2. digital
  3. 151082-5284

Ethernet Cable or Not?

Hey everybody,

Thanks in advance for your guidance.

I use an inexpensive WiFi receiver to send a signal to a Schiit Dac, then to my Integrated.

The wireless signal never lags/buffers, but sometimes music sounds better to me than others. Very well could be in my head, tinnitus intensity, etc.

Line of sight to my router is approximately seven feet, and a ten foot cable would do the job and for the most part be hidden.

Is a wired connection between a router and WiFi receiver the way to go if one is possible? Or if I’m not having buffering should I let it be? (I don’t own a cable to try but can pick one up if it’s likely to help of course.)

Thanks for the help!
uncledemp
rego
378 posts
 
Wired is always preferred.
Some manufacturers use CAT6+ for isolation.
WiFi Router creates a Bubble with range in wireless area.
So strength Yeah.
Ringing in a system could be from any number of sources.
Also consult with a GP for health related concerns...

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Excellent post, as always, from @almarg 

More specifics on your front end and any connections will be helpful.
uncledemp OP
779 posts
 
David_ten,

Thanks, here goes, 

WiFi ——Tunebox 2, TB20 (Budget WiFi receiver) —- generic coax out to a Schiit Modi Multibit—— Morrow Level 4 RCAs —— Anthem Integrated 225.

I’m pretty content, but I perceive the quality varies at times, That’s why I’m curious about a hard wired connection to my router.

Other things it could be;

i plug my equipment directly into a wall outlet, so my power quality may vary. 

My Tinnitus varies in intensity. (Three cicadas out of five currently.)

May be all in my head/mood. 

All in all I’m content, but willing to try some simple measures. 

@almarg Thanks, as always for your thoughtful counsel, I’ll pick up a decent Ethernet cable and experiment.

@rego Good point.I’ll gut check my hearing with my GP and follow your cable advice. 

Regards,

gary
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,591 posts
 
OP,

Solid advise so far, I would recommend Supra CAT 8 cable for your trial. Based on my experience, wired connection should yield improved SQ and stability in your system.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Supra-CAT-8-ETHERNET-cable-1-meter-Made-In-Sweden-THE-BEST-FOR-NETWORK-AUDI...
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@uncledemp Thanks for the information and additional details.

If I have the correct unit (Tunebox 2 TB20), it appears to be powered by a wall wart via a micro USB cable and is rated at 5V/0.5A

My advice is to invest in a Linear Power Supply (there are many affordable options with cabling included).

I believe you will obtain far better results doing this than parsing the differences between WiFi vs. a LAN cable, in your setup.
More to discover