Basic switch....should I upgrade?

Cleaning up ethernet ahead of the streamer (InnuOS Zenith Mk3)unfortunately is a lot of trial and error. In my case I started by adding a Zerozone power supply to my Etherregen and using an Antelope10m clock to reclock. I subsequently added DXE filters and a LHYaudio LPS/reclocked switch ahead of the Etherregen. Furthermore switching from thin gauge cat6 to heavy gauge cat 8 Onti cables with Telegartner connectors made a big difference. A lot of people argue to go optical into the server. In my experience this results in an over analytical, thinned out sound. As a starting point upgrading the router and its power supply is equaly worthwhile.

It is frankly disappointing that after 15 years of streaming nobody seems to have found a universal solution, that said I am intrigued by the InnuOS Phoenix Ethernet.

@wsrrsw 

I had been considering a network switch for a while.

Bought a modded one from Audiophool.nl (he sold me a Ciso 2960).

When it arrived, I realised I needed something with a smaller footprint. Thought the 2960 could then go at the modem end of the house. Had been considering the Fidelizer Etherstream for its size and effectiveness.

Looked at buying the same switch - the Cisco SG110D - and getting it modded. Liked that it had a 12v input. Had been discussing options with Brent at fidelityaudio.co.uk for a few weeks. Noticed they had modded that model. Asked him about the Fidelizer mods. In his view the most effective ones were replacing a capacitor and adding a clock.

Decided to get the Fidelity Audio C4Mk2 installed at £290. Bought a cheap SG110D from eBay UK for £35. Had an old 12v Teradak linear power supply, with a Ghent Audio DC cable and a cheap AMR Gold fuse.

I've noticed that some have an EtherRegen before or after a fiber bridge.  Can I ask if having both offers any benefit?  As far as I'm aware they perform the same "re-generation" and noise removal function, but by different means.

What's the point of regenerating the ethernet signal twice?

@antigrunge2 .  I'm going through the same.  I think my USB is pretty good, but I'm still seeing some digital noise (apparent mostly in sibilance), so am focusing now on ethernet stage.

I've tried Eno, and cheap fiber bridge, but both too analytical.  

So, I've bought an iFi iPower Elite for my Netgear Orbi Satellite - it's the only viable route open to me.  And have a Sotm dbl-cat7u cable on order.  Their cables, by consensus, seem to offer the best bet of de-digitalising the sound. And once I have a decent cable in place I'm hoping to try either the EtherRegen or a decent fiber setup.

@lollipopguild  -  I have not tried Eno but I have Muon and do not think it is analytical.  I actually have two!  Rich at Network Acoustics could help you with differences. I do not use fiber.  I would have an EtherRegen in front of both, but I only have one!  I have swapped it back and forth and I can hear the difference for the better with the ER in front of the Muon filter.  Plus I need a switch to go to my Apple TV, so the ER does that on the A side as well.

@antigrunge2 ​​​​@wsrrsw ​​​​​@jerrybj - after many emails with Marcin at JCAT, I have ordered an M12 switch with four of their 1m cables.  One to my Modem, one to my Nucleus+, and one to each of my audio room cables (family room and basement),

This will replace my Silent Angel Bonn8 switch.  Oh my I can't wait!  Ken