Network optimization for serious streamers


In my ongoing experiments, now going on seven years, with network optimization for streaming I've discovered a number of optimizations that should work with any ethernet ISP.

 

I've tried a variety of ethernet cables, modems, routers, switches, FMC, ethernet filters, the following is what I've found to be most effective optimizations.

 

I'll start with ISP quality and speed. Recently I discovered 500mbps to be preferable to 300mbps. Along with upgrade in speed, modem capable of 1gb service replaced 600mbps, both have Broadcom chips and powered by same lps. Can't say which more responsible for improvement, speed or modem, presume speed has at least some role in ping time. As for ISP, there is importance in ISP server geographic location to you, shorter distances  means lower ping time. For information as to how ping time affects jitter-https://www.fusionconnect.com/speed-test-plus/ping-jitter-test

 

Now for modems,  modem close to audio system is most favorable, extending coax cable preferable to long ethernet cable. Coax more resistant to rfi and closer positioning to system means one can more easily afford top quality ethernet cable for modem to router connection. The modem should use Broadcom chipset vs. inferior Intel Puma, Broadcom chipset has lower jitter vs the Intel. Modem should be powered via external lps using quality DC and AC cables, lps to power conditioner for ultimate performance.

 

Following close positioning of modem to audio system, router should also be placed near modem in service of same advantage of making highest quality ethernet cable more affordable, in this case, modem to router and router to switches, streamers and NAS. Router should be powered with lps, this lps should be able to provide more amps than router requires in service of providing greater reliability, having lps with reserves of amperage means lps runs cooler, heat is enemy of reliability, longevity. As with modem, quality dc, ac cables and connection to power conditioner.

 

The next finding is new to me, provides very meaningful upgrade to streaming sound quality. Noise from wifi, injected both internally to router and externally with routers sitting close to audio systems has long been a concern to me. I have quality Trifield meter which measures rfi, router with operational wifi manufacture obscenely high levels of rfi, rfi is noise, noise is enemy of streaming at level we're talking about here. And its very likely the more wifi devices one has in home the higher the levels of rfi produced. This noise is then injected into following cables and streaming equipment. One may convince themselves FMC totally isolates this noise, and while correct, it doesn't mitigate the noise and masking going on within router. The only way to eliminate this noise is turning off wifi. And then, how to provide wifi for the many  wifi devices we have at home? The answer is to connect a second router to the primary router. The primary router will only provide ethernet for streamers, switches and/or NAS in audio system, also for the second router.  Second router provides wifi for the home, this scheme keeps vast majority of rfi out of audio system streaming chain. My own measurements find rfi significantly diminished in primary router, more than mulitiples of ten times lower vs wifi enabled. This was seamless install with the Netgear routers I'm using. There may also be value in provisioning higher quality routers. My new primary router, Netgear XR1000 is marketed as a gamer router, claims of lower ping time, latency, jitter vs other routers. Since my old router, Netgear RS7000 didn't have means to monitor ping time I can't provide evidence of this claim. Whatever the case, my XR1000 ping time test measurements are as follows, 25.35ms highest, 16.50ms lowest, this is A+ measurements against objective criteria. Ping time under load is download 25.93ms, upload 37.34ms, idle 17.31ms, this rates as A. My speed of 565gbps rates B grade, likely need 1gb service to get A here. At to how this all pertains to sound quality, adding up the upgrade in ISP speed and the off loading of wifi is without a doubt one of the most substantial, if not most substantial network upgrades I've experienced. While I  long considered my setup as having a vanishing low noise floor, with this setup I heard a new level of vanishing if such a thing is possible. Even more astounding was a more analog like presentation, while I wasn't aware of even the slightest digital presentation prior, this upgrade certainly exposed it was indeed there. It seems logical to conclude there has been some lowering of jitter here.

 

And then we come to the ethernet filter. I suppose audiophile switches can be considered as one, then we have actual filters such as Network Acoustics Muon, my JCAT Net XE and others. I continue to believe these necessary even with the all measures above.

 

Optical conversion is also valid approach post router. While I found generic FMC somewhat effective, at this point I prefer ethernet. On the other hand I've not yet tried optimizing a fiber solution, for example two Sonore OpticalModules, both powered by lps, further upgraded with Finisar optical transceivers.

 

Assuming one has high resolving audio and streaming systems the above network optimizations should provide for substantial sound quality improvements. In my system, perception of performers in room has been taken to a new level of intimacy, meaning a more emotional connection to the performers and performance.

 

At this point, I consider network has been fully optimized, the only upgrade I'm aware of would be ISP upgrade to 1gb.

sns

Early next week I will have results of an ethernet cable shootout. All four cables will be 15 to 20m. I am doing this because I have a sound problem that needs to be solved. Besides the inclination, I have the time to do this. More on that later.

What I would like to solicit, does anyone know of an ethernet cable 15m+ that has silver plated copper conductors? I imagine such a cable might solve my problem and I have not been able locate one. I hypothesize that my positive results with Pangea cables is because of the wire that they use. The longest cable they offer is 5m. I will contact them to see if they will make one to special order.

I will also be experimenting with ethernet cable direction to see how universal it is. In my research leading up to this task I discovered that all Audioquest ethernet cables have directional arrows on their connectors, for what that is worth. I will never buy their products because I do not want to fall victim to their price gouging strategy (IMHO).

@singingg 

I know another person who bought a 50' run of the Linkup 8 and so far they really like it. All of my Linkup 8 are 3'.

I have not moved forward with buying an LPS as of yet. Really need to do a bit more research.

You mentioned that you have a Y connector for running from the iFi Elite to the ONT and Router. Would you provide me a link to that?

@pokey77 I bought the DC Y adapter from Amazon 4 years ago. The link is not remembered. I searched a long time to get the heaviest AWG 18, 35cm. They are often used in surveillance.

Supra cat8 just arrived and it is still cold off the truck. It is definitely directional and blows my two other cables away. Linkup arriving Mon.

I don't have the iFi elite yet but I am leaning in that direction.

Skipping the out to lunch bits I have just re-read this entire thread and I’m greatful for this and others that have helped take my streaming set up from for lack of a better comparison from iPod like MP3 sound to it’s current no fatigue intoxicating bliss. There’s gold in these posts.. Gold, I tells yah.

Yesterday my wife complained that the whole house system (crud in ceiling that came with the joint) sounded poor and what could I do? That too was music to my ears!

Many know the path. Old mac lap top with a curd cable into an integrated… then a better integrated…then a Lumin T2 w/ an EtherRegen and clock (and that’s good stuff)….then upgraded PSU’s and then a Lumin X1 filtered with the Telegartner M12 SWITCH GOLD and JCat Optimo 3 Duo Power Supply. Then internet cleaned up. Next 18MB internet gone and then fast (but not always) StarLink in use.

I have a whole house stereo and that’s one of two Roon end points. The other being the real stereo. I’m beginning to think @lalitk is right the the SQ is better when not using roon and using the native Lumin App. Too bad the native Lumin app pales when compared to using Roon. Now when just in the listening room I tend not to use Roon.

Two weeks ago I took out my beloved tube integrated (Roger’s KWM-88 Integrated Amplifier modified to use KT170’s) and put in the Lumin amp. The SS (in my set up) was/is simply terrific.  Next to the M12 SWITCH switch that has been the most significant sonic upgrade. Now using fully balanced amp/streamer in dah house.

A lot of gear was picked up used (but new) on AGone which is a great example of synergy. The learning side nicely dovetails with the buying side. Who knew?

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