New DAC or New Streamer?

I have read arguments suggesting Roon is unnecessarily burdensome on processors. I really don’t know enough to have an opinion one way or the other. I do know the Sense program is far less demanding and with each update sounds better and better. Innuos keeps adding features while improving sound quality. I understand they are working on offering a Roon Radio type of feature. I hope soon. 

It is true most off the shelf streamers use relatively less powerful processors for their lower inherent noise propagation, takes greater mitigation efforts to keep noise at a minimum with the higher power processors.

Roon dsp is pretty awful, HQPlayer plays at much higher level, still in process of determining a final analysis of it's ability to sound as natural as my particular Roon setup.  Thus far does excel on resolving powers, but does sound a bit artificial to me at least with PCM over and up sampling. HIgh DSD sampling rates are reportedly the way to go, will try that in time.

I'm also in camp of desiring analog/top flight vinyl sound quality with my digital. Just spent a tidy pile of money in order to bring my vinyl SQ up to the digital.

In the end I think we can all agree many paths to wonderful streaming SQ. If I were to go to off the shelf, Taiko, Wadax, Aurender W20SE, perhaps Antipodes K series or Innuous Statement would be at top of my list. With two machine setup, dedicated server/streamer many more would make the list. I'd only suggest one spend to top level of their financial abilities in streamer purchases if the intention is to make streaming their preferred source.

@grannyring I do know the Sense program is far less demanding and with each update sounds better and better. Innuos keeps adding features while improving sound quality

Bill, those are encouraging developments. Has the Sense sound quality upgrade been implemented within the past year? I wonder if there is further improvement with the new Pulse series network players.

Charles

“I don’t believe Roon is inherently inferior music player. I doubt Taiko would be using Roon in their Extreme streamers if they thought it had some inherent sonic liabilities.”

@sns

I do not know the exact reason why Taiko didn’t offer XDMS from the onset but it is quite obvious that Taiko designers felt the need to come up with their own UI/App. First TAS and later XDMS rolled out. When a member asked Emile on WBF,

Q. Are room correction convolution filters a possibility in XDMS?

Emile response was, “Not currently, and it’s low priority as XDMS is all about Sound Quality”.

As @grannyring pointed out, Innuos recognized the opportunity to further improve the sound quality and longevity of their enterprise by developing their own Sense App much to the tune of Aurender’s Conductor App. Again, the primary focus behind Sense App is SQ not some fancy interface or loads of features that don’t necessarily contribute towards optimized playback. 

Take this feedback as ROON not necessarily being inferior but a clear indication of superior integration, possible only through in-house development of proprietary software and hardware thus yielding to optimized playback performance and stellar customer support.

What is the basis for people asserting these other streamers they happen to fancy  are somehow better than the Cambridge? In what way other than perhaps cost? Anything concrete to back it up? Has anyone actually compared what they suggest with what the OP already has? What about feature comparisons? That can vary a lot with streamers. The Cambridge streamers tend to get top notch reviews in the press so that would suggest they are pretty good.

I don't doubt the proprietary players best with the streamers they're optimized to work with. Whether Roon is optimized for the wide variety of streamers its used on is the question. No doubt the Roon interface requires more processing than the stripped down proprietary players, running more processes means more opportunity for noise to be generated. This doesn't mean motherboard generated noise has to affect SQ, my custom build has linear power supply dedicated solely for the processor, another for the motherboard, and the PCIe cards for various interfaces totally isolated via  extensive on board filtering, clocking and external linear power supplies. Any noise generated by motherboard doesn't make it to the network port or usb renderer/port.

For individuals with streamers that don't have embedded proprietary music player software there are various music players available via subscription such as the Stylus which is available within Euphony OS or as endpoint only via Stylus EP. Others could then compare these proprietary players vs Roon. My own comparisons of these two is still ongoing, Euphony OS allows settings for Stylus I have yet to try.

Also, Roon likely has deepest pockets of all the music player software developers, means constant ongoing upgrades. One also should be mindful that streamer manufacturers using Roon are extremely likely to be working alongside Roon in order to optimize streamer/Roon integration, this would include attention to sound quality.

