Help setting up nework for Zenith mk3 arriving next week


Searching existing discussions here and in other forums has helped somewhat but not nearly enough for a computer-phobe like me.  In fact, it has almost raised as many questions as it has answered.  This discussion should help a great deal. 

For those that might be kind enough to offer insights and/or answer my questoins based on their 'adventures in computer audio' hopefully these specifics will help you help me and others searching this topic.

GEAR:

--Comcast issued modem/router.  If the model or technical specs matter, I can provide that.  Ethernet is running to tv in living room for streaming (no idea if that is relevant).
--one ethernet port currently available on the comcast modem/router
--Ethernet or fiber optic length to music room 100'-150' 
--Innuos Zenith mk3 
--Lyngdorf 2170 TDAI
--USB cable will connect Zenith to Lyngdorf
--Will stream Tidal or Qobuz and maybe play music stored on the Zenith SSD's.

MY DEALER'S NETWORK SUGGESTION:

It's very appealing for its simplicity:  Connect the modem and the Zenith with cat 6a (shielded cat 6) and run it into the music room thru a brush plate.  This avoids the add'l connections required when using a wall terminal plate.  He did not prescribe a brand of cat 6a or connectors but he suggests good quality for each.  That's it.  Done!   Or...AM I?

I don't know, which is why I started this discussion, my first on AG.

If I implement this approach, I will plan to purchase pre-terminated bluejean brand cat 6a and know the quality of all is rock-solid and it comes with a test report of your actual run.  About $1.20/ft.   BTW, BJ told me I only needed cat 5 or 5e ( don't recall which).  They said shielding is only needed when there are many other data-carrying wires next to each other.  There aren't in my case.  And the 5 is a lot less $.  But, I plan to err on the side of caution and do cat 6a anyway.

QUESTIONS:

1. Have others used a set up like this (described above) and been very pleased?
2. Can others please share ways of improving the SQ with enhancements of varying cost?
3. Anyone like something better than bluejean? 

Many report audible improvements from using short ethernet cables such as Supracat 8, Audioquest, etc, for the last meter or so.

4. Are they using those from their wall plate to the streamer?

5. If so, are they adding those at the end of a run of ordinary ethernet like BJ or are they running a more expensive ethernet the entire way from the modem/router (aka, gateway?) to the streamer.?  Over 100' in my case.

6.If the audiophile grade 1-1.5m (are they called patchcords?) aren't used from the wall plate to streamer, then wear are they used?  BTW, I realize I won't have a wall terminal plate if I follow my dealers suggestion.  But I presume there exists a coupler that I could use.

7.  Is buying my own modem/router to replace the comcast one beneficial?  If so...any suggestions.  Maybe Comcast would update my gateway.  My current one is 2-3 years old.

8.  Has anyone switched from ethernet to fiber optic and realized an improvement in SQ.  Any innuos users in particular?  I realize optical ethernet requires converters and upgraded power supplies for converters but I wonder if it is worth doing.  If so...it seems like the costs are very reasonable.


Thank you,


rc22

Showing 5 responses by rc22

Both responses above are very appreciated.  Lots of good advice input in each.

Mahler 123:  I anticipated there’d be debates over how I should proceed.  Fingers crossed it’ll not get ugly.  You and Antigrunge2 have struck an exemplary note as the first posters.

Your viewpoint on the matter echoes my dealers and he is certainly not a low-information person.  Quite the opposite, in fact.  It’s just that learned folks can and do often report opposing experiences/outcomes on virtually everything in this hobby.   

Reminding me that connectivity can be an issue is appreciated.  I never could get my  direct tv DVR connected via WiFi.  Had to run Ethernet.  But, that was successful immediately.  Hopefully same for Zenith.

