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Wifi vs ethernet revisited

For this discussion I want us to forget the usual problems of wifi: stuttering, buffering, loss of signal strength. Let’s assume we have a strong, reliable wireless connection. Questions: how would you rank the following:

1. [No wireless, my current config] Ethernet from router -> Switch (or OM) -> fiber -> Etherregen -> ethernet -> streamer.

2. Eero wireless mesh -> receiver -> ethernet -> streamer.

3. Eero Wireless mesh -> receiver -> ethernet -> Etherregen -> ethernet -> streamer.

Or, to really go hybrid and (probably nuts):

4. Eero wireless mesh -> receiver -> ethernet -> Switch (or OM) -> fiber -> Etherregen -> ethernet -> streamer.

I haven’t done [4] yet. But to my ears, [1] definitely beats {2] and (less emphatically maybe) beats [3] even though I have a very strong Eero wireless mesh system. Maybe my assumptions to begin with are still wrong? I can’t seem to read a good forum thread where the usual stuttering’/buffering problems (that we all know about) are removed. Thanks in advance everyone!

 

debrajray
dbastin
18 posts
 

@debrajray I use Cisco from Afterdark Audio because I havent got around to Finisar.

@sns I used to have those concerns and avoided wifi.  Then I spent some time with Auralic Aries G1, tried my best wired solution with daisy chained ERs and Gigafoils with 'Audiophile' ethernet cables  (although some shared power sources because I didn't have more LPSs, and didn't know better then).  Then tried wifi instead (WAP replaced all the ERs/ Gigafoils) and wifi was a bit better.  Then thought I'd use wifi direct to Devialet and was shocked it was at least as good ... and the G1 and its $4k power cord became redundant ... along with the ERs, Gigafoils, cables, until I started putting them upstream and began a new avenue of discovery, followed by refocus on separating power sources, and optimising cable sheilds and grounds which led to paring back again.  Still so much to try and so little time.  DC cables and seperate battery for each ethernet device is the next avenue.

sns
3,571 posts
 

Streaming is so complex and crazy. Sometimes more is less, other times less is more. We have so many devices to choose from to the point we're not close to determining some reference streaming network. Choosing hierarchy of dacs, streamers easy compared to the network.

cleeds
6,067 posts
 
sns

Streaming is so complex and crazy. 

Some people make it that way. But the fact is that streaming is r-e-a-l-l-y simple. That's why so many people are doing it.

sns
3,571 posts
 

@cleeds This is true, I started with a laptop. On the other hand, there is no end of streaming/network devices out there, some have found them to be helpful. Also, I presume those with more complex setups enjoy the entire process of experimenting with these devices, I find it fascinating and its provided continually improving sound quality.

fastfreight
885 posts
 

Here is great information on Switch X and Wifi X and how this wifi has less affect on sound:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V8ZaVv9aoM

I think this explains things way better than my attempt.

 

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