WiFi Streaming Versus An Ethernet Cable Connection

If you have standard network gear there is usually no difference between Ethernet and Wi-Fi. If you have decent audiophile network hardware, low noise LPS e.t.c then ethernet pulls ahead and can be noticeably better.

I think the whole jitter/reclocking theory about audiophile switches is wrong, and it's more likely high frequency noise is passed down the chain that ultimately effects the D/A conversion and small signal amplifications stages. Nothing to do with packet timing e.t.c.

But if that were true wouldn't an air-gap like wi-fi be the ultimate choice? I believe the wi-fi chips themselves have a huge amount of high frequency noise that deleteriously effects local circuitry. For example, if using just a router for all connections, turning off the 2G and 5G internal wireless (if possible) leads to an increase in transparency. Those wi-fi chips are not designed to be near delicate small signals and DAC's.

@goofyfoot 

I've changed from wifi to ethernet cable to good effect.

Also found a wifi extender to ethernet cable an improvement.

I noticed an improvement running ethernet into my streamer when I turned off wifi and Bluetooth in the streamer settings.

I don't doubt hardwiring makes a difference in some systems, but I run $50 Chromecast Audio pucks throughout my home, and I've noticed zero material differences when tested against wired connections in the same dac/amp/speaker chains. 

My streaming is limited to ripped FLAC files  (44.1hz/16bit) stored on local NAS and some Tidal, all via Roon.  I am not doing any super hi-res streaming and I do have a robust wifi network, so drop-outs are not an issue.

Specifically, I found no audio difference between CCA optical out into Gustard R26 when compared with the DAC's internal streamer hardwired.  And a CCA into my Ares II sounded the same as (if not better than) a hardwired Mac Mini with USB out.   

It is 2024 and my TP-link powerline gear that I was using for 7+ years finally died. I foolishly bought the latest NETGEAR Powerline. I ended replacing 2 of them and even the replacements are no good for audio streaming. Prior to this the streaming was working great.

Looking at what is available today I came across the following from TP-link,

TP-Link Tri-Band WiFi 7 BE10000 Whole Home Mesh System (Deco BE63)

TP-Link WiFi 7

1) My router is in the upstairs office. I have Wifi from an Ubiquiti unit connected by wire to the router.

2) My audio system is in the office and my 1st floor Livingroom

I want to get WiFi into my audio. I use a Sonore OpticalRendu for streaming. I am looking for high-bandwidth WiFi that is reliable for streaming. I assume I would need 2 Deco units. 1 for my office connected directly to the router and the other in the Livingroom.

I have a couple of questions for the folks following this new technology.

• Does the router need to support WiFi 7. I will be using a wired connection from the router to the Deco unit.
• If not, what type of Ethernet cable is needed to connect the existing router by wire to the Deco unit.
• Is the tech ready for audio streaming?

BTW - I tried WiFi streaming years ago with a Matrix Audio 3-i Pro (sp?) that supported tons of connectivity options, including WiFi. I was surprised that it sounded good. Unfortunately, the connection would not last that long, even though my WiFi is good.