Options to improve digital sound

People pointing out lots of expensive options but dipping in can be inexpensive and far superior to a Mac Mini. 

You can test out a WiiM streamer. The Pro version allows an external 5v power supply. I’ve done that outputting to an RME ADI-2 via glass toslink (192K connection) with excellent results.

Have also used a ethernet connection to the WiiM. Running Blue Jean ethernet cables, the only cable difference I’ve heard with fiber in-between from the router.

Added two Cisco Meraki 8 port units and easily removed the internal power supply parts which are no longer needed. Ran one Blue Jean cable from the router via ethernet. Then another out with via fiber to another Cisco Meraki and then a short ethernet cable to the WiiM streamer.

Qobuz connect can be run from a tablet, phone or computer of your choice. No direct connection, right from the Qobuz server to the router and to your system. Very impressive output and should be tried. 

Those who try this inexpensive options will be surprised at how little investment can make such an improvement. All less than the cost of a commercial "audio" network product. 

@mswale I am confused on how mesh is crap and a repeater is superior. I would think they operate on the same WiFi principle except with mesh you have a consistent SSID & handoff. Then if you have an Ethernet backbone and attach your streamer via Ethernet, a mesh would be vastly superior to repeaters. Am I missing something?

@signaforce 

That isn't what I said at all. Cheap mesh is crap. If you look at the FCC tag, then look up the radio spec, most of them are under .1w of power, the CPU parts are inferior, do not handle handoff, or more then a couple devices at once. They get bogged down. Usually the radio signal is not clean, introduces jitter. 

In that instance, you are better off with another basestation, there are a ton of basestations that will "extend" your WiFi, making basically a mesh. 

romanesq

I am confused on how mesh is crap and a repeater is superior ...

They're both a compromise, imo, when compared to a hardwire connection.

If you use a USB cable then I would strongly recommend the CAD USB Filter and/or the CAD GC 1.1.  For the later, don't mix earth and signal ground.

Your digital system has the same issue as most.  It generates and dissipates noise from quantization noise, jitter and aliasing.  Top end server/streamers and DACs have begun to tackle these issues.  I have the Antipodes Oladra and Horizon360 and as quiet as these two components are, my system benefitted greatly from the CAD USB filter (I ended up getting the CAD USB II-R digital cable because it incorporates the CAD USB Filter and isolates the 5V feed) and the CAD GC1.1. 

When digital hash is removed or isolated from the non-digital component signals the noise floor drops significantly allowing more inner detail to come through and permitting a more organic/natural sound with far less digital artifacts (i.e. classic digital sound).