Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi streaming


My question is simple…

If you have a very strong WiFi signal to your streamer and there are no signs of buffering are you giving up any sound quality?

I have a BluSound streamer to my Gustard DAC and stream Qobuz/Tidal 90% of time with no issues.  Would a hard lined Ethernet do anything to improve sound quality?  Hope my question is of value and makes sense.   

bobbyloans

I can add another voice to this. IME, strong WiFi, if reliable, is a good platform for streaming. In fact, I even stream Qobuz through WiFi at the gym. It’s not perfect, but it’s rare there is an interruption.

At home, using an Auralic Aries G1 streamer, I’ve compared WiFi and Ethernet and found no difference in sound quality, no difference in reliability.

I use a wifi extender next to each of my system and connect via Ethernet cable to my streamer. I have outstanding sound in this way. See my system under my user ID.

 

I had did not have the solid connection or fidelity when I used to own an Aurlic Aries G2… but my two Aurender streamers work incredibly well this way. I know quite a few folks with +$100K or $200K systems that operate this way with outstanding results. I cannot say I layer in Ethernet cable and compared. On the other hand I have the best system (for my tastes) I have heard. Could it be better? Of course… would dedicated Ethernet improve it? I cannot say no.

@jl35 

 

I use a Netgear. But I would buy the same brand as your router. You can see mine in the photos of my main system. 
 

 

@jl35 

I used a Netgear extender for a while and it was adequate. However, when I replaced my AT&T router to Google Nest, I placed a point near my system and ran ethernet from it to my Node. Since then never a problem with buffering or audio dropouts.