Advice on Improving a Wifi-Mesh -> Ethernet Setup?


My streamer connects to an ethernet port of a Netgear Orbi satellite. It's a modified Allo Digione Signature mounted on a USBridge Signature, both powered by an Allo Shanti LPS.

The Orbi is a stock unit powered by a Teradak LPS. I've noticed a significant jump using John Swenson's technique to "ground" the stock SMPS. The LPS provided further improvements but were not as dramatic as introducing the grounding adapter.

If I intend to take things one step forward, which would make the most sense in my system? 

1. An "audiophile" switch that supposedly reclocks and improves the signal.

2. Some type of filter or isolation to reduce noise (Gigafoil, ENO, FMC, etc.).

3. Modifying/Replacing the Orbi.

Thanks in advance!

serancien

I've noticed a significant jump using John Swenson's technique to "ground" the stock SMPS. The LPS provided further improvements but were not as dramatic as introducing the grounding adapter.

I am curious what "significant jump" or specific sonic improvements did you notice from grounding and then from adding the LPS, and what are you currently trying to improve that would have you consider replacing your Orbi system?  I have an Orbi mesh system too and I am not hearing or aware of any specific sonic problems as my system is quiet except for the music playing.  Is there a specific noise problem you are trying to overcome?  I own the ENO and Gigafoil as well as fiber/converters and the Bonn switch and none of those things make  a significant sonic difference in my system (i.e., it sounded good before installing them and it sounds just as good after).

@soix nothing exotic, Blue Jeans CAT6

@david_ten thank you for sharing, though the SR solution seems out of my price range right now. I do have a DIY grounding solution known as "battery ground tweak".

@mitch2 TBH I didn't expect much (if any) change from the grounding tweak. Most notable was the improved spatial information, followed by bass depth, decay, and clarity. I was hesitant to add more boxes to my system, but this experience piqued my interest in "optimizing" the network for streaming.

@serancien Sharing how I have my Orbi Pro setup was not a ’push’ to go down that specific product path ; rather, that isolation and grounding net results, given I am using the same brand Router/Satellite as you are.

Mirroring @mitch2 , I prefer to keep the chain as simple as possible. The Orbi Satellite directly feeds my server. Having said that, many have reported upsides by adding solutions in-between. Keep in mind that the cost of those approaches add up.

Are you using a stock/generic DC cable? If so, a custom aftermarket DC cable may deliver surprising improvements. Custom DC cable + grounded LPS + isolation/resonance control for the LPS. Trifecta.

 

The LPS provided further improvements but were not as dramatic as introducing the grounding adapter.

@david_ten I really appreciate your input, and I hope it didn't come out the wrong way. I have isolation bases similar to the Acoustic Revive TB-38H for my main components, and now I intend to get another one for my Orbi.  

I know this may sound crazy, but recently I upgraded my "real" router (one that connects directly to the modem) from a budget TP-Link to a $400 Nighthawk. And the change in SQ was not subtle. I find it mind-boggling, as it's not even physically connected to the streamer network, only the Orbi router. I'm tempted to power it with a quality LPS just to see what happens.