2. digital
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Ethernet connection for best sound quality

As far as I'm aware of for streaming audio with tidal hi fi plus ethernet. I need; besides modem and router.

1) A Streamer

2) A ethernet card specifically for audio jcat or matrix if I use my computer

3) Shielded ethernet cat 5 or better cable

So from wall to modem to router to streamer to dac, correct?

 

 

 

 

128x128joes44
vinylshadow
497 posts
 

Anyone here have a Mytek Empire streamer? Or heard one? Expensive but might dispel your audiophile streamer opinions and streamer/DAC opinions. 

Very well built. 

rbstehno
1,454 posts
 

I have built enterprise networks since the early 90’s, you will not have any problems using cat5/e cables for a 1G network. If you have issues with cat5, check each cable to make sure it’s terminated properly by using a Fluke meter.


Also, you don’t need a dedicated streamer, just get a dac with Ethernet and put roon or audirvana on a Mac mini in a room outside of your audio room. The only reason to get a dedicated streamer is because your dac doesn’t have Ethernet or you want to use the best connection to a dac and that’s i2s. 

cfa88's avatar
cfa88
111 posts
 

A dedicated streamer is a must-have if you stream music. For those continue using a PC will have inferior sound.

tonywinga's avatar
tonywinga
844 posts
 

The best sounding DACs and the best Streamers are not necessarily in the same box.  The best sounding streamers/servers will have high quality linear power supplies- something a PC does not have.

I have a CD Transport with I2S going into my DAC.  It sounds amazing.  Before this DAC/Transport combo I would listen to 1/2 to 1 CD and then switch to vinyl- and that was with a very good CD player at the time.  Now I listen to mostly digital.  It sounds so good and more convenient than playing vinyl.  (Vinyl still rocks).  So when I got my streamer and a good USB cable I was surprised to find that my ripped CDs to FLAC files on my music server via USB sound the same as the I2S out of my transport. 

It comes down to the gear and how well it implements the inputs/outputs.  

sholladay
3 posts
 

My 2 cents-

M1 Mac Mini (Dedicated) + Qobuz + Audirvana Studio + Gustard R26 = Nirvana!!!

The improvement over the MAC audio engine with Audirvana Studio is the best bargain upgrade I can recommend.

I just got the ML Unison and plan on evaluating it this weekend.  Another low cost opportunity for an upgrade.

The comment above about Linux w/Intel I7 is what my 2012 MAC mini was.  10 years strong I just got the itch to upgrade.

S-

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