Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi streaming

The general consensus

When it comes to the debate on WiFi vs ethernet for streaming, ethernet is arguably a better option for streaming the majority of the time. It provides you with a dedicated connection rather than using a WiFi router that multiple other devices can connect to and interfere with.

I tried WiFi streaming when I had the Matrix Audio i3 Mini Pro. That thing had so many connectivity options. I was surprised at how good the WiFi sounded. That is until it would fail and then it was a catastrophic failure and I had to do a DAC reboot or something along those lines.

I stuck with Ethernet streaming on that device and that never failed.

Depending on the streamer’s or DAC’s WiFi and Ethernet isolation, it is generally better to use WiFi unless you can connect a switch from a long Ethernet line and then connect a very good quality Ethernet cable for the last meter or two. Having a decent switch connected to that line ensures timing and packet integrity, and a good quality Ethernet cable maintains it. The switch could be a decent Cisco one - it does not have to be an EtherRegen or fancy $1K+ switch / reclocker, though the ones I’ve tried do work very well, and I own the SR UEF Switch myself, from which I replaced the EtherRegen. 

As for my setup, I actually use WiFi from my router to a Netgear Orbi satellite, then run a 1M DH Labs Reunion cable into the SR Ethernet Switch UEF. From there I run multiples of the same cable to each of my audio components that have an Ethernet input.