Network Acoustics Eno Streaming System vs SGC Optical Isolation System

@rareace

I was using a pair of Apple Extreme that doesn’t have DC input to facilitate outboard LPS. Based on what I’m hearing, I’m never going back to any Wi-Fi routers installation in my dedicated room. This is easily one of the best $115 tweaks in my streaming setup. Whoever says digital streaming cannot rival CD or Vinyl playback, well they haven’t really explored all the possibilities.

@jerryg123

Not yet. I thought prioritizing the network path first is more important than bringing another switch. Turns out, I was spot on. Looking back, I wish I’d done this sooner :-)

@sns

Turns out, atleast in my setup; a separate router or mesh network is absolutely unnecessary. My Xfinity modem/router (50FT) away from my audio room clocks in >700Mb/s speed over Wi-Fi.

@lalitk 

@charles1dad 

The Linkup Cat 8 cable pictured above is what I've been using for over one year now. As Lalit says, it is better than Supra 8+. For me, it is no contest, Linkup is superior; better bandwidth, smoother and more revealing, and above all, musical. I also use if for my connection to my TV and it also results in better PQ and SQ.

Lalit, glad you had such great success with the Linkup cable. Really great news.

BTW, I deployed a Shunyata Hydra 6 power conditioner that is probably 12-15 years old on the network side of my system powering the router, 1 Gbs fiber endpoint coming into the house, and ER + Paul Hynes LPS (router/modem is in another room about 15-20' away) and this brought about a very nice and noticeable sound quality improvement. Makes me want to try a better more modern power conditioner, but I'll work on other areas of the network first.

Combo modem/router may or may not be best, who can say without direct comparison. I'd still advocate individuals at least try  modem and router close to audio system, hard wired with quality ethernet cable. Compare the two and report. While I've not done wifi to ethernet comparison in years, the modem and router close to system paid off big time, one of the biggest improvements for network, and I've conducted a ton of network experiments. Long ethernet cables not the way to go, long coax, short ethernet best, other advantage is higher quality ethernet cable becomes more affordable.

@sns I’ve conducted a ton of network experiments. Long ethernet cables not the way to go, long coax, short ethernet best,

I have heard from others making this same recommendation. And yet others suggesting long Ethernet cable runs such as @lalitk . As is typical for High End audio, a variety of ways to skin the cat. I recognize each can be very successful depending upon the circumstances. Audio streaming is a prime example of alternative roads leading toward a destination.

Charles

@charles1dad Other than listening comparisons, which I've obviously done, here are the issues at hand.

Coax has less signal loss over longer distances vs ethernet. Coax more resistant to emi/rfi intrusion. Plus you get advantage of using top flight ethernet cable for entire network, I'd never spend the kind of money 50', 25', whatever long lengths of Audioquest Vodka would cost, price this length of the Vodka and see!