Audio Grade Ethernet Cable


I've been thinking about getting a DH Labs ethernet cable. My thought is to get my crappy router as close to my Bryston BDP 3 as possible, so that the cable is only 0.5 meters. I do have a TeraDak LPS connected to the router. Is this a waste of time and money? I know the cable is just a couple hundred dollars but I don't want to spend that much just to realize again that my local files will always be preferable.

goofyfoot

Repeating myself. How does putting modem and router close to audio system pollute if wifi disabled? Does a long ethernet cable connected to a switch or streamer magically reduce this noise? 

 

Now I'll agree the most optimal solution is likely an all fiber network, this requires not only the service but also fiber capable streamer. For cable service optical conversion can be a positive step, I do this myself, but this instituted specifically for my two streamer Roon setup, in other words post Roon Core streamer. 

 

So, going full optical requires both optical service provider and streamer with optical input. Cable service will require fiber conversion and not all conversion schemes created equal. So lets say we've done the fiber conversion for the cable service either at router or just post router, so issue of long LAN cable moot. Now we have the issue of AC supply/possible contamination of AC and wifi contamination of the optical router itself. Seems everyone agrees LPS is a good thing vs SMPS for streaming components. With modem (I also power this with lps) and router far away from audio setup I'm going to assume these will be powered via common house AC lines. Is the assumption quality of ac feeding the lps for these devices of no consequence? Can you be sure of this, or do you have evidence this is true? With my setup, modem and router, both lps connected to my power conditioner via dedicated AC lines. 

 

And we still have the issue of wifi contamination of the router itself and likely closely situated modem. Optical schemes aren't addressing this issue.  

 

My network solution can be both a tidy and 'clean' solution in that it may make fiber conversion unnecessary. Having a 'clean' or audio only network likely makes optical conversion a moot point, you've rid yourself of wif rifi contamination,  diminished self generated noise via lps, quality AC feed, add in very short runs of quality LAN cable.  And all this only requires relocation of ISP service port and a second router, such a small expenditure in order to hear for yourself the advantages of this setup.

 

I suppose I understand the resistance to even trying this scheme, assumptions and presumptions are inherent to our species. I can't count the number of times I've been told this and that can't possibly make a difference to sound quality, and I also can't count the number of times that's proven to be untrue. I've found that experience is the best teacher, and I'll continue to believe that. Try it you might just like it.
 

I should add the one thing I have yet to address is whether the amount of network traffic impacts streaming sound quality, my scheme doesn't address this. This is where the Dejitter Switch X managed switch comes in. With this managed switch a 'truly' segregated audio network is achieved. Switches don't have the constant pinging in order to locate devices on one's network, all this pinging migrates to the second or whole house router. There is some interesting discussion on this switch and the need for a 'clean' network over at youtube and I would expect at audiophilestyle forum.

sns

How does putting modem and router close to audio system pollute if wifi disabled?

Simple. Modems, routers, switchers are all potential sources of noise. Locating those devices distant from the audio system can reduce or eliminate that noise.

I suppose I understand the resistance to even trying this scheme, assumptions and presumptions are inherent to our species.

Asking questions and providing "resistance" are two different things. You seem unable to answer the question:

What is the advantage of locating your network components physically close to your audio system?

Please note that I understand your scheme works for you. I’m not questioning that - I'm only asking about its supposed benefits.

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+1 @cleeds

 

There’s no case to be made for a router being co-located next to your audio gear as having any benefit compared to say 30’ away if we are talking about a wired connection.  

On the other hand, picking up noise from the internal CPU and power supply is possible. I admit to having an Ethernet switch behind my rack, but given the number of devices I have it’s pretty unavoidable.   Is it better? Only because of the convenience of attaching my TV, DVD, receiver and music streamers together with short Ethernet cables. 

My router on the other hand is located for the convenience of the cable modem and data closet, far away.