 The fact the proprietary players embedded in certain streamers preferred to Roon doesn't mean Roon SQ inherently inferior. Roon users also not obligated to use any of the filters/volume leveling/dsp, fact is I turn every one of these off, I hear sound degradation with some of these.

I observe individuals claiming great sound quality with virtually all music player software out there, until an objective comparison directly comparing these music players with a variety of streamers is undertaken I'll assume all can supply fine sound quality.

+1  @sns 

I used Roon for a year.  After careful listening I felt the DSP functions were like using PhotoShop, it just added a layer of digital noise and made listening fatiguing, but fun to play with.  I don't miss it.

Innuos Sense is hands down better sounding than Roon.

Sense fully integrates with Qobuz.  I enjoy the HiFi Partners Playlists. 

Sense is free and keeps getting better.

@sns

I observe individuals claiming great sound quality with virtually all music player software out there, until an objective comparison directly comparing these music players with a variety of streamers is undertaken I’ll assume all can supply fine sound quality

I don’t know who would arrange or conduct such an objective comparison undertaking. It appears that the individual brands have developed successful proprietary apps and good quality sound. People are very happy with their “Sense”,”Conductor “etc. It seems if listeners are very satisfied with the sound quality and user interface of their respective music servers/network players then mission has been accomplished.

Roon no doubt is a very good comprehensive product but not everyone wants or needs it. There are multiple pathways to streaming contentment.

Charles

“Whether Roon is optimized for the wide variety of streamers its used on is the question.”
@sns

IME, Nope. Its sound quality is all over the place with different servers/renders. The whole concept of keeping render + core separate (chassis) is deeply flawed…too many variables in-between that are potentially impacting its final rendering. After 18 months of fiddling with ROON on two different servers, to my ears and in my system; ROON is not in the same league as Conductor in terms of absolute sound quality. Does ROON sounds fine, ofcourse it does. But you don’t dump $30-$40K in your digital front end to hear something that just sounds FINE. The overwhelming feedback from Taiko, Pink Faun and Innuos owners is proof enough…no further objective comparison undertaking necessary or needed, nuff said!

@lalitk Missed my point. I agree with you exactly, Roon sound quality IS all over the place with different servers/renderers. This is exactly the reason why sound quality of Roon in one setup CANNOT be extrapolated to ALL setups. Sure, there are plenty of individuals preferring other music players to Roon, so are you saying this negates all those who prefer Roon. I can only say the present sound quality I'm getting with Roon is absolute4ly revelatory, not a word I use lightly, in fact have not used once in thirty years of audiophile system building.

As for direct comparisons, I have the direct experience of the builder/assembler and subsequent owner of my custom streamer in comparing it to a number of off the shelf streamers which included the Aurender W20SE. They preferred this custom build running full Stylus to the Aurender running Conductor player. Both only sold the custom build after direct comparisons with Taiko Extreme which both purchased. So, how this relates to Roon is I'm preferring Roon with two computer setup to the setup they both preferred which is full Stylus running on the custom streamer. Now, custom build was not in same configuration as when they owned in that they were using HDPlex SMPS powered by Sean Jacobs and/or other top flight LPS, I'm using JCAT Optimo  S ATX full lps, far superior to the HDPlex solution. Perhaps the superior noise elimination of the JCAT vs HDPLex is what makes the difference for my Roon preference, hard to say. Or perhaps its my particular setup with Sonore OpticalModule and OpticalRendu, which means LPS, cables used, again, hard to say.

Although I'm not done with experimenting with the Stylus or HQPlayer players, perhaps they'll prove to be superior with different configurations/settings, much to experiment with here. But the main point is I'm getting sensational sound quality with Roon at present, over a hundred hours in and sound quality remains revelatory.  Perhaps the revelation will turn into ho hum, but until it does I have absolutely NO motivation to further experiment with players. And isn't the point to enjoy our systems or 'painting' as you put it, some theoretical argument or other people's negative experience with Roon isn't impacting my sound quality or my enjoyment of it.

@sns 

Congratulations on achieving such a high level of sound quality utilizing Roon. Purely out of curiosity, how many boxes/cables etc does this require?

