WiFi Streaming Versus An Ethernet Cable Connection


Hey All,

I have a fairly new Bryston BDP 3 streamer/renderer. I haven't been all that happy with the sound of streaming on Qobuz. However may local files on my SSD sound astonishing. The router I'm using is standard for 500 GB but it's nothing special. I'm currently connected to my BDP 3 with a utilitarian 7 cat ethernet cable. Instead of buying a better modem/router and audiophile ethernet cable, I'm considering Bryston's WiFi dongle. Anybody familiar with wireless HiFi streaming? Thanks!

goofyfoot

Etheregen from UpTone Audio!

made a huge difference. Changed the game for me.
Ethernet cable does matter. Everything matters. 

If you have standard network gear there is usually no difference between Ethernet and Wi-Fi. If you have decent audiophile network hardware, low noise LPS e.t.c then ethernet pulls ahead and can be noticeably better.

I think the whole jitter/reclocking theory about audiophile switches is wrong, and it's more likely high frequency noise is passed down the chain that ultimately effects the D/A conversion and small signal amplifications stages. Nothing to do with packet timing e.t.c.

But if that were true wouldn't an air-gap like wi-fi be the ultimate choice? I believe the wi-fi chips themselves have a huge amount of high frequency noise that deleteriously effects local circuitry. For example, if using just a router for all connections, turning off the 2G and 5G internal wireless (if possible) leads to an increase in transparency. Those wi-fi chips are not designed to be near delicate small signals and DAC's.

@goofyfoot 

I've changed from wifi to ethernet cable to good effect.

Also found a wifi extender to ethernet cable an improvement.

 

I noticed an improvement running ethernet into my streamer when I turned off wifi and Bluetooth in the streamer settings.

I don't doubt hardwiring makes a difference in some systems, but I run $50 Chromecast Audio pucks throughout my home, and I've noticed zero material differences when tested against wired connections in the same dac/amp/speaker chains. 

My streaming is limited to ripped FLAC files  (44.1hz/16bit) stored on local NAS and some Tidal, all via Roon.  I am not doing any super hi-res streaming and I do have a robust wifi network, so drop-outs are not an issue.

Specifically, I found no audio difference between CCA optical out into Gustard R26 when compared with the DAC's internal streamer hardwired.  And a CCA into my Ares II sounded the same as (if not better than) a hardwired Mac Mini with USB out.   

It is 2024 and my TP-link powerline gear that I was using for 7+ years finally died. I foolishly bought the latest NETGEAR Powerline. I ended replacing 2 of them and even the replacements are no good for audio streaming. Prior to this the streaming was working great.

Looking at what is available today I came across the following from TP-link,

TP-Link Tri-Band WiFi 7 BE10000 Whole Home Mesh System (Deco BE63)

TP-Link WiFi 7

1) My router is in the upstairs office. I have Wifi from an Ubiquiti unit connected by wire to the router.

2) My audio system is in the office and my 1st floor Livingroom

I want to get WiFi into my audio. I use a Sonore OpticalRendu for streaming. I am looking for high-bandwidth WiFi that is reliable for streaming. I assume I would need 2 Deco units. 1 for my office connected directly to the router and the other in the Livingroom.

I have a couple of questions for the folks following this new technology.

  • Does the router need to support WiFi 7. I will be using a wired connection from the router to the Deco unit.
  • If not, what type of Ethernet cable is needed to connect the existing router by wire to the Deco unit.
  • Is the tech ready for audio streaming?

 

BTW - I tried WiFi streaming years ago with a Matrix Audio 3-i Pro (sp?) that supported tons of connectivity options, including WiFi. I was surprised that it sounded good. Unfortunately, the connection would not last that long, even though my WiFi is good.