More thoughts in regard to complexity of streaming systems. Streaming is likely the most inherently complex source we have, even vinyl pales somewhat in comparison. We necessarily have to deal with networks, this means ISP, modems, routers, cabling, perhaps switches. Then we need means to deliver music, this requires music player software and server to utilize that software. Next is means of delivering this information to dac which is the rendering function. Finally we have dac to deliver these bits to our system.
So we have this inherent complexity to which we can add all manner of optimizations to each of these functions. Cabling, filtering, lps, power cords, power conditioning, ethernet vs optical, choice of OS, motherboards, music player software, RAM, NAS, local drives, etc. ad nauseam. I could go on and on, suffice to say one can really go into weeds, check out whatsbestforum, audiophilestyle forums to get an idea of how far some have gone. My own experience has been that optimization of every link in chain can pay off in improved sound quality. The key is discovering how to implement these optimizations, some of my changes have been retrograde, most have been incrementally positive. As for the incrementally positive, one must always ask themselves could I do better? In some cases I have improved things by further optimizing what I already thought fully optimized.
This optimization of the already optimized is where I find myself at this point in my streaming experiments. In exploration of more network optimizations, I changed out my ISP plan from 300mbps to 500, real world performance went from 330mbps download, 11.5 upload to 548 dowload, 21.5 upload. As part of this upgrade modem was necessarily changed from Netgear CM500 to Technicolor 1GB capable modem. Both run off same 12V LPS into BPT 3.5 Signature modified power conditioner, both utilize Broadcom chipset vs inferior Intel Puma, Technicolor runs DOCSIS 3.1 vs 3.0. Changing service and modem has resulted in further lowering of noise floor, something I would not have believed possible to further improve prior. While incremental, this has been meaningful improvement, well worth the extra $20 per month charge vs prior service.
So in regard to streaming complexity, optimization and further optimization of each and every function in streaming system, its been proven once again how every single little thing can affect the entire system. For those willing to go down path of extracting max potential from their streaming source I recommend paying great attention to ISP quality, modem and routers. Research latency/jitter and noise propagation of these devices, not all created equal. Use lps, power conditioning with these devices as well. Further possible improvements may be possible with higher quality lps and power cords to modem, already have done this with router.
For those skeptical about modem and router optimization, I can only suggest one experiment here, assuming one's system has necessary resolving/transparency, improvements should be easily heard. Based on idea all links in chain important, first links need to be optimized in order to hear optimizations further down chain. Perhaps some of these filters we use would become unnecessary with more fundamental optimizations?
