubbed as PREMIUM is purposely redesigned for a more energetic sound over M12 Gold Switch. And then, their newest Telegartner Opt Bridge 1000M with dual DC power supply. I can’t wait to find out what this Bridge brings to the table before my M12 Gold Switch with JCAT Optimo Duo power supply :-) |
“It does things no other ethernet cable I’ve tried can do.” Would you please elaborate on things you’ve heard through Vertere HB? What other ethernet cables you’ve tried in your system? |
I would go with Option 2 - EdisCreations Silent Switch OCXO Extreme version switch and Fiber Box II before your LDMS server. Use a generic LAN cable like LinkUp from Amazon between your wall plate to Fiber Box and then to your switch. I subscribe to everything matters philosophy but in this case the last LAN cable between switch and LDMS matters the most, So check out Network Acoustics Muon Pro LAN cable. If you decided to get both Ediscreation switch and Fiber Box II, I would experiment with placement; wall to switch then fiber box to LDMS or wall to fiber box then switch to LDMS. Here are the links to Ethernet cables,
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No direct experience with Muon Streaming cable yet but I used to own ENO LAN cable in my earlier setup. @grannyring, someone whom I trust and respect; posted his impression about Muon LAN here recently. And Muon Pro LAN comes with 30 days, no questions asked return policy. A system like yours would greatly benefit from an ultra high resolution LAN cable. As far as LinkUp LAN, the only thing cheap about this cable is its price. The build quality is outstanding and the sound is balanced, open and detailed. I couldn’t have picked a better cable for a 15M length from my Infinity 1GB speed modem/router to my Telegartner M12 Switch Gold. Again, use Amazon generous return policy to test drive the LinkUp LAN cable in your system. |
Jerry @carlsbad2 Does your streamer supports 1GB speed? If yes, then you should hear a marked improvement with 1GB Ethernet. |
I vote for 2nd M12 premium…lol! All jokes aside, if you’re using a Muon Pro ahead of MU1, do you think adding a 2nd M12 would further improve performance? I’m also running a 50FT LAN from my Xfinity modem to my M12, then 1.0M JCAT Signature Gold M12 LAN from M12 switch to +player. I’ve been contemplating to add Telegartner OPT BRIDGE 1000M Optical Isolator between my 50FT LAN and M12 Switch and hopefully I’m done with tweaking the Ethernet. |