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 3 responses by sdl4

rc22,

Like your ethernet connection, mine is pretty simple. I have an Innuos Zen Mk3 in my living room that is connected to a Netgear router in my basement. I'm using 50 feet of BJC Cat-6a with no switches or wall plates in between. I connect the Zen to a PS Audio DAC via USB, and the sound is excellent. I tried inserting a Netgear GS105 switch into the ethernet run at a spot close to the Zen, but the system sounded better without the switch (which probably just added noise from the cheap power supply). I would think that a better power supply and an "audiophile" switch could improve the sound quality further, but I haven't tried them yet.

I might go ahead and try an EtherRegen switch to help isolate any noise from my router and the long ethernet run, but then I'd also need to add a short but decent ethernet cable to run from the EtherRegen to the Zen.  

Tweaks for the future could include use of fiber-optic cable to replace my long Cat-6a run, which could terminate in the EtherRegen (if I decide to try one of those). Right now, I'm comparing six different USB cables, which is very interesting. If you're happy with your current USB, I would not urge you to dive down the deep USB "rabbit hole." I'm finding that some of the better sounding cables can get quite expensive - and I'm not even listening to the really high-end stuff.    
@antigrunge2,

Thanks for the suggestion regarding the isolator. Right now, I'm more concerned about making sure my ethernet connection is good and then seeing if I need to do anything more about the USB connection. Given that the Innuos Zen is already providing a somewhat cleaned up USB output, I may not need to insert any more hardware between the Zen and the DAC. On the ethernet side, I've been considering an EtherRegen rather than a traditional switch since it should provide more isolation and provide the option of a fiber-optic connection at some point.

I've heard different recommendations regarding USB cable length. I've been using a 1 meter cable, but could go a little shorter if I had to. I've noticed that 1.5 m is the shortest USB cable that Shunyata makes, but most other cable makers will go shorter. Any specific length that would be ideal?

Thanks!  
rc22,

Yes, please report back on your findings if you get the ENO filter. I'm still not sure how much I should explore experimentation with lots of little boxes with expensive power supplies, though.

I'm pretty sure I will eventually try the Innuos Phoenix if I can arrange a home demo through a dealer. The Phoenix is an expensive investment, but it starts to look like a better value when I count up the costs of filters, switches, or isolators that can cost $500-600 each and still require adding a solid LPS like the Farad 3 for each one. I haven't read a bad review of the Phoenix yet, and Nuno at Innuos told me that you can't "unhear" how great it sounds once you've heard it. Of course, the Phoenix only works on the USB side of the server, so the ethernet side would still need attention.

The search for sonic bliss continues....