Tweaking the network, surprising results…


I’m a complete skeptic when it comes to Ethernet switches, “audiophile” CAT cables and so forth. I’ve played around with a few switches and found zero audible difference. As is, my net consists of a Arris modem (Optimum 500 mbps) to a Netgear Nighthawk router, cabling is Supra CAT8. So after dismissing the switch idea, I decided to tweak the power aspect of the network. I installed a Shunyata Venom C7 powercord on the Arris and a iFi LPS on the Nighthawk. Then plugged both the modem and router into a PS Audio UPC 200 with a fat Virtual Dynamics power 3 powercord. The results are REALLY interesting…there is without doubt an audible shift in the sound of my system. I can’t quite put it in words at the moment, and this could totally be my mind effin” with me but it seems as if the soundstage has been pushed back further. I need to sit down and try to understand what’s going on here. If anyone has gone down the path of playing with power upgrades I’d really like to know what you made of it.

128x128jl1ny

Showing 3 responses by retiredfarmer

Welcome to the world of hi-fi.  So glad that you were open minded enough  to try a few things. As your resolution  increases  changes ate way easier to hear. 

On the power side of things if you feel like it buy a furutech  receptacle  for your wall plug. That is huge as well

 

 

A free thing people will laugh at you but  use a Google quality  level and make sure your speakers  are perfect  and they are exactly  the same height.  Put a straight edge over the top of them and have the straight edge lined up on the two inside corners see if the outside corners are the same distance  from the straight edge. If not make sure they are. You are making sure the toe in is correct. Make sure the speakers are solid to the floor as well. 

 

Get that all done and as you get that done have a listen  each time. If interested you can pm me and I can keep you busy for a month or two of free upgrades and you will be amazed at the end result.  

 

Regards 

@jl1ny 

 

LOL I have egg on my face! I was writing  when I should have been reading. Lol. I looked up your system  I thought by what I read that you were a non believer  in anything  hi-fi  and that as soon as a person  spends more than fifty  dollars  it is a waste of money.  Sorry but thank you for the humbling! By they way I love your speaker choice  I listened  to a pair of those and really liked them. And the 300 series are wonderful  amps. 

 

Regards

I would so like to hear a well setup streamer. I have only heard them in stores never heard one that had care in setup.