Charles

"I can only say the present sound quality I’m getting with Roon is absolute4ly revelatory"

@sns

I am sure it is revelatory with your custom build server. Please enjoy your journey and experimentation with the Stylus or HQPlayer players. I hope to read your feedback on aforementioned players vs ROON.

Thanks guys, many paths to great sound!

@charles1dad With the way I'm presently setup starting at streamer. Ethernet input to JCAT NET XE board in streamer (streamer powered by the JCAT Optimo, 2 cables bundles used to power processor and motherboard Optimo has three rails, third is for internal local drives, I'm using NAS for local files so no internal drives, JCAT ethernet board powered by Uptone JS2 lps, so another cable and lps) ethernet out of JCAT board to OpticalModule (dc cable and lps for power), optical cable out of OM to OpticalRendu ( DC cable to second rail on Uptone JS2), usb out of OR to usb in on dac. So boxes add up to 3, also 3 lps, 3 DC cables and AC power cables. I can also go with the simpler setup with streamer direct to dac. I also have myriad choices of how I can configure  Stylus, HQPlayer and Roon players, this with or without Sonore optical bundle.

@lalitk At some point I will get to more critical listening with the Stylus player, really need to get JCAT USB XE board to get full potential of Stylus, thus far only used via somewhat optimized Intel usb board mounted on motherboard. I'm open minded enough to realize Roon may be surpassed by Stylus at some point, just enjoying Roon so much at present!

@sns 

Thank you. A serious mission you’ve embarked on that is reaping high level sonic reward.

Charles 

I have been streaming from cocktail audio X45Pro , streaming from IFI zen stream with IFI power elite and Teac NT505 to my preamp moon P8/W8 and I do not hear any difference with exception of XLR output really hard for me to understand that a streamer make a huge difference 

I have to say I’m shocked to see so many saying streamer first!  The output stages of the DAC are directly in the signal path, and circuit architecture truly does make a distinct difference. I will always do the DAC first; it always pays off.

While Taiko did use Roon, it moved on to TAS, and is now in the process of completing the very purpose-built XDMS software, which essentially all users who have it say it is easily the best software for the Extreme - XDMS is I believe not in fully finished form yet, but can be downloaded to the Extreme in I think Alpha or Beta release, with help of the Taiko support staff- it is a Taiko-built product. Likewise, TAS, as mentioned above, was almost universally preferred over Roon, on a sound quality basis. As Lalitk said, Emil, designer of the Taiko Extreme, stated that XDMS is all about the sound quality. I believe you can still use Roon on the Extreme, but it will not yield the best sound quality. And some do still use it at least part time because they love the feature-rich application.

Emil also noted that the problem with Roon is that they often release updates for the software and they are not focused on sound quality, but rather the useability of the software. From what I've read, many users, and I think server manufacturers, have provided their opinion on this sound quality issue to Roon. 

As a side note, Wadax use Roon as their software interface. I believe it is a very custom set and I believe it is locked down so it can't influence sound quality. But you'd have to ask Mike Lavigne about that because he has very in-depth knowledge of the Wadax gear, in addition to being an owner/user. You can read about that here on Agon and on WBF.

It doesn’t matter what comes first these days as long as you like the end result. It’s hard to find a clearly bad combo.Technology these days is that good. It’s clear that purely subjective personal preferences rule.

It’s clear that purely subjective personal preferences rule

Sure, how else can it be? It’s audio so you judge and decide based upon listening. You’re going to live with the product as it reproduces recorded music. If one doesn’t enjoy what they hear why bother with it? Absolutely and rightly so, subjective by default.

Charles

Many of us state streamers most important because we hear great differences with streamer changes. Of course this assumes one already has highly resolving dac and system. The thing about dacs today is not all that difficult or expensive to achieve high resolution, transparency, the presentation or what some may call color is greatest variable these days. Even more digital sounding dacs can sound far more analog with streamers and network upgrades that minimize jitter.

