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Help setting up nework for Zenith mk3 arriving next week

Searching existing discussions here and in other forums has helped somewhat but not nearly enough for a computer-phobe like me.  In fact, it has almost raised as many questions as it has answered.  This discussion should help a great deal. 

For those that might be kind enough to offer insights and/or answer my questoins based on their 'adventures in computer audio' hopefully these specifics will help you help me and others searching this topic.

GEAR:

--Comcast issued modem/router.  If the model or technical specs matter, I can provide that.  Ethernet is running to tv in living room for streaming (no idea if that is relevant).
--one ethernet port currently available on the comcast modem/router
--Ethernet or fiber optic length to music room 100'-150' 
--Innuos Zenith mk3 
--Lyngdorf 2170 TDAI
--USB cable will connect Zenith to Lyngdorf
--Will stream Tidal or Qobuz and maybe play music stored on the Zenith SSD's.

MY DEALER'S NETWORK SUGGESTION:

It's very appealing for its simplicity:  Connect the modem and the Zenith with cat 6a (shielded cat 6) and run it into the music room thru a brush plate.  This avoids the add'l connections required when using a wall terminal plate.  He did not prescribe a brand of cat 6a or connectors but he suggests good quality for each.  That's it.  Done!   Or...AM I?

I don't know, which is why I started this discussion, my first on AG.

If I implement this approach, I will plan to purchase pre-terminated bluejean brand cat 6a and know the quality of all is rock-solid and it comes with a test report of your actual run.  About $1.20/ft.   BTW, BJ told me I only needed cat 5 or 5e ( don't recall which).  They said shielding is only needed when there are many other data-carrying wires next to each other.  There aren't in my case.  And the 5 is a lot less $.  But, I plan to err on the side of caution and do cat 6a anyway.

QUESTIONS:

1. Have others used a set up like this (described above) and been very pleased?
2. Can others please share ways of improving the SQ with enhancements of varying cost?
3. Anyone like something better than bluejean? 

Many report audible improvements from using short ethernet cables such as Supracat 8, Audioquest, etc, for the last meter or so.

4. Are they using those from their wall plate to the streamer?

5. If so, are they adding those at the end of a run of ordinary ethernet like BJ or are they running a more expensive ethernet the entire way from the modem/router (aka, gateway?) to the streamer.?  Over 100' in my case.

6.If the audiophile grade 1-1.5m (are they called patchcords?) aren't used from the wall plate to streamer, then wear are they used?  BTW, I realize I won't have a wall terminal plate if I follow my dealers suggestion.  But I presume there exists a coupler that I could use.

7.  Is buying my own modem/router to replace the comcast one beneficial?  If so...any suggestions.  Maybe Comcast would update my gateway.  My current one is 2-3 years old.

8.  Has anyone switched from ethernet to fiber optic and realized an improvement in SQ.  Any innuos users in particular?  I realize optical ethernet requires converters and upgraded power supplies for converters but I wonder if it is worth doing.  If so...it seems like the costs are very reasonable.


Thank you,


rc22
mahler123
3,305 posts
 
You are worrying too much.   This being an audiophile site, you will get people swearing to the death about the superiority of one kind of cable vs another, but most reasonable people are going to tell you that especially with ethernet cables, from Cat5 and above you aren't going to hear much of a difference.  There are surely better modems than what you have, but not necessarily for audiophile purposes.  As to how you get the cable to run from your router to your listening area, do whatever works.
   The biggest issue imo with streaming are connectivity issues, in terms of getting the streamer to play nice with the rest of your system.  None of that will be affected by the issues you cite.  If your new streamer is easily integrated by the rest of your intranet, then most of your worries are over.
  Take a deep breath, have a glass of egg nog with some nice rum, and think about the music that you will enjoy
antigrunge2
1,399 posts
 
An easy solution to avoid running 150 ft of cables is to use an Apple Airport in bridge mode connected via a short ethernet cable to the streamer and replicating your wifi unless you live in a place with lots of wifi networks. If you decide to run a long cable, inserting a quality ethernet switch at the end and then connecting to the streamer with a high quality ethernet cable that is as short as possible will significantly improve streaming quality.
Finally, using a high quality USB cable (Shunyata, Intona, Acoustic Revive, Furutech, Oyaide) and possibly an Isolator (Intona, Uptone Regen, Ifi) for galvanlc isolation to the DAC will substantially improve SQ.
antigrunge2
1,399 posts
 
Another way of skinning this cat (no pun) is to use fiber directly into an Uptone Etherregen connected via Ethernet into the streamer. 
rc22 OP
133 posts
 
Both responses above are very appreciated.  Lots of good advice input in each.

Mahler 123:  I anticipated there’d be debates over how I should proceed.  Fingers crossed it’ll not get ugly.  You and Antigrunge2 have struck an exemplary note as the first posters.

Your viewpoint on the matter echoes my dealers and he is certainly not a low-information person.  Quite the opposite, in fact.  It’s just that learned folks can and do often report opposing experiences/outcomes on virtually everything in this hobby.   

Reminding me that connectivity can be an issue is appreciated.  I never could get my  direct tv DVR connected via WiFi.  Had to run Ethernet.  But, that was successful immediately.  Hopefully same for Zenith.

Antigrunge 2:

I’ve heard of Apple Airport but had no idea what is was. The Zentith, I am pretty sure,  is not WiFi-compatible. I can anticipate that perhaps the Airplay isn’t “seen” as WiFi by the innuos, and thus is compatible.  If it is compatible and provides robust connectivity I should investigate that option.  My dealer and I discussed the relatively new Chord (aka English Electric)  8-port Ethernet switch.  But he suggested I pass on that since I don’t need so many ports.  And I get that it’s about improving SQ, irrespective of having 8 ports.  But, having read just yesterday about the Uptone Ether Regen, I had presumed it would be used instead of a switch not in addition to it.  You did say “Uptone Regen”.  Is that perhaps a different product that the UT Ethernet Regen? 

Your last suggestion seems very promising.  Except that I think I read the UT Ethernet Regen is on back order for 6 weeks give or take.  But, I will look into it non-the less.  Hopefully, Uptone has a good product support line.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,582 posts
 
My ComCrap modem just crapped itself. If yours is 4 years old get a new one.
I don’t have the option of having my modem within 100ft. of the music room. Probably for the better.
Spending that much for a streamer and being close points to tosink instead of copper.
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