Help me understand better solutions for ethernet

My ACTUAL experience is that it’s not a problem. I run Ethernet from a TP-Link managed switch through wall cavities to my streamer. I put an EMO Ethernet filter in the line -- no audible difference. (I kept it for its surge protection.) I’ve also compared WiFi to Ethernet (on the Auralic Aries G1) and found no audible difference.

I’ve moved my speakers 6 inches -- difference! Added acoustic treatment -- difference! But Ethernet tweaking, IMAE, has not proved of any value.

Run a quality shielded Ethernet cable

mcslipp I would think living in a rural area on top of a mountain that you likely face fewer extraneous noise issues than a lot of us.  I noticed, in a noise rich urban environment, a very slight improvement moving to a better shielded, though non-audiophile, Cat8 ethernet cable. I find a wired connection to also sound slightly better though it's a subtle difference. I've been curious about those swtiches also but have yet to try one.

Based on my experience,

1. Ethernet switch does not completely eliminate noise. All Ethernet switches generate / add noise to the signal, it’s just a matter of to what degree,

2. Conversion to optical defeat the purpose if you’re adding a conversion box...plus optical strips away dynamics (think of dry and thin audio),

3. WiFi vs Wired...audio quality great depends on surrounding electronics, interferences and the streamer itself. Again, wired sounds better in almost every instance. WiFi adds convenience and good for casual listening environment.

The system like yours (which is excellent) deserves a wired Ethernet connectivity. I also own Aurender (N10) and recently added a ENO Filter between my router and N10. The uptick in SQ was far from subtle. You don’t realize the noise level until you insert a device like ENO. It’s a passive device so no shelf space needed and no external power supply mess.

https://www.networkacoustics.com/product/eno-streaming-system-995-incl-vat/

Also check out this thread on fiber optic connectivity with Lumin, 

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/fiber-cable-instead-of-ethernet-cable

I had 75’ of Ethernet from the router to the stereo room which went to the bridge of my PS Audio Directstream Jr. I never thought anything of it and in fact I always assumed an Ethernet connection was better than WiFi. The DSJ has no WiFi capabilities. Like you, I started reading about noise in a hardwired Ethernet connection and decided to try a WiFi repeater that has an Ethernet port. So basically I program this WiFi repeater to connect to my existing WiFi then plug the Ethernet from the DSJ into the repeater. I was stunned at the difference between Ethernet and WiFi in my application. I’m definitely hearing deeper into the recordings, plus it was dirt cheap. I spent 50 bucks on a Linksys. You can get something like that from bestbuy and give it a shot and see if it helps in your application. If not, take it back. Best of luck.