I've been through five streamers and same number of dacs over the past few years, the streamers have more variable sound quality than dacs. Also, the top echelon streamers will really take one past digital sound plateau, one can achieve streaming SQ that approaches or competes with the best vinyl rig setups. I know this first hand from what I'm hearing today via my streaming vs the best of best vinyl rig setups I've heard over the years.

And my own vinyl setup is pretty nice even without having even heard recent $16K in upgrades. The problem is the streaming is so nice I can't stop listening to streams, I start off listening sessions with intention to fire up my old vinyl setup, but I'm so involved with the music I don't get around to it. I don't even have new cartridge mounted or phono stage connected, and this has gone on for over a month!  I know, crazy!!

Streaming is the future, the future is now. As stated above in a post, streaming is now pretty mature technology, streaming can be one's best or only highest quality source, no need for media hardware any more. Not dismissing cd's or vinyl, just saying no need to go this route anymore.

Neglected to mention three dedicated streamers I've used, therefore, streamers without server capability. These commonly called two computer setups. Which leads me to emphasize rendering or port optimization and integration with dacs. Best ports on streamers and dacs can vary greatly, one needs to match streamer to dac here. For instance far too many servers are less than optimal with usb implementation, rendering of the usb is critical for max performance, and very likely plays role in my preference for Roon vs Stylus proprietary player via new streamer. The JCAT usb card with it's optimal rendering could upset the scale. Another streamer I came close to purchasing, the Antipodes K50 claims AES/EBU is optimal port, and other streamers may prefer I2S, one must do the research with both streamer and dac in order to discover optimal compatibility.

Also, it wasn't my intention to rate music players, I only have direct experience with Roon, Audirvana, Foobar, HQPlayer, and now Stylus, I have no idea what is preferable for someone else and their setups. My only intent is to state I'm getting sublime SQ with my present Roon setup, perhaps Stylus will outperform in time. I can understand the logic for why it should, and for why any proprietary player could do same.

@sns

Well stated and I appreciate your insight and perspective. My domain has been CD media which I enjoy immensely and will continue to do so. I am going to take my first step into audio streaming and am  really looking forward to it. I’ll take shipment of a new DAC soon. Once that settles into the system, next will be the streaming.

Regardless if discussing CD transport or server/ network player, both are digital sources that matter significantly. There’s a definite hierarchy of quality amongst CD transports and common sense dictates the same for digital streaming components.

I have read many posts from experienced listeners who stream and overwhelmingly they cite the quality of the streamer as crucially important. They have heard substantial sound quality differences within this genre. This comes as no surprise.
For those who insist that it’s all about the DAC, okay do what works for you. I see digital source and DAC as equally important. They function as a paired unit. This will be my approach.

Charles

If you are using an Innuos streamer or server using the Sense app is superior to Roon software. They also are very consistent with upgrades.

This is my opinion and many here are of the same opinion. 

I was an early adapter of the Roon Ecosystem and bought the lifetime package. Sure glad my kids are using it.

@sns

Well said! I will go one step further…without network optimization, you’re not hearing full potential of your streamer or server. It is so vital to clean up the Ethernet signal from your modem or router before it enters your streamer/server. Even if your streamer/ server is galvanically isolated or use superior noise rejection circuitry, using some kind of noise filtering device is proven to be helpful in cleaning up the grunge. The degree of improvement from noise filtering devices may vary in each setup but they are generally effective. Please don’t go gadget crazy…IME, one or two high quality noise filtering devices are more than adequate, atleast that’s been true in my system.

Everything matters, starting with network optimization, high quality LAN cables, streamer/server and DAC. One other thing that is not often mentioned here is Grounding - passive or active. Grounding your components appropriately can have very profound effects on overall sound of your system by way of lowering the noise floor.

I agree with Charlesdad….  If you stream a lot , the Streamer is very important as it is akin to a CD transport.   Can you imagine pairing a $5000 DAC with a Coby DVD player as your transport?   It will work but you just inserted a major bottle neck into the digital chain.  
 

I also have a Bluesound Vault 2i and it’s been great.  It has so many things going for it , including convenience 

When I turn my TV on the Vault senses this , puts its input to Video and I now have. Control of the volume for TV and movies 

Tons of free content.   On and on.  
 

