Why (Ethernet) switches matter for high-end audio
- Thread starter Puma Cat
- Start date
In order to answer your question, Tommy, we need to know your system components and how it is currently configured. For example, what are the components in the main rack where you listen and how do you get content from the source (e.g. a Roon Core, music server, etc) to the DAC and amplification componentry? How does your DAC connect to the "content" server? Via USB from a network bridge (a network bridge is just that, a "bridge" between your network and the DAC)? Also, when you say "quite a distance away", what is that distance, exactly?
As as example, my first streaming setup was comprised of a Sonore microRendu, which is a "network bridge". Content from my "music server" in the spare bedroom's Mac Mini was sent via WiFi to an Apple Airport Express near the main rack. From this Airport Express, I connected to the microRendu via an Ethernet cable at one end, and a USB cable from the other end of the microRendu to the USB input on my Gungnir DAC. The Sonore microRendu made for a significant improvement in audio quality compared to connecting a laptop or mini-computer directly to the DAC via a USB cable. Nowadays, there are lots of ways to do this, and I can safely say many folks have found that the best audio quality is obtained when connected directly from the "music server" computer or NAS (wherever it is located) to the network bridge or streamer via Ethernet cable or optical fiber (NOT TOSLINK), as Mike has alluded to, and not via Wi-Fi.
If you don't have Ethernet switches that support fiber (which has a number of advantages over copper Ethernet) to connect from the "upstream" switch to the "downstream" switch, then you're going to need a long run of Ethernet cable from the "remote server" (that connects to the Roon Core or NAS) to the main rack, as shown.
This will work, but be very mindful that copper Ethernet can pass low-source and high-source impedance leakage current, which has a notable and audible effect on audio quality. This is why guys are finding that a run of optical fiber is really helpful, because the optical fiber can't pass leakage current (the signal is encoded and transmitted as light pulses, thus no leakage current) between the upstream music server and the downstream network bridge or streamer, and DAC.
Shown here is one way to use a run of fiber with "generic" fiber media convertors (FMCs). Bear in mind that these generic FMCs all use cheap-*ss SMPS (switch-mode power supplies), which should be replaced with Jameco Reliapro wall-wart style linear power supplies (which cost about $12/each) because the cheap-*ss SMPS put all sorts of nasty leakage current into the switches, and the problem that leakage current creates is threshold jitter, the impact of which is quite audible. These generic FMCs also use crap clocks, which contribute phase noise, the impact of which is also quite audible.
Alternatively, if you have an EtherREGEN or SOtM s-NH-10G, each of which have SFP cages for use with optical transceivers, you can put the switch with fiber input 'downstream" near the main rack, as shown here. In this configuration, an audio grade FMC, the Sonore OpticalModule is used upstream, and the SFP cage (for the optical connection) of EtherREGEN is used "downstream", near the main audio rack. The Etheregen then connects to a network bridge, which serves to convert an Ethernet input to a USB output. EtherREGEN and the SOtM switches also utilize much better clocks than the sh*t clocks used in el-cheapo generic switches.
I've found this last set-up to provide both the best audio qualiity AND reliability of consistently being able to make a connection from the music server to the DAC. Also, bear in mind that the EtherREGEN has been discontinued, so if you want an audio-quality Ethernet switch that also supports connection via optical fiber, you'll need to get a SOtM s-NH-10G. Moroever, the original Sonore OpticalModule has also been discontinued, and replaced with the higher-specification OpticalModule Deluxe. Both the SOtM switch and the OM Deluxe will also require clean, quiet, linear power supplies.
Lastly, different optical transceivers sound different, as well. Lots of guys like the Finisar optical transceivers for making these optical connections.
Thanks for another thorough write up. It's more complicated than I would have liked. Will need time to research and digest each component in the chain.
Don't feel overwhelmed. Digital is not as complicated as some folks make it to be.
You said: "Trying to wrap my head around audiophile switches. Does it improve sound quality if streaming via wifi? e.g., Auralic recommends wifi vs ethernet."
It is not clear what is your source (music service) and your of streaming method (AirPlay, Bluetooth, other). Some sources are limited in resolution (Spotify); some streaming methods are limited as well (Airplay is CD-Quality max; Bluetooth is below CD quality). Clarification on the source and method would be helpful in answering your questions.
BTW, here is what Auralic actually says about Wired vs WiFi:
When connecting your AURALiC streamer to your home network, you’ll need to decide which will yield best results for your high-performance system, Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Both technologies are mature and offer advantages. Also, both can have their disadvantages. This short piece is meant to help you decide between the two for streaming your music through our products.
Ethernet will work with any AURALiC product meant to act as a bridge between your system and your home network. In terms of formats and resolutions, there are no limitations when using a wired ethernet connection, so expect full performance with PCM at 32bit/384khz and DSD up to DSD512.
