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Talk about modems

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/cable-modems.30094/ And so I've long considered modem's role in audiophile streaming, and how I could improve my long term setup.

 

Above discussion motivated me to replace Spectrum supplied modem, Arris TM1602 with Netgear CM500 mentioned in thread. Arris is Intel chip based with internal power supply, Netgear Broadcom chip with external power supply. I added LPS, nice power cable into my BPT 3.5 Sig. power conditioner.

 

So this third rather recent attempt at upgrading network prior to server, others being audiophile switch and fiber conversion, both with less than satisfactory results.

 

Results of this simple change way beyond expectations! Lowered noise floor patently obvious,  sound staging much improved, greater precision, spaciousness, images had greater dimensionality.  Most importantly, a new sense of ease imparted, more analog like presentation. I assume this newfound ease comes from more precise timing, can really hear the benefits of lowered jitter here!  This rather curious to me as I expected to hear this with audiophile switch with OXCO clock I previously tried. With the switch I heard changes in sound staging and timing, and both NOT for the better, same with the fiber experiment.

 

My estimation is this relatively minor change has been one of the more effective streaming upgrades over many years of streaming upgrades. And likely biggest bang for buck upgrade ever, something like $60 for modem and around $100 for lps, just amazing!

 

Now considering further upgrades in both Spectrum net speed, can get up to 1gb service and more capable Broadcom chip based modem. I'd just suggest people try the modem upgrade, may be greatly surprised at extent of improvement. One does have to go with Broadcom chip modem and make sure that modem compatible with their net service provider. I'd also suggest LPS critical in overall improvement.

sns

Showing 3 responses by westborn

westborn
146 posts
 

May be a dumb question- I have an existing Xfinity cable line that comes into my home office, where I have an Xfinity [xFi Gateway] modem/router for my office computers and wired xfinity telephone. That Gateway produces wifi - and I use xfinity’s flex box (free) for my TV watching.

I wanted to go hard-wired for my audio system rather than going wifi/mesh system into my living room where my audio system is (and I’m renting so I can’t string a 50’ ethernet through the wall, into the attic, back down the other wall, etc), so this month I have started an additional Xfinity line/service into my house-just $25/mo.. Haven’t gotten it installed yet, but I got an Arris SB8200 modem (for the existing coax jack that comes into my entertainment system area in the living room-separate internet-only line). The coax [cable] comes into the modem, and an ethernet cable is going to my streamer, (and USB or AES into the DAC).

Why would I need a router or switch(es) between my modem and server/player, if I’m just using that cable line for audio/entertainment closed system only? (no house wifi/networking)

I realize that there is likely just one line coming into the house Xfinity/Comcast, so I'm not clear on how I will be receiving two 'services' - one into my home office and one into my living room. But I assume Comcast can activate another service on the same physical line.

 

westborn
146 posts
 

Thanks very much sns.

Yes, the Arris SB8200 has the Broadcom chip; recommended by xymox over on whatsbestforum. It has a wall wart power supply, so I am looking at a potential LPS for the modem (and maybe the fiber media converters - see below).

xFinity/Comcast has sent me a ’welcome to your new service’ email last week, saying ’let us know when you are ready to activate it..’ I assume I will have another home wifi network, though here is what I found on that question:

Q. Does Arris SURFboard SB8200 have Wi-Fi?

A. Connecting a Wi-Fi router to the SB8200 is recommended when there are multiple client devices in the home network. NOTE 2: It is possible to connect when there are multiple client devices in the home network two devices to the SB8200. However, the cable provider must provide Internet IP Address to each device for Internet access.

So it sounds like I will have 2 wifi networks coming in [on the same cable coax], and would just use the one in the living room for audio (and wifi from the SB8200 modem to a tablet to control the [hard-wired] streamer). Another possibility is to run an ethernet cable from the back of my modem (or streamer?) to a tablet or laptop in my listening seat. My existing XFi modem/router would still stream wifi to the TV’s flex boxes in the living room and bedrooms.

I realize that another thing I may run into is noise - coming in/through on the cable coax line, so I may end up needing to do the "ethernet to fiber back to ethernet converter(s)" process. Though I don’t think I will need another router, switch, or ether regen, etc. since the entertainment system will essentially be a ’closed’ system. Not totally clear(?)

Will keep this modem thread posted on learnings.

Thanks again.

westborn
146 posts
 

Thanks for your thoughts sns.

I will not be using the Arris SB8200 modem for any telephony, in fact I don't think it even has telephony capability (one reason it was recommended on WBF I believe).

It will be easy for me (logistically) to run an ethernet cable from the modem at the back of my audio gear rack|table - to my laptop along a [left] wall just under the carpet and into the laptop - where my listening seat has an end table to its left along the same wall. Probably about 20 feet of total ethernet cable distance. I could use a simple ethernet to USB converter into a tablet or laptop (especially if it will just primarily be used for controlling the streamer); or I guess at that point I could ethernet-connect a desktop PC under the end table and a monitor on top of it, or of course us an 'all in one' like an IMac. Although I suppose the more complex device the higher the risk for backhaul of potential PC noise back down the line to the modem and streamer.(?)

Seems like a bit of an old school (pre|no-wifi) setup, but it would achieve isolating the audio system from wifi contamination as you say.

Will keep the forum informed.

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