Streaming, Getting the Signal, Then What?

@ghdprentice +1

all you need with a good streamer is basic solid network setup which is either hard wired from router, mesh or extender with a good Ethernet cable. I use amazon EERO with Purist Audio Ethernet cable and iFi LAN iSilencer passive filter between the Purist and Aurender N200. I keep the iFi filter in mostly because, inlike the fiber optic converters and the Network Acoustics Eno Streaming System that I owned, it doesn’t hurt anything and it’s cheap. Not even sure it improves sound quality as I’ve compared with and without numerous times and can barely tell it’s there on some recordings. 
The Purist Ethernet cable is a small but audible improvement in sound quality. Less so with Aurender than with other streamers I had due to Aurender caching data to its built in internal SSD that helps clean everything up.

But some people like to tinker with the network stuff as it’s a low hanging fruit that’s entertaining and cheap compared to getting a proper streamer. To each his own. 

Check out Small Green Computer and get an FMC bundle for $99 on sale now.  It turns your noisy cable into fiber optical that will clean up the noise.  A cheap solution that works.

@ghdprentice  Absolutely agree as a fellow 70 year old to your sage advice re getting a really good streamer.  You in fact influenced me earlier this year and I ended up investing more and upscaling my original plan - purchased an Aurender N200.  However, being a bit curious I am adding a quality LPSU to my router, which arrives next week.  I will be interested if I can hear any difference and report back.  Not a big investment but would urge those with an entry level streamer to put their dollars in upgrading at the streamer level first. 

Adding and LPSU is news to me.  But consider I run a dedicated 8 gauge home run into PS Audio Power Port II outlet which has a PS PowerPlant 15 plugged into that.  And my modem/router in the next room is also fed by a dedicated 12 gauge home run. Between the wall socket and the modem/router is a Panamax MR4000 line conditioner and surge protector. I've got to think I have this pretty well handled. 

@audioman58 

+1 ….

It’s beyond my pay-grade  to explain the technical bafflegab as to why inserting an “audiophile” grade network switch AND ( Emphasis added ) an external quality build Linear power supply to power the network switch, and insert them togetger into the streaming pathway between the router and streamer/dac serve to improve the audio performance l

Yep…. I was a hard ass card-carrying skeptic too . Somehow , I succumbed to select supporting reviewers suggestions in a””…WTF..it’s only comparatively modest money, so …,”  I bought them.

Now, all I know is that if  , and only if, you have a requisite quslity build high-resolution system , ( a fine but important distinction). then these added inclusions do work to improve the streaming experience.

Go figger.

NOTE: Intuitively, first upgrading all the Ethernet cables to high-end build made with Ag over Cu high shielding cables,  with premium Telegartner connectors was an equal partner in the audio improvements..

TAKEAWAY: 
 One size does not fit all …., full,stop.

(1) hey ….. it doesn’t have the same audio improvements in my $6K B” system, but it sure as shite does in the $50K “A” system.

(2) Do your own bake-offs,

Sample pontifications: 

https://youtu.be/BbRF8z8dQFU?si=XvmtUmXr1f1fCL4I

https://youtu.be/N66aDb7LZaM?si=RRVzAnHWGzEbxZaq