Questions about Ethernet Cabling

@jl1ny Some will tell you those two switches not audiophile quality, therefore, your results not valid in regard to  true audiophile switch.

In my case, I was told my audiophile switch inferior, I need to move to $3k switch. So, what switch is objectively best? And will that switch always result in better sq in every system. Until those questions can be answered, I'll assume any particular audiophile switch may or may not be of benefit in my unique streaming setup, or anyone's for that matter.

Based on my experience the Cat 6 cable will always be your weak link. I've found using inferior ethernet in front of high quality ethernet cable negatively impacts sound quality. I run a longer coax cable to eliminate the need for long runs of expensive ethernet cable.

Converting that Cat 6  cable to optical would be a great move.

This is what I'd consider state of art streaming. Fiber network provider >fiber capable router or switch> fiber capable server> fiber capable streaming dac.

Fiber op. conversion was easily one of the best upgrades to my network, audiophile switch prior to server not nearly as effective as FMC's after. In my case, audiophile switch gone, prefer router. Now, I would still like to upgrade network prior to server, issue is I would need two optical outputs, one to server, one to NAS. This would entail four more FMC, four more LPS to power those FMC. If I only needed one out, I'd have already done the fiber prior to server.

I do hope fiber capable routers/switches, servers  and streaming dacs become common in future. Sure be nice to rid myself of usb decrapifiers,  FMC and all their attendant lps. I doubt fiber internet provider coming any time soon to me. suburban areas not first in line for this.

Audiophile switch with lps diminished sq in my setup, as usual YMMV. 

My issue with streamer/dac combo is limited choices, I understand the advantages. As usual costs and benefits with every choice.

At this point in time I percieve steaming solutions as consumables, tech in it's infancy, many innovations to come. I don't want to invest silly money in soon to be obsolete equipment. I suspect full chain of fiber capable equipment is on way, many more choices in near future. Now, if only we could get internet providers on board.

I've also thought about  tradeoffs of coax vs ethernet in front of modem. I'm using an extra  20' more coax than what I could minimally use. Its that or using 20' ethernet for that run. With cost of ethernet I presently run coax is no brainer, figure the 50' or so of coax already coming from provider box to indoor placement will dominate either way.

I mentioned this in another thread, but the switch I tried was RenoLabs Ultimate. I dismantled switch and circuit board, not the Buffalo board used in many lower priced so called audiophile switches. This one probably on similar quality plane, built in LPS using quality parts, clock built on proprietary board. This not some crap pile of parts. Based on what I heard, switch was doing it's job exactly as intended. I simply didn't like the extreme precision of sound stage, images too well defined in space.

IME, network optimization post server has been more effective. The very minor lowered noise floor of switch wasn't worth the tradeoff of poorer sound stage, imaging. I know I'm not alone in finding various audiophile and non-audiophile switches being detrimental to sound qualilty. Having said that, I do use all AQ Vodka prior to server and NAS, router powered by over spec'd (more than minimal amperage supply) LPS.

@peter_s tp link mc200cm won't work?

Based on my research and experience I'd have to say audiophile switches hit and miss, can't recall a single negative experience with FMC.

As far as server/dac/streamer vs streamer dacs vs discrete components. I have trifield meter, measures RFI. The worst offenders, in order are routers/wifi, NAS, all transformers.  Think about the all in one with wifi capability and internal storage, maximum noise producer, next will be streamer dac, at least one with wifi capability, best is all discrete. Careful placement of these discreet components will pay off, and provisions for shielding. Certainly, manufacturers of these components take some measures to decrease internal noise, but the amount of RFI I'm measuring makes it impossible to eliminate it. Only a farraday cage around individual sections would come close or improve upon discrete solution.

I understand with discrete components noise has possibility of entry with ethernet cables, reason for fiber, added switching power supplies, reason for LPS. The other downside of course is added complexity, mess of cables. In final analysis, essentially what you have is diy vs off the shelf solution, the problem with comparisons of sound quality is diy is bespoke, likely a singularly unique setup. These solutions should not be dismissed as inferior without hearing any particular setup. Audiophilestyle forum has been my go to for streaming solutions.