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.
More on all of this here from a recent Agon discussion. Like you I find better PSU’s made an audible difference. I also use an EtherRegen with signal in from optical from an enterprise switch plugged into a power conditioner. Just as cabeling is a component so should clean power and the Ethernet chain be. Like you @jl1ny after chasing all of it down there was an audible difference not subject to my bias but noted by my spouse who could care less. Go Sox! |
