Router Optimization for Audio Quality

[AkiKhan]

‘ Evening All. This is my current setup. Not perfect, so any advice welcome.

Modem/ Router; Spectrum
CAT 8 6ft

Teradak T-S212 Media Converter /fiber bridge (Pair)
Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter.
OCXO clock
Features:
T-S211 upgrade version
Suitable for most SFP network device
Low-noise linear regulated power supply
High quality R-core transformer
EMI filter for reducing AC power noise
High quality power regulation with Rubycon capacitors
Pure Silver Wiring
UTP Port: RJ-45 10/100/1000Mbps.

Uses ‘Active fiber optic cable between send/ receive devices. Cable connectors coated with graphene.

Cat8 8ft
Cisco 9600g router

Cat8 8ft runs to:
EverSolo DMP-A6 Master Edition
Devialet Expert Pro 220
Apple TV
LG 77” OLED

I cannot use the fiber cable into the Cisco 9600g. I think it must have something to do with the admin setup. The matching units for the fiber bridge does the job though.

 

[Tuckers]

I am curious for those using the Ubiquity Edgerouter X, it does POE (Power Over Ethernet), isn't adding POE to your LAN detrimental to the sound? I picked a wired only TP-Link Omada ER605 V2 for those reasons and I use a separate Wifi access point.

 

[MarkusBarkus]

I cannot use the fiber cable into the Cisco 9600g

...I'm not certain about the specific Cisco device you note, but Cisco generally wants a Cisco-compatible or Cisco branded SFP. This should be noted in the spec for the SFP...or cable, in your case. There is an ID in the SFP which the Ciscos look for. It's worth checking that spec compatibility info, if interested. Good Luck.

 

[Lee]

I got a significant improvement using a Shunyata Research Gemini-4 which added line conditioning and grounding to my ATT Arris router. Noise levels went down materially. I also added a Sortz Supreme in an unused ethernet point which further reduced noise.

 

[AkiKhan]

...I'm not certain about the specific Cisco device you note, but Cisco generally wants a Cisco-compatible or Cisco branded SFP. This should be noted in the spec for the SFP...or cable, in your case. There is an ID in the SFP which the Ciscos look for. It's worth checking that spec compatibility info, if interested. Good Luck.

Thanks MarkusBarkus. I will check that out.

 

[agisthos]

I am curious for those using the Ubiquity Edgerouter X, it does POE (Power Over Ethernet), isn't adding POE to your LAN detrimental to the sound? I picked a wired only TP-Link Omada ER605 V2 for those reasons and I use a separate Wifi access point.

Yes its definitely detrimental to the sound. But in the Edgerouter X the POE is only active when enabled. Its powered down otherwise.

I also have that same exact TP Omada model. Its a good choice as well.

 

[Rexp]

Anyone here use WiFi, how does one improve it?

 

[enzo1]

I used Wi-Fi for streaming for a while — in various configurations: from a repeater, through an access point in mesh mode, to an AP connected by cable. In the end, it sounds better over cable. However, I never had any issues with connection stability over Wi-Fi, so the differences came down to sound quality.

 

[audiobomber]

I used Wi-Fi for streaming for a while — in various configurations: from a repeater, through an access point in mesh mode, to an AP connected by cable. In the end, it sounds better over cable. However, I never had any issues with connection stability over Wi-Fi, so the differences came down to sound quality.

Same here. I went from a wi-fi extender with linear power supply, to wired to fiber and each step was an improvement.

 

[brodricj]

No need to bother with any wired network settings. Just connect your network streamer to a Waversa LAN isolator, connect that to your network switch/router, and you are done. I know this from first hand experience on a $1M+ ultimate hi-end system. The improvement that Waversa box made was staggering. It is the best value audiophile tweak ever.

 

[audiobomber]

No need to bother with any wired network settings. Just connect your network streamer to a Waversa LAN isolator, connect that to your network switch/router, and you are done. I know this from first hand experience on a $1M+ ultimate hi-end system. The improvement that Waversa box made was staggering. It is the best value audiophile tweak ever.

A LAN Isolator cannot provide true galvanic isolation. Complete galvanic isolation is only provided by wi-fi or fiber optics, but wireless has more internal noise problems due to the wi-fi radios.

 

[DennisH]

I currently use Wi-Fi for streaming. I have a Ubiquity network with an access point in my listening room. The sound quality seems to be good, but I haven’t tried using an Ethernet connection for comparison. I have thought about running a cable from my streamer to the access point. Does anyone know whether this would improve the sound quality?

 

[brodricj]

A LAN Isolator cannot provide true galvanic isolation.

It matters zot. What matters is the sound. The Waversa is the real deal.

 

[brodricj]

...I have thought about running a cable from my streamer to the access point. Does anyone know whether this would improve the sound quality?

The rule of thumb is, a wired connection is preferred.

 

[orange55]

It matters zot. What matters is the sound. The Waversa is the real deal.

With digital audio there are many influences. The Waversa being just one aspect as all elements in the digital chain influence the sound and addressing these helps lift the sound to greater heights. Filters definitely work, but there is no silver bullet.

 

[kennyb123]

Filters definitely work, but there is no silver bullet.

Exactly right. And the benefits heard in a “$1M+ ultimate hi-end system” may not have as great of any impact in systems costing a fraction of that. A tremendous budget like that leaves lots of room for addressing far more harmful sources of noise. Not really informative either without hearing how some other well-regarded audiophile networking products worked in that same system.

 

[Three quid]

If you’re using ubiquiti edgerouterX, make sure to enable hardward NAT offloading. This setting is critical in my experience and I don’t think it’s automatically enabled from factory

 

[Zeins]

I think as long as the audio system is running on software, software settings will be very important as it will impact the load on the processor and thus affect the sound.

 

[Magnuska]

Hi, what do you think of Dejitterit Switch X?
It can be used as a router as well.

 

[agisthos]

No need to bother with any wired network settings. Just connect your network streamer to a Waversa LAN isolator, connect that to your network switch/router, and you are done. I know this from first hand experience on a $1M+ ultimate hi-end system. The improvement that Waversa box made was staggering. It is the best value audiophile tweak ever.

Which Waversa LAN isolator?
EXT2, Reference or Reference Plus? Quite a price different across those 3 models.

I had the original EXT1 and it made a huge and noticeable difference, like a hyper 3D loudness effect. I just did not prefer what it did. I wish though some skeptics could have experienced it - was one of the most obvious network changes I heard so far.