2. digital
  3. 191749-165378

Streaming, Getting the Signal, Then What?

I feel so stupid not getting the streaming thing though at almost 70 years old I have moved more toward digital then any time previously.  My PS Audio AirLens into a PS Audio DirectStream DAC MK1 gets its signal from a Netgear Nighthawk CAX80 modem/router purchased in Jan. '22.  I know I get a signal. I hear music play. Is this Netgear product better than the freebie that the ISP provider installs?  I think so. But following discussion FORUM I tend to think I may be able to do better, maybe?

So chime please as to what perhaps I should considered considering my AirLense & MK1 DAC. PLEASE, do not tell me why what I have could be so much better if.... This post presumes I have the equipment I have. From modem/router to sources is a high end AudioQuest ethernet cable product. That also is out of the equation for whomever wants to opine as to my cable choice.

Recommendations please.  If it matters the sources feed into a PS Audio BHK Signature pre, then into a pair of PS Audio M1200 monoblocks.  Speakers are Ohm Walsh Tall 3000. Love love love the flexibility I get from omni-directionals.  O.K., you can share your thoughts about my Ohms. But budget doesn't allow MBL or German Physiks.  Thanks one and all.

128x128veemike
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,112 posts
 

Let me go one step further I bought a Motorola 8702  which it has Docsis 3.1 

 bigger buffer,faster processor ,even wifi picture better ,and I run Ethernet caleb

with a linear power supply a Must to this router  combo 

for digital house to house Not grounded ,and the $3wall wart pure rubbish just ads more noise , then at least a decent Ethernet switch LHY  SW-8 , this totally necessary to minimize noise ,before even better to the streamer ,Pure Noise coming in . A LPS a Must, as well as the Ethernet Switch.

oldrooney's avatar
oldrooney
196 posts
 

@audioman58 Why is the switch necessary? I have DSL modem/router and an extender which gives me higher bandwidth wireless and an additional 4 ports. Why do I need a switch?

Note: You’re not the first person who has recommended this sort of system, I just don’t know what the switch does for me, and I thought you might. 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,112 posts
 

The cheap switches has no regulators judt ad noise

and the wall wart just multiplies more noise. The LHY switch only $600 and has a LPS power supply built in , plus a high quality temp controlled clock ,

the $20 specials have none of that and at least put in a low cst Pangea power cord..this is cheap my brother spent $4k and makes a Big improvements just for his switch. Linear Tube Audio $700 great LPS  for your router- modem combo.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,833 posts
 

PS Audio DSD MkI DAC is your first item on the chopping block.
I had and enjoyed this DAC but it’s noisy, grainy and a bit too reserved when it comes to dynamics. I would focus on getting a DAC first and would not make I2s a requirement. You can use coax out if the AirLens to start with then upgrade to a better streamer.
What’s the budget you’re working with?

P.S. forget tweaking Ethernet and network crap. That’s not where you’re going to see any ROI. What you have is fine. Just keep the network components away from your electronics and cables and don’t plug all that junk into the same circuit with your stereo. 

tkrtrb125
217 posts
 

Not true but okay. Fiber will clean it all up including your colon. 

P.S. forget tweaking Ethernet and network crap. That’s not where you’re going to see any ROI. What you have is fine. Just keep the network components away from your electronics and cables and don’t plug all that junk into the same circuit with your stereo. 

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