Wifi vs ethernet revisited

@debrajray Like the idea of router with no wifi/SFP cage. My only issue is not all fiber conversion created equal, I've tried generic products, my Sonore OpticalModule and OpticalRendu superior transparency/resolution. The Sonore has optimized isolation/noise/internal power supplies vs generic, transcieivers only part of the equation.

@troutstreamnm Can't tell you the number of times thought I had maximized sq from digital sources only to find incremental changes brought about increased level. Situating modems close to audio systems virtually a freebee, increasing coax cable length, may need amplifier for super long runs. If not the diy type, service call from cable company may be required. Also, modems should run BroadCom chips, better than the Intel chips. And to get full potential from hard wire setups use high quality ethernet cable, I've been through the gamut here. Generally, I've found silver is superior for all digital cables.

@troutstreamnm SQ is very good in all these setups (including yours), see my original post. We’re just trying to figure out what’s better, which is possibly a crazy exercise, but it’s fun.

On that note, @sns I’ve also tried different alternatives with fiber, including the Optical Module and Optical Rendu combo you mention. For me, a Netgear unmanaged switch with SFP worked just as well as the OM at the start of the fiber. No difference. At the other end, there was a significant positive difference (relative to the OM) when I used an Etherregen with fiber coming into the A-side and a very short ethernet cable to my streamer on the B-side. My transceivers are Finisar FTLF1318P3BTL. If I follow your advice on isolating the Eero mesh, I would like to get a router with SFP out and remove the existing Netgear switch so as to streamline the topology.

Here is the crazy thing though. I cannot find a router which (a) has no wifi, (b) has SFP, (c) has a 2.5gb port which I can use for the mesh and (d) can be run cool with a 12-15V DC power supply. The closest I can get is the MikroTik hEX S, but alas it doesn’t have a 2.5 gb LAN port.

@sns  Agreed, each additional switch adds an unneeded layer; so the router with SFP seemed like a good call. It is unclear to me what "audiophile SFP" would mean TBH, though I do agree that I liked some transceivers more than others.

I need the 2.5 because I have a 2gb symmetric internet connection that I actually use for moving large files (not audio). Or at least I would prefer to have this; "need" may be too strong a word.

I’ve tried the same and find that a good Ethernet cable (I use a 6A from Blue Jeans cable made to length) from the router or from an Eero pod works better than Wi-Fi.  The streamer is important too.  My Innuos Zen MK3 improved the sound when I upgraded from my Bluesound Node N130 as a streamer.