Antigrunge 2:

I’ve heard of Apple Airport but had no idea what is was. The Zentith, I am pretty sure,  is not WiFi-compatible. I can anticipate that perhaps the Airplay isn’t “seen” as WiFi by the innuos, and thus is compatible.  If it is compatible and provides robust connectivity I should investigate that option.  My dealer and I discussed the relatively new Chord (aka English Electric)  8-port Ethernet switch.  But he suggested I pass on that since I don’t need so many ports.  And I get that it’s about improving SQ, irrespective of having 8 ports.  But, having read just yesterday about the Uptone Ether Regen, I had presumed it would be used instead of a switch not in addition to it.  You did say “Uptone Regen”.  Is that perhaps a different product that the UT Ethernet Regen? 

Your last suggestion seems very promising.  Except that I think I read the UT Ethernet Regen is on back order for 6 weeks give or take.  But, I will look into it non-the less.  Hopefully, Uptone has a good product support line.

Thanks for those that helped.  Now to report the outcome in hopes that it helps anyone else searching for information like I was.

After weighing all the recommendations from folks here and offline, I decided to run Cat 6 Ethernet.  Not even the shielded Cat6a version.  I chose Blue Jeans Cable brand.  My handyman who is very practiced at fishing cable, ran it along with a $28 run of fiber optic cable simply as a contingency plan should ever wish to experiment with F-O cable.

I used no patch cables or wall plates.  The Cat 6 clicks right into what was my comcast gateway’s (router/modem combo) last remaining Ethernet port.  Some years ago we ran cat from that router to the Directv box in the living room (fished thru walls/attic also) and did use a wall plate.  So we loosened the plate and just rand the BJ cat between the plate and sheet rock.  The “unsightliness” is hidden behind a desk.  Cat 6 enters the music room upstairs thru a small hole in the sheetrock under a low shelf that’s part of a built in.  The hole is not visible even from my seat.  The Cat clicks into my Zenith.  Zenith to Lyngdorf integrated via USB cable.  USB is Acoustic BBQ brand, Full-Rack, Double-Smoked.  Made by AG member, Grannyring.

All sounds crazy good to me.  Being brand new at streaming, I cannot compare it to other streamers, levels of Cat cable, fiber optic or even USB cables.  But it exceeds my expectations and I am one pretty OCD, Audio-Nervosa, hair-splitting Audiophile.  Lol.  After only a few hours of playing around/comparing, I unplugged the CD player I was using as a transport.
Hey Antigrunge2,

Always interested in tweaking.  I am happy, but my experimentation will continue.  Will explore enhancements like you mention.  Also perhaps switches (Chord/English Electiric 8switch) and things like Innuos' Phoenix USB reclocker.

I'd like to learn more about the EN-70-HD.  What did it do for your rig?  I see EMO is the company.  Is ENO a less expensive alternative to EN70-HD (that I looked up).
sdl4,

I bought my first USB when I got the Innuos.  It's my first--and last one.  So, I will take your advice.  What USB rabbit hole? I don't any rabbit hole.  Lol.  

Despite having fished a single mode run "just in case", I am in no hurry to try it.  Like, you, I feel my SQ with ethernet is excellent...........

However, I'd like to see if products such as the EtherRegen, EE 8switch or Innuos' Phoenix improve SQ as much as many have reported. The Innuos is expensive and I've not even had a dealer demo yet, so I'd be loath to buy it without a satisfaction guarantee of sorts.  Fortunately, for me, I have an audiophile friend whose ears I trust.  He tries tons of gear and ancillaries first-hand and shares his findings with me.  He recommends a network filter called ENO silver--emphatically.  Network Acoustics, the maker, offers a 30 day MBG, so I figure, why not.  I'll be happy to report my findings once I get one.  I'm considering a switch also, but go into that right now.  Your experience with the netgear switch is a useful data point for me, so thanks.  Someone just advised me to get a better SMPS for switches.  He likes IFI PSU.  I know zip, just passing along what this guy said he uses himself with a very inexpensive D-link switch.

My views on the USB connection mirror yours.

Antigrunge2 also directed my attention to the ENO filter earlier in this thread.  So thanks to him.