Lots of paths to streaming music. Fewer paths to high end audio streaming. I studied the options for a couple of years and tried various ways to stream- including using my laptop. I have a CD Transport and DAC that sounds quite good and as satisfying as vinyl. I can stream 44.1/16 now and it sounds the same as the CD to me. Hi res streaming sounds even better and on par with hi res files stored on my streamer. I qualify this by saying this is based on my hearing and the level of the rest of my audio gear.
Modem- bought my own- stopped using the ISP’s modem. Added an iFi low noise power supply but didn’t noticed a difference directly.
Router- WiFi 6E router also with an iFi low noise power supply. Can’t say that did much for the sound either but I feel better knowing the low noise power supplies are there.
[I am no longer using FMC’s in my chain from router to streamer]. Best bang for the buck, I found is to put a fiber optic link between the router and the streamer. I had two FMC’s with 5V LPS’s and Finisar SFP’s (they insert into the FMC’s).
Bought an audio grade ethernet switch. This replaced the fiber optic link. This is the next level up in sound but dilutes the cost/performance ratio. Also, thinking that the fiber optic link combined with the audio grade network switch would be even better- turns out it is not.
Silver plated ethernet cables. These make a difference in the sound. Don’t have to spend a lot- just need to be shielded and silver plated copper wire. Silver wire might work too but I doubt it makes much of a difference.
Streamer- if you want high end audio get a streamer. Sure, it is likely based on a NUC. My streamer has an expensive linear power supply. Absolutely necessary for high end audio. That is something you don’t get using a PC. I use a streamer for Roon running ROCK. The processor has one job to do in a design for music streamer. I also like the sound better just sending PCM to the DAC. The less processing the streamer does the better in my system. Let the DAC do most of the work.
