Connecting a streamer via an Ethernet cable


Is there a noticeable difference connecting a streamer directly to an External cable as opposed to WiFi? The reason I ask, is that doing so with my situation would require a fair amount of effort. But if it’s worth it, I’m willing to do it. Thanks.
z32kerber
I use WiFi for practical reasons (cannot run cable across the room).  It might be even a better way of delivery since anything physically connected injects some electrical noise.  We can argue that WiFi introduces electrical noise itself, but it is already there.  Even if you stop using WiFi for anything your neighbors do.  I scan networks from time to time and many neighboring houses have stronger signal than mine (not to mention cell phones).   The main problem is 2.4GHz band that has only three non-overlapping channels.  I had constant problems with it (gaps), but switching to 5GHz fixed it - more available channels and less interference.  5GHz is still not as popular as 2.4GHz while propagation thru obstacles, like walls, is poor - suppressing interference from outside.
You should be able to try both ways. With the same sound quality Ethernet is the preferred one (solid - no drops), but WiFi is OK too, as long as it is operating at 5GHz (2.4GHz is not acceptable IMHO).
I prefer an ethernet connection. I use powerline ethernet adapters to negate the need for long ethernet cable runs.  Works flawlessly. 
@surfmuz
Funny, you said you thought it wouldn’t matter on a inexpensive  streamer and my reaction is it would matter most on a inexpensive streamer. My reason is that a high quality streamer has all sorts of buffering and retiming built in and works at making up for incoming deficiencies. 

Ethernet over Power line devices can put a lot of noise into your mains (be especially wary if you are on the same ring main as your system).

That being said I still prefered that and Ethernet cabling over WiFi in my system. Then one of my power line adapters blew and I ran 10m of Ethernet back to my modem and took the powerlines out. This was best of all for me.


Wifi is a good solution if you have no neighbours competing for your channels and a strong internal network. In all other instances ethernet or fibre are preferable. Nevertheless great care needs to be taken to suppress RFI/EMI when using ethernet and on fibre the conversion quality at either end is crucial.