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

@foggyus91

  You get the first thumbs up.

The Audiogon IT department roadmap projects the completion of the thumbs-up feature for Q3 2031.

No word yet on a) posting pics, b) without grotesquely deforming them.

I love this thread, my only regret is that the board doesn't allow thumbs up.

So I pulled the trigger on my DAC purchase. As of by magic an advert appeared on TMR for a well priced, 2 year old DAC. Now I've got the full Benchmark stack (DAC 3b>HPA4>2x AHB2's > ML 9's (all connected with Benchmark Proprietary speaker cables and interconnects. 

Based on all the views and recommendations spending a lot less than my original tweak budget of $750 - basically Stack SmoothLan (60 day retutn policy), upgraded Ethernet cables, Netgear 5 switch, iFi Lan silencer via Amazon with normal return policy. For now will use the PecanPi+ as streamer into the DAC

Unfortunately lost out on the UpTone Etherregen switch on USAM. Couldn't agree on payment method and it was sold soon after that. Hopefully to one of you 

@audphile1 thanks for all your input and confirmations

@boxcarman @ghdprentice thanks as well on the recommendations

@aspertnt can vouch for the Benchmark cables

@liquidsound unfortunately I lost out on the Etheregen, but before this question and thread I didn't even know it existed. Will be on the lookout for gen1 now

@squared80 noted. Nevertheless will make some tweaks, listen with my ears and either return some of the equipment or keep it. 

@tomrk  Glad you enjoyed the thread. 

@foggyus91 Thanks for your confirmation that I may experience