Share Experiences with Ethernet Switches, Ethernet Cables and USB Cables used in Streaming


Presently I have a respectable all digital system that performs well and would like to add a server / streamer but don't have a lot of knowledge and experience with the titled items. 

Our system is all digital and includes a Meridian 861v8, a Meridian Ultra DAC, Pass XA200.5 mono's, Sasha I speakers, high end MIT Oracle and CH Acoustic cables, Sound Application TT-7 power conditioner. I stated this so the level of our system is identified. 

In addition to the server / streamer itself, the Ethernet cable, Ethernet Switch and the USB cable are things to consider.

Can others share their experience with these items?

tjassoc

Without doubt the sweet spot is the Aurender N20. Other server/streamers maybe fractionally better but nothing will blow the N20 away. You'll need to spend at least twice the price to get any slight improvement.

It also has a master clock input.

My setup is N20, solid silver USB cable, Musetec 005 DAC optomised for USB.

Other DACs may prefer AES/EBU digital but you can't play native DSD.

DACs are starting to be sold now using the new ESS 9039 PRO chip. This will increase price/performance.

“Ethernet cable, Ethernet Switch, Ethernet Filters and the USB cable”

I suggest search and read up here, there has been so many discussions on these items and how they improve streaming experience in addition to having a high quality streamer /server. The degree of improvement you would hear in your system is going to come down to quality and careful implementation of these products. You may review my ‘Digital’ system listed under my moniker, pic22 outlines my home network optimization.

Here is a thread to get you started by @audphile1



Also check out thread by @grannyring

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/network-acoustics-muon-ethernet-filtering-system-improving-streaming

+1 @lalitk 

this ground has been covered here numerous times in recent past

search bar above is op's friend

My switch and fiber optic converter cost $100 and work great.   TP link , close out at half price on Amazon.    

You can get lost in the endless threads on this subject.
 

My experience suggests that there are a couple courses. Either a high quality streamer or an inexpensive streamer and all sorts of network upgrades, gizmos, and fiddling.

 

Given the caliber of your equipment I recommend a high quality streamer like the Aurender N20 or (W20SE) and a wall wart wifi extender (to which you run an Ethernet cable). This solution is simple and sounds great. I know of a number of +$120K systems running like this and this can match vinyl.

 

lalitk

Wow - thank you for that link!

I read and learned so very much from people with great systems who've shared their experience!

Looks like a Muon Streaming System, Rubicon Network Switch upgraded replacement model and Muon USB cable are what I'm eventually going to get :-)

Thanks everyone :-) ! ! ! !

@tjassoc

You’re welcome! The products from Network Acoustics are of very high quality and you’re very likely to appreciate them in your amazing system. Good luck.