Ethernet opinions

@mitch2 thank you for the suggestions. That’s the most informative so far. My DAC is hardwired at the moment and I am going to leave it what way for a bit. If anything I may get a blue Jean cable for a while, they are in spec and aren’t expensive. Part of the fun is trying different things to see what works and how the sound can change. I still can’t get over the new system from the old setup. The old one does not even compare and I had it for 15+ years. My wife even loves this setup, prob as much as I do at this point. 

You are welcome.  Just sharing my experiences. Two of the things I like most about a streamer/server set-up are how easy it is to operate and the wide range of music available that I wouldn't have otherwise found out about.  Just yesterday, I learned about three artists I was previously unaware of who are creating music that is similar to other artists I listen to. 

Regarding your hard-wired connection, that is for sure the best way to go, IME.  I have both fiber and Ethernet available over my 45-foot run so I can easily switch between them.  I have done so several times over the past couple of years, and I cannot reliably say I hear a difference - at least to the point where I would be comfortable saying I could tell one from the other based on a blind listening session.  

Regarding mesh networks, in my experience with residential applications, they are generally preferable to a single router when needed to provide internet over longer distances and they are certainly preferable to using boosters.  My outdoor system, which is set up in the garage, is connected to an Orbi mesh satellite, which has Ethernet jacks for hardwiring so, the signal travels wirelessly from my base router over the mesh network to the satellite and then over a short Ethernet cable to a Roon endpoint that feeds a DAC.  That set-up has been great functionally but I cannot comment on whether there are any sound quality differences compared to a hardwired connection directly from the base router, which I what I have always done for my main system. 

@fredrik222 my post letting everyone know that you don't understand streaming was removed.  If a moderator has a problem with that statement, please let me know what rule it violates.

You are spreading misinformation.  Streaming is not bitperfect as you are trying to convince people it is.

Jerry

Audphile1,

Yes as you point out, Supra cables are really good for the money, and there are better cables than the Supra cables. I think it’s important to highlight high quality cables at a more affordable price, as everyone deserves the benefit of good cables regardless of price point, or as important, good cables for a lower cost system.

I’ve found really good sound from Supra Cables (I have the Cat 8 Ethernet, Excalibur USB, 2.1 8K HDMI, and the same can be said for DH Labs, Zavfino, and Oyaide Neo.

All the best

@carlsbad2 It is not true to start with. 

Of course streaming is bit perfect, and on top of that it is not streaming from Qobuz, Tidal and others. It's a download. You can educate yourself on the Qobuz and Tidal support sites like I previously mentioned. 

So, again, you don't know what you are talking about. 

But I'll humor you. How is it not bit perfect given encryption, DRM, and the TCP/IP stack? 

And as a side note, here's where things break down, asking people who know nothing to explain, and they start the name calling when you debunk every single argument with facts. @audphile1  ring any bells?