Yes, it is 1's and 0's but they have to be converted at exact time intervals to avoid additional "products" that result in overall noise. In your case Ethernet network transfers data and not music. Music is created when timing (clock) for this data is added in your DAC. You can still affect purity of internal timinig/clock by injecting noise into DAC. Because of that I would use dedicated shielded Ethernet cable where sound is the most important to you. I don't have actual experience with NAS, Roon or Tidal so I can speak only speculate.
best network switch configuration for audio
I have ceiling and walls opened for a remodel for an audio/ HT room. My primary 2 channel music listening will be streaming using Roon, a NAS and Tidal.Have decided to redo entire house (not that big) ethernet. Question is whether my current configuration of a single Cisco managed switch for PoE WAP's, streaming movies over internet, office equipment, etc as well as my 2 channel music can be improved upon.Is it better to run individual ethernet cables to each piece of equipment in HT room (only one of which is streaming 2 channel) and in 2 other "audiophile" listening and media watching areas, or is it better to run 1 ethernet cable to each equipment location and put individual switches there? Is it better to keep dedicated 2 channel ethernet isolated from other ethernet uses, and if so, how? PS. if you think none of this matters, could you give some reason other than' "It's all just 1's and 0's?"
Showing 2 responses by kijanki
+1 erik_squires There are high quality SMPS but unfortunately the most of them, especially wall warts, produce a lot of switching noise. It is practically impossible to avoid them (light dimmers etc.) but noise can be filtered out. I use Furman Elite 20PFi that provides not only filtering but also very tight non-sacrificial over/under voltage protection. |