Network Switches

@kirkwallace 

No issue whatsoever. 

@rivinyl 

A gentle caution, It’s so easy to over-analyze the Ethernet signal chain. I’ve been down that rabbit hole—switches, filters, cables, clocks… the nth degree of tweaking.

After all that, here’s my takeaway: Less is often more. You’ll get better results focusing on fewer, higher-quality components rather than stacking layers of tweaks. Simplicity when done right, can sound astonishing.

At the end of the day, trust your ears. Stream smart, not cluttered.

Look at the components that offer robust performance and functionality. 

Tweak your existing setup with following, add optical conversion ahead of your streamer / DAC

https://www.beatechnik.com/product-page/lhy-audio-efi

And this to your basic switch, 

https://a.co/d/2rnfJYr

“None of these options would break the bank”
@rivinyl 

If you haven’t already, upgrade the wall-wart power supply of your Trendnet switch, something like the iFi SilentPower iPower2 for a noticeable impact. 

In my experience, LAN silencer-type devices don’t do much. I’d recommend saving that money and putting it toward a Network Acoustics ENO or ENO2 passive filter upstream of your EDM MKII. Those bring genuine gains in clarity and ease without adding artificial smoothness. ENO2 comes with money back guarantee, send it back if you don’t hear noticeable improvement. I might add, around $1K, the ENO is probably the best tweak you can try out. 

BTW, how do you like your EDM MKII?  I am looking for one box solution for my 2nd system…it’s native compatibility with JPLAY app make it even more appealing.

+1, @audphile1 on addressing “room acoustics, component quality and power distribution”

@rivinyl 

IME, LPS are overkill for mass produced network switches and/or router modem. Aforementioned iFI wall wart is more than adequate for them. You would position ENO between your switch or router and ECM. In order words, ENO should be the last device before Ethernet signal enters your ECM. 

And thank you for your feedback and referral on ECM. It does aligns with what I’ve been reading online. 

@toyman 

Thank you for referencing effe-01. The price point makes it a very attractive alternative to conventional fiber optic modules and conversion Ethernet switches + wall wart power supplies. I am using a very similar device albeit a very high price point. 

@audphile1 …please check it out. 
https://www.effe-i.com

“what is the effe - 01”
@rivinyl 

Both ENO and effe -01 offers 30 days money back guarantee. If we’re in your shoes, i would order both and compare them side by side. That’s the only way to know for sure that these devices offers any audible benefits in your system. 

“Network Acoustics products found them to compress dynamics in his system”

@rivinyl 

That was not the case in my system when I tried ENO…it was a definite improvement vs not using any filters. The key here is to try..ENO is now on 2nd generation..ENO2. I don’t think @audphile1 tried their ENO2 (I could be mistaken in assuming that)!  

“why is it people don't reconsider the router?”
@sns 

I can think of few reasons; convenience, no upfront cost and support from their ISP. For most folks, ISP routers simply works so why bother, right? 

Replacing your ISP router can be daunting for most users but for those with revealing digital systems and a commitment to noise management, it can quietly elevate everything. Just like low-level detail, you won’t know what you’re missing until it’s gone. 

@rivinyl 

Try this cable and see whether it brings any audible improvement over your standard cable. 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GCVWRY2?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_TYB58WNP1WXQEYC5CGND

@audphile1 

I don’t think 26awg version better but it definitely much more flexible. The 22awg version as you know is bit stiff.

@fthompson251 

Thanks for mentioning this product. Fiber optic isolation converters in audio applications is gaining traction, especially in digital front-end systems where noise reduction and signal purity are critical. A device like LHY Audio EFI works without stripping away the dynamics since it’s keeping the signal transmission over conventional RJ45 cable. I am using a similar device and it’s indispensable in my system. 

The main reason for lower noise floor is optical conversion, it breaks the electrical continuity eliminating ground loops and EMI/RFI contamination.