Do Streamer only devices really impact sound quality?

@soix The switch I use is the TP-Link TL-SG108-M2. It’s the backbone of my home network. Not audiophile, but it’s fast. My wife didn’t like the idea of a network closet, so I needed something small and fanless to hide behind furniture. It fit the bill.

My current ethernet cable is a Supra 8, because it was highly reviewed and affordable. I haven’t started A-B testing ethernet cables yet. I’ve been putting the bulk of my budget into components and component upgrades. What have you found with ethernet cables?

@classdstreamer I haven’t compared Ethernet cables yet.  I have a Wireworld Starlight 8 I’m gonna run from a TP-Link extender to my streamer when I get situated, but I’m also gonna try a generic and a CAT7 cable to see how it stacks up for less $$$.  I’ve heard Ethernet cables, like everything in streaming, make a big difference and that’s been my experience too thus far, but if a CAT7 outperforms my WW cable at less cost so be it.  The Supra 8 has a lotta supporters so not surprised you’re happy with what you’re hearing.  I’m agnostic and just use my ears to make my decisions.  

@soix Like you, I'll use my ears to test, but I also want to try to understand some of the "why" behind what I'm hearing. My understanding is that for coax and ethernet applications, solid core copper is the best industrial option vs stranded copper or copper coated aluminum. E.g. solid core is best for power over ethernet applications like cameras or wifi access points, and solid copper products can also transfer over longer distances. It would make sense to me then that solid core products would benefit sensitive A/V components too. So if you're looking for affordable ethernet cable to test, you may be interested in this oxygen free, solid core copper ethernet cable I found on Amazon. I wired my whole house with it. Once I started buying enough to wire an entire house, it cost about twice as much as the stranded copper alternatives, but I didn't want to skimp out. Hit me up once you start testing ethernet cables. I'll join you. 

Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 1.5ft Shielded, Indoor&Outdoor, Heavy Duty High Speed Direct Burial 26AWG Cat8 Network Wire, 40Gbps 2000Mhz SFTP Patch Cord, in Wall&Weatherproof RJ45 Cable for Router/Modem/Xbox https://a.co/d/4ZcnKcR

Simply put…

they can all sound different from one another. If you cannot hear the difference between one streamer and another, then it could be a question of the associated equipment? But even a low cost system should reveal the difference.  I used an Allo Digione with Volumio as the OS. I thought it sounded pretty spectacular. Especially with the coding mods and upgraded ps.
Then, I upgraded to a Pi2 design Mercury Streamer. My mind was simply blown by the improvement. It was immense. My system was instantly elevated (and it’s not all that special a system). To the point that I had serious trouble staying away from it.

So my answer is that there can be a major difference between transports.

Correct. Bits are bits. And jitter in today's equipment is so small it cannot possibly be audible. And error correction has been perfected for decades. Even as far back as when I was doing network programming for banking systems in the 80's.