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Comparing Powerline Ethernet to WiFi for streaming audio

Thought I would share my findings.
I have a ROON based music server system with Tidal and Qobuz streaming services. Using Small Green Computer’s SonicTransport i9 Optical as ROON Core, connected via optical cable to a Sonore Optical Rendu (powered by Sonore Linear Power Supply) acting as ROON endpoint. This then connects to Chord Blu Mk 2 via USB, which upsamples and connects to Chord DAVE DAC via dual BNC.
Until very recently, I was connecting my ROON Core to my cable modem/router using Google Mesh WiFi. I was and still is very happy with the sound quality. My audio system is too far from my cable modem to run an ethernet cable from cable modem/router to it. So, I relied on Google Mesh WiFi with a seperate pod situated close to the ROON Core and connected via ethernet. The Google Mesh pod itself had a linear power supply instead of the stock wall wart.
But I just tried a Powerline Ethernet adapter. This uses the home’s internal power cables to route ethernet from one room to another. I always thought that running digital data on power cables was going to be noisy. I bought a NetGear Powerline 1200 (1200Mbps speed). There are more expensive and newer powerline ethernet models available up to 2000Mbps speed. But these come with dual ethernet ports and pass through filtered power outlets. I though for dedicated audio purposes, better to keep it simple and minimize electronics.
Bottom line, I was blown away by the improvement in audio quality of the NetGear Powerline Ethernet connection over the Google Mesh WiFi connection. Mind you, I was very happy with the quality from the Google Mesh kit but the NetGear Powerline ethernet kit was clearly better.
The sound quality improvement was immediate and very evident. More space between instruments and notes. Smoother, more image depth and more air around the notes especially the trailing edges. So, no doubt, the Netgear Powerline 1200 was far superior to the Google Mesh WiFi. I then swapped the Netgear for a similar powerline ethernet product TP-Link AV600. This was recommended by Small Green Computer. The TP-Link is smaller and has 2 pin power prongs. The Netgear Powerlines has 3 pin power prongs, so it has a ground connection to the power outlet. I found the TP-Link to take a step backward in sound quality. The image depth decreased. Soundstage was flatter and there is less air and space between notes and instruments. The TP-Link Av600 was sounding a lot closer to the Google Mesh WiFi. Just my observations, FWIW.
ddriveman
ddriveman OP
176 posts
 
@arafiq If it were me, I would run it via a good quality (generic) cable from the router and use a LAN isolator followed by a short run of a basic audiophile LAN cable (for example Supra CAT8) from the isolator to the Node 2.

Here is an example of one LAN isolator:

https://www.emosystems.com/product/en-70hd-ultra-compact-network-isolator/

There are less expensive options, as well.

@david_ten 

One thing I forgot to mention is that I am using LAN isolators in my system, even with the previous Mesh WiFi setup. I use the Acoustic Revive RLI-1 LAN isolators. I use them from Cable modem to Wifi Router. And from the PowerLine Adapter to my music server. I found them to make discernible improvements in audio quality for both the Mesh WiFi Setup and also the Powerline Adpater setup. FWIW.

veroguy
139 posts
 
I use the Powerline 1000’s (three prong) from my router to my streamer.

My house is 55 years old, and initially, the Powerlines would only link at less than 50 Mbs (red indicator - I suspect it was actually passing less than 3Mbs) - and I would get drops/cut-outs when streaming now and then.

I solved the link and drop issues by replacing the cable-company supplied internet router with a Motorola MG7550, powered by an Sbooster LPS.

The Powerline adapters then linked at 100mbs and I’ve had zero drops/cut-outs. (I think the Sbooster would have probably solved this on it’s own).

I’ve made a couple of additional tweaks to help with potential noise:

  • Installed Gigafoil V4 ethernet filter between Powerline and streamer
  • Replaced SMPS on Gigafoil with Sbooster LPS
  • Attached Perfect Path Technology Alpha E-cards to both Powerline adaptors, and on router
I’m very happy with my digital front end. Rock solid, sounds great. I know the Powerline adaptors have had mixed results for audio, but if needed, some tweaks can make them work very well.


veroguy
139 posts
 
@david_ten 

Thanks for posting that discussion from whatsbest forum.  Great info there.   

I found that my original Comcast modem was on the "bad modem" list for using the Intel Puma chipset.  This might confirm some of the issues I was having - and the solution.


david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@veroguy You are welcome. Glad it was helpful. It’s a great topic and thread.

By sheer coincidence / luck I swapped out my Cox Router for the Arris SB8200 cable modem (the one the OP of that thread recommends highly) prior to the start of his thread.

I’m using Netgear’s Orbi Pro Mesh Router and Satellite to separate the incoming signal gear area from the audio room area.

The Arris and the Orbi Pro Primary (router) are powered off of a HDPLEX LPS with custom DC cables. I’m also using a basic power supply/conditioner for that area.

The Orbi Pro Satellite (dedicated to the Audio System / wired) is powered off of a Keces P8 LPS with a higher level custom DC cable. Both are on SR's Tranquility Base. The Keces runs off of my SR PowerCell, and is grounded. I need to get a cable to ground the Orbi Pro.

FYI: A possible downside with a cable modem is the frequency of firmware updates via Cox, in my case (or your ISP). I investigated the ability to do so myself, but it would have required a Business (and Higher Level) Account with Cox. Since we are moving, I didn’t push that button.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,790 posts
 
Thanks everyone for responding to my question. I have decided to go with option #1: Modem >> Router >> switch >> one line going to Apple TV (which will be replaced with a better streamer soon), and another line from the switch going to Bluesound. Planning to set it up this weekend.

As the next step, I will look into adding one or more LAN isolators. That was a great suggestion and a good read. Thank you for the info.
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