But when I really want quality over convenience I power up my Aurender and Stream Qobuz or Tidal     
 

Those streams sound good on the Vault but the Aurender is noticeably better in every metric. 

@oddiofyl 

Those streams sound good on the Vault but the Aurender is noticeably better in every metric

l know that there are many happy owners of the Blue Sound streamer components.  I could begin here but reading comments like yours,sns, Lalit and other experienced streamers I may as well go a step (Or two) beyond. One thing I’ve vowed to do is avoid multiple boxes and cables.😊

Charles

I have a Cambridge Evo 150 all-in-one. This thing is like a Swiss army knife. Many ways to stream and DAC integrated in. Do they all sound exactly the same? No. Most sound very close though. Chromecast can be a straggler sometimes. Nature of the source material is the biggest variable by far. However I hear more in most recordings of decent or better quality than ever before.

I think for many who want to simply cut to the chase for top notch sound streaming an integrated device like this is the ticket.   This is a future-fi trend and I expect many other new and similar devices to be coming the consumers way in the near future.  

@lalitk I am wondering what filtering devices you recommend. 
 

I would love to hear your thoughts also @sns ​​​​​@charles1dad .

Well said! I will go one step further…without network optimization, you’re not hearing full potential of your streamer or server. It is so vital to clean up the Ethernet signal from your modem or router before it enters your streamer/server. Even if your streamer/ server is galvanically isolated or use superior noise rejection circuitry, using some kind of noise filtering device is proven to be helpful in cleaning up the grunge. The degree of improvement from noise filtering devices may vary in each setup but they are generally effective. Please don’t go gadget crazy…IME, one or two high quality noise filtering devices are more than adequate, atleast that’s been true in my system.

It’s not the topic of this thread but I thought it may be useful to relay that I have found my Innuos gear to be so, so sensitive to vibration control. I have a ZENith Mk 3, a PhoenixUSB, and a PhoenixNET. While my 3 Innuos boxes have elaborate dampening footers, simply resting any one of my three Innuos boxes on top of Herbie’s Tenderfeet (Tall version in order to clear the stock feet), which are quite economical as far as HiFi stuff goes, really transforms the sound and not in a subtle way. I was really not expecting that type of difference. The difference is so large that in a different system with a different rack I could see some maybe not liking the change. But in my system the Tenderfeet added a large scope and scale to the sound - every frequency is presented much larger, with a more expansive soundstage. Really stunned how you can hear this just adding to one Innuos component in isolation. The best I can describe it is that there is more of a sense of drama, with improved dynamics too.  I only have experience with Herbie’s vibration control, but here is the thing you can do with Tenderfeet that you can’t do with other products intended to replace stock feet: you can experiment with placement of the Tenderfeet that the component is resting on. Which brings me to the next point - it actually matters! For example I like the smoother sound of one Tenderfoot at the front of my PhoenixUSB and two at the rear, rather than the other way around which producers sharper and overly precise male vocals. Even slightly better is using 4 Tenderfeet under the PhoenixUSB even though the PhoenixUSB has only 3 stock feet.

It’s not all good with Herbie’s though. Tenderfeet under my amp ruined my sound for months, and I just recently realized the Tenderfeet were to blame. So as everyone says, you may get different results in your system. But I thought it would be worth mentioning how incredibly sensitive the Innuos gear is to vibration control. You really have a massively flexible tool to adjust the sound presentation to your liking with Herbie’s + Innuos.

@nyev Isolation is key. I have damping weights on all of my equipment. 

@jerryg123 

I haven’t began my audio streaming yet.

I’ll defer to @sns ​​​​@lalitk and others with hands on experience.

Charles

Latik so correct on network optimization!  I'd trust the knowledgeable steamers in their recommendation of Acoustic Network Muon for top grade filter. My own situation is different as my streamer uses Windows based motherboard, so JCAT Net XE serves as my ethernet optimizer/filter, sure it contributes to my preference for the Sonore bundle vs new streamer straight into dac via less than optimized usb in streamer.

One of the more value oriented propositions some have tried is optical conversion via two generic FMC. I didn't find this to be entirely satisfactory in my setup.

