Do upgraded LAN cables/purifiers/switch box make a difference. What is recommended, if so?

@johannm 

No gear / cable that operates under the bit-perfect TCP protocol will make any difference in the sound quality of your system, because it can’t. TCP is bit-perfect. Period.

The one (and only) thing that may yield an improvement in your digital chain is a final run of fiber cable to your streamer. That’s because fiber is impervious to EMI and RFI (being non-metallic), thereby providing your system with perfect galvanic isolation. Picture a moat protecting your castle, so to speak, keeping noise at bay. Many audiophiles here report that fiber helped in their systems, and that makes perfect sense.

Best practice is to keep all internet gear (modem, router, switches) and their noisy SM power supplies in a room or closet separate from your listening room and on a separate mains branch circuit, and connecting your system to them via fiber.

After you get a fiber cable and adapters, you’ll have around $650 left over from your $750 budget. Spend that on a nice weekend with your SO and reap rewards far beyond whatever you had in mind going in. It’s a win-win!

Happy listening! 

Thank you all for the continued input. My comments/replies to each recommendation/view below. Reason why I do it all together, I'm halfway around the world in a different time zone

@mitch2 A candid reply to be noted. Separate DAC is high on the list. But first test on 60 day return policy on some of the equipment recommended in the replies. Following a low-risk approach

@kennymacc Operative phrase "Happy listening" That's what's it all about at the end

@woots will be looking at Silent Angel, specially the cables

@soix HiFishark.com search for a DAC 3B activitated - they seem to be like hen's teeth on the secondary market. The Netgear switch ordered from Amazon. The Kinki, unfortunately, does not provide a UK IEC outlet (only US & Europe). I do use a PS Audio Detect Power Center for my system

@audphile1 DAC search activated as above. Will initially continued to use the PEcanPi+ as a streamer only. Ethernet cables will be based on the input from members here. Already a great selection available. 

@kingbr will keep the LHY in mind for future reference. Thanks for recommendation

@grunge1000 'shway, shway' as we say here in the Middle East. Slowly, slowly or incrementally, I will introduce new components. DAC is now elevated to major improvement.

@tomrk further confirmation to focus on the DAC/Streamer. Thanks. Bandwith in UAE has been severly disrupted with the severing of the main fibre optic cable in the Red Sea that feeds the ME. Hopefully will be sorted soon

@total111 I'm reaching out to the seller on USAM on the pre-owned unit. Maybe, maybe not - will see if the hoops that are there can jumped through. 

@knock1 Thanks for the input, confirming some of the previous advice

@roadcykler taking your view into account

@larryincmh thanks for the iFi comment. Have been considering the Lan silencer but couldn't really get any confirmation. Your view brings it back into consideration as it is a low-cost option

@devinplombier 😊on the last part of your post. Need to look into the fibre side of things. My internet gear, unfortunately is on the same power 'line' as rest of my setup, but a separate socket. Other gear isrunning of a PS Audio power block. Ethernet is connected to the main line from ISP provider (1 of 2 in the apartment)

US $750 Hmmm....

Your components are very nice already. Here are two suggestions:

• Do you drink? If so, spend a chunk of that money on the best whisky, calvados, wine, or whatever you like. A few sips of really excellent stuff will improve the sound.
• Consider asking GIK or ASC or another vendor for an acoustic treatment plan. That usually involves paying a small amount (say, USD 100) that can be applied to buying treatments. Then, perhaps start small by getting what they suggest is most important. If you hear an improvement, keep going. If not, you’re not out very much. Usually, acoustic treatment will make improvements 1 to 2 orders of magnitude greater than cable changes, IME.

(For the non-scientists: 1 to 2 orders of magnitude = 10× to 100×)

@mike_in_nc Thank you. And yes I love my single malt Scottish Whisky (note without the e). Good idea to grow the collection! With a dram of the good stuff, everything sounds better - it's like a veil is lifted from my ears 

I also agree with your approach of slowly, slowly and 1 item at a time

I'll reach to GIK / ASC for some assistance. Hope they can work remotely - otherwise need to look for someone similar in Dubai - not holding my breath on that. I have used the Anthmen ARC to do initial room correction (without any acoustic treatment except for a nice rug, artwork, wall shelves for vinyl and of course furniture) The room size is awkward, with the length of one of the walls, being floor to ceiling full windows for a view of canals leading to the Arabian sea. I do close the roller blinds sort of halfway when I listen to music.