@ghdprentice I agree streamer is most important component in streaming chain. But all of our audio systems are built from a chain of components, weak links are weak links, a magical amp can't repair the wounds of a lesser preamp, source, listening room, AC. In order to reach full potential of any link further downstream, all links upstream must be optimal. Streaming works in exactly same manner.
Besides, vast majority of these upgrades cost far, far less than quality streamer. Hell, I've spent more just on power supply for my streamer than all my upgrades pre streamer. It seems totally illogical to me to assume a quality streamer will somehow get back information lost in miasma of noise produced by network components, cabling upstream. I've gone back and forth on network upgrades in past, therefore, remove the upgrade in order to go back to previous setup, testing new variable, all upgrades I listed were heard as increased resolution. My new streamer added JCAT Net XE ethernet filter, clock, JCAT Femto Net and network feed direct to motherboard ethernet port not nearly as good. This illustrates that network upgrades can still affect high end streamers. In fact I'd posit, these network upgrades will more greatly affect the highest resolving top end streamers.
There is nothing other than the network ports in any streamer that has any affect on networks. Network issues need to be addressed by network equipment. Now, if one believes networks have no affect on streaming performance this is all blathering. I'd only suggest one experience some of these upgrades before writing them off as worthless.
I've also been contemplating the impact of ISP quality itself in relation to streaming sound quality. My upgrade from 300mg to 500mg partially tested for this, required modem upgrade somewhat blunted full value of testing for this. So, was improvement I heard due to modem change, speed change or a litttle of both? I'd also make an analogy to AC delivery to our homes. Some claim we can't do anything about AC quality as 99% of the path AC takes is beyond our control, outside the house. Yet it seems AC power cords, conditioners, receptacles, fuses, blah, blah, blah make a difference, this all seems commonly accepted. How does the same not apply to our networks? I understand one may not believe in any of this, AC or network, sad, but at least consistent.
By the way, I agree with grannyring, fuses change sound quality to some extent. But then I hear differences in capacitors, resistors and other parts. I know we're both parts modders so very attuned to these things in sense we have experience listening for small changes.
Again, no attempts to sell big buck items here, I'm not advocating for audiophile network switches, although not writing them off as contributor for upgrading networks, plenty claims for their effectiveness. I'm one of those people who give benefit of doubt to those who claim benefits from all sorts of devices, whether I'm going to go out and purchase is another thing. I don't write anything off until I've tried and found it of no benefit. Even then I may just write it off as not being compatible with my particular setup. Keeping open mind in regard to all things audio has worked well for me, sure there's snake oil, and emotions may lead to hyperbole, one learns to read between the lines over time. Theoreticals are one thing, experience another, sometimes the two don't correlate. There's been any number of suggestions for upgrades on the upgrades I've suggested here, I"m totally open to them, probably try at some point.
In listening to many individuals over many years, things like upgrades, tweaks are one man's burden another man's chance to experiment. I'm in latter camp.