In terms of benefits, ethernet’s greatest positive is its reliability. Wired connections offer a secure and reliable link between products. Also, since ethernet is wired, firewalls and additional security barriers are seldom a problem.
The primary disadvantage of a wired connection like ethernet is the potential for induced noise due to wire’s antenna-like tendencies. Also, in some cases, wired connections are simply not possible or practical due to a need for running the cable through walls and up or down the floors of your home. In these cases, a different connection method is required.
Wi-Fi can offer a great solution if you’re not able to run an ethernet cable between your AURALiC streamer and your home network router. From AURALiC, all current ARIES and ALTAIR products provide connection via Wi-Fi. VEGA products do not offer Wi-Fi connectivity. All AURALiC products capable of a Wi-Fi connection can offer resolutions and formats like PCM at 32bit/384khz, and DSD at DSD512.
The main advantage of a wireless connection is that you won’t run the risk of induced noise from a cable, as you would with ethernet. One of the disadvantages could be a lack of reliability due to physical barriers to a good signal such as insulating walls and a long distance to your Wi-Fi router.
Ethernet will work with any AURALiC product meant to act as a bridge between your system and your home network. In terms of formats and resolutions, there are no limitations when using a wired ethernet connection, so expect full performance with PCM at 32bit/384khz and DSD up to DSD512.
In terms of benefits, ethernet’s greatest positive is its reliability. Wired connections offer a secure and reliable link between products. Also, since ethernet is wired, firewalls and additional security barriers are seldom a problem.
The primary disadvantage of a wired connection like ethernet is the potential for induced noise due to wire’s antenna-like tendencies. Also, in some cases, wired connections are simply not possible or practical due to a need for running the cable through walls and up or down the floors of your home. In these cases, a different connection method is required.
Wi-Fi can offer a great solution if you’re not able to run an ethernet cable between your AURALiC streamer and your home network router. From AURALiC, all current ARIES and ALTAIR products provide connection via Wi-Fi. VEGA products do not offer Wi-Fi connectivity. All AURALiC products capable of a Wi-Fi connection can offer resolutions and formats like PCM at 32bit/384khz, and DSD at DSD512.
The main advantage of a wireless connection is that you won’t run the risk of induced noise from a cable, as you would with ethernet. One of the disadvantages could be a lack of reliability due to physical barriers to a good signal such as insulating walls and a long distance to your Wi-Fi router.
Michaels HiFi
Well-known member
This is good advice. As always only the listener can determine ultimately what sounds best for them, in their home, on their system, to their ear.
The key is to experiment and try for yourself to see what works best for you.
It doesn't have to be complicated, it can be real simple sometimes. In my opinion, do the simple experiments first to see if you notice any difference at all over what you are already doing. If I understand you correct you are currently using Wi-Fi to your streamer? Can you answer the question that was asked earlier about the distance from your router (with integrated switch ports?) to your streamer. If you were able to run a long ethernet cable between the two devices would that be a feasible exercise or would the cable cross door openings, go through walls, traverse different levels of the home, etc.?
A simple experiment to see if wired ethernet is more pleasing to your ears over Wi-Fi would be to go down and buy a long run of ethernet cable premade from Home Depot or equivalent for 20 bucks and see if you notice a difference and/or an improvement. If there is an improvement and you can live with the cable placement running along baseboard edges and not too difficult to place, then you could entertain the idea of upgrading the ethernet cable to something with a bit better shielded design than an off the shelf product.
Thanks for the help guys. Currently I don't have a streamer. I have a Zappiti Signature multi media player with internal SSDs that house all my video and audio files. It is hooked up to an Accuphase DAC. I am entertaining the convenience of streaming and the ability to access millions of albums.
My router is just a standard one from the internet company. The stereo rack is about 10 metres or so from the router. But there's a wall in between. Putting a hole on the wall will not be an option. Running an ethernet will require about 30 metres of cable due to the location of the router, door opening, rack, etc. This is also not an option. Family will not tolerate unsightly cables.
So the only other options are Wifi, or ethernet over powerline.
My router is just a standard one from the internet company. The stereo rack is about 10 metres or so from the router. But there's a wall in between. Putting a hole on the wall will not be an option. Running an ethernet will require about 30 metres of cable due to the location of the router, door opening, rack, etc. This is also not an option. Family will not tolerate unsightly cables.
So the only other options are Wifi, or ethernet over powerline.
Jack
Active member
If you have strong internet service and good coverage you should be able to get along fine with one of the Auralic models via WiFi. Will your internet provider let you use your own router or can you but theirs into "Bridge" mode. If you you can buy a multi unit WiFi 6 Mesh system and put the main unit next to or in place of the ISP's router then one of the Mesh satellites closer to your rack. That will open up the market to the streamers that require wire connection but again if you current coverage is good the Auralic will work fine via WiFi. I have been running them that way for 7 years.