@jerryg123 

Among the few I’ve auditioned, my recommendation would be to try Network Acoustics ENO or MUON (for higher performance). The market is flooded with noise filtering devices but ENO and MUON passive filters does more than addressing the noise, they excel at enhancing your musical engagement. I used ENO first with Aurender N10, and later with N20; both of these streamers benefited from ENO + ENO Ag LAN cables.

Learned a lot here as I’m still in relative diapers when it comes to streaming, but even at this relatively early stage it’s so clear how much everything matters, and matters ALOT. Those who choose to say this or that component is more important are just kidding themselves. As with most things in audio, my experience is ultimately the chain is only as strong as the weakest link, so to think the DAC is most important is just silly to me because everything before and after it matters. What really amazed me was how much better my streaming sound got when I upgraded to a better streamer.

To that point, @nyev I thought you raised a great point I haven’t been as focused on but makes a lotta sense to me, that being vibration control and specifically in streaming applications. Not sure if you’ve heard of Townshend Seismic vibration control devices, but I’ve never read more emphatically-positive user reviews from any “tweak.” I mean, these things just get raves, so if you’re sold on vibration control being significant as I am because, again, IME everything makes a difference you might wanna at least give these a look. No offense to Herbie’s, and I’m about to buy their gliders to improve the sound of my speakers and allow me to, um, slide my speakers around without the huge hassle or wrecking wood floors. Anyway, the Seismic products, although admittedly more pricey, seem to be true next-level products. Just sharing some info that’s been stuck in my brain after reading so many glowing reviews so just thought I’d share FWIW.

http://www.townshendaudio.com/hi-fi-home-cinema-equipment-vibration-isolation/seismic-isolation-pods/

@lalitk thank you for the insight really appreciate it. 

@soix Yes I’ve read lots of great reviews of Townshend for sure, although people complain of the price. I did read a few odd accounts where folks said they didn’t like the “tonal tuning” of Townshends, but that was just a few and every system and individual is different. Same deal with Herbie’s; lots of accounts of people relaying their OMG moments. If anything like my experience you will get to experience that with your speakers. Most likely with the Townshends too. But as I mentioned Herbie’s has the advantage of being able to position the feet anywhere under each device, which unbelievably makes a big difference. Took a good deal of experimenting before I arrived at the best footer positions for my ears. With Townshends you are stuck with only one position. That said, chances are you will be happy. Just listen carefully after adding to each component, and don’t do what I did with my amp. I assumed Herbie’s would have the same positive impact as it did on the rest of my gear, and for months I wasn’t happy with my sound not realizing what the issue was!

Oh, I also added 4 Herbie’s Giant Fat Dots under my wooden shelf and this produced a noticeable bump in performance as well.

Lastly @soix when you seat your speaker spikes into the Herbie’s gliders (assuming you are getting the spike decouplers) don’t make the same mistake I made. One of my 180 pound B&W 802’s wasn’t quite seated in the divot. Speaker went toppling over just with the slightest unevenness! Miraculously I had multiple camping foam mats stacked right where it crashed (was using them to help adjust spikes while speakers were on their sides) and no harm was done. Other than waking up the family with my shouting/screaming….

I have a Innuos Zenith Mk3 and was about to pull the trigger on a lifetime Roon membership - I may have to rethink this as this but may work out if I someday upgrade to another brand....

My long term thoughts are I'll keep Roon even if I find my proprietary music player to have superior sound quality at some point. Roon SQ good enough to be totally engaging and even more important, the great interface has turned me on to so much great music and artists new to me. Qobuz and Tidal also offer this, but Roon far superior, Roon radio is simply awesome with it's analytics,  graphics suggestions same awesomeness. Finally, I don't know how well the other proprietary players organize local libraries, but my Stylus players completely destroys organization of local library on NAS, makes library unusable. Perhaps it would do better with streamer internal drives?

Bottom line for me is Roon cost so little it would always provide more than commensurate benefit. Being able to transfer it to nearly any brand or custom build streamer is another added benefit.

@kennyc

Smart thinking on holding off to Roon lifetime subscription. Is there a reason why you’re not using Sense App? I subscribed to Roon lifetime membership 2 years ago, barely used it due to inconsistencies with SQ. 

@sns

No issues with Conductor app managing my library. The playback is seamless streaming from my library or Qobuz/Tidal. If you wanna see how everything neatly curated, take a peak at my ‘Digital’ system - Pic 19 & 20.

@sns ​​​​@lalitk 

You both are experienced audio streamers. What cable modem and router do you use? I have gotten suggestions from a very  trusted source and I’m just trying to further extend my database. As I tend to do.

Charles 

@lalitk  It does appear your local library is neatly organized. Perhaps my issue is  cd rips are on NAS, and Euphony OS/Stylus imports files from NAS differently than drives within streamer or usb drive, maybe a direct connection vs. going through network may help the situation. Stylus does fine with my Qobuz, Tidal libraries, play lists. Just don't get it, Roon imports NAS files just fine. In any case, this issue means I have to continue to use Roon for the NAS music. I'll have to do some experimentation, try the usb drive I use for NAS music library backups  direct connection to streamer.

@charles1dad

My cable modem is from Xifinity (formerly Comcast). Since my modem is about 30’ away from my dedicated room, I use a pair of Apple Extreme routers in a mesh network configuration to feed my Telegartner M12 Switch Gold. If you would like to see my network configuration, please visit my ’Digital’ system page and click on Picture # 22.

You can avoid mesh network if you place your cable modem in the same room as your audio system. This would mean, running a short LAN cable from modem to your choice of streamer.

I am going to be soon comparing another network switch in my system. It will be interesting to see how this switch compares to my existing switch.  

@lalitk

Thanks, I have a two-story home and also a finished basement where my audio system resides. My cable modem is currently in a first floor library. I was going to use a mesh router in my listening room with close proximity to the streamer connected by a LAN cable. I hadn’t thought about modem in listening room LAN connection to the streamer. It seems that either would work fine. Mesh router near streamer appealed to me.

Charles 

@charles1dad 

A mesh network is the way to go if you can't place your cable modem in your dedicated audio room. Please avoid Powerline Ethernet Adapter at all costs :-)

@lalitk ,

Thanks, I’ve been advised that modem directly connected to streamer unit could introduce noise issue, quality mesh is potentially a better alternative. Learning the ends and outs of audio streaming.

Charles

@charles1dad : for a few hundred dollars (which is nothing in the grand scheme of things, what we spend on audio components alone) you can hire someone to install Ethernet everywhere in the house, every single room, every floor. Try common household service apps, like Thumbtack or Home Advisor.
 

It will be of great benefit, and not just for audio. Then, for your audio room, pick a switch of your choice, fiber, etc etc

@thyname 

Thanks, I have certainly gathered that there are a number of ways to approach audio streaming. I’ve heard from people who are on polar ends of this spectrum.

Charles 

@charles1dad

I know you are in information gathering phase and probably won’t pull the trigger on a streamer until your DAC arrives. While you await, I wanted to reiterate the importance of LAN cables. My experience with fiber optics kit was not great, as they tend to rob the dynamics and make the sound thin and lifeless; they do however effective in lowering the noise. That’s why I remained focused on lowering the noise by way of employing a high quality Ethernet switch / filter and use the best possible LAN cables. I have tinkered with wide variety of LAN cables over the years and found hybrid LAN cables with high purity silver and copper renders well balanced sound.

Knowing your discerning taste in music and gear, I would start off with LAN cable that uses PC-OCC copper and silver, like Audio Sensibility Signature LAN. Reasonably priced under $300. I am thinking of ordering a pair as well for my upcoming experiment with SOtM switch and filters. There are other favorites like Network Acoustics, Sablon, JCAT and SOtM (for crazy money). Supra CAT 8 is a good starter cable but you will end up walking away this once you hear cables from aforementioned brands.

@lalitk 

Thank you very much for your input and recommendations. Yes, I’m going to get the new DAC into my system and develop a degree of familiarity. Once achieved I’ll tackle the server /streamer component. More than likely I will just get a high quality LAN cable initially. I’m looking forward to this new listening venture. 

Charles