Talk about modems

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/cable-modems.30094/ And so I've long considered modem's role in audiophile streaming, and how I could improve my long term setup.

Above discussion motivated me to replace Spectrum supplied modem, Arris TM1602 with Netgear CM500 mentioned in thread. Arris is Intel chip based with internal power supply, Netgear Broadcom chip with external power supply. I added LPS, nice power cable into my BPT 3.5 Sig. power conditioner.

So this third rather recent attempt at upgrading network prior to server, others being audiophile switch and fiber conversion, both with less than satisfactory results.

Results of this simple change way beyond expectations! Lowered noise floor patently obvious,  sound staging much improved, greater precision, spaciousness, images had greater dimensionality.  Most importantly, a new sense of ease imparted, more analog like presentation. I assume this newfound ease comes from more precise timing, can really hear the benefits of lowered jitter here!  This rather curious to me as I expected to hear this with audiophile switch with OXCO clock I previously tried. With the switch I heard changes in sound staging and timing, and both NOT for the better, same with the fiber experiment.

My estimation is this relatively minor change has been one of the more effective streaming upgrades over many years of streaming upgrades. And likely biggest bang for buck upgrade ever, something like $60 for modem and around $100 for lps, just amazing!

Now considering further upgrades in both Spectrum net speed, can get up to 1gb service and more capable Broadcom chip based modem. I'd just suggest people try the modem upgrade, may be greatly surprised at extent of improvement. One does have to go with Broadcom chip modem and make sure that modem compatible with their net service provider. I'd also suggest LPS critical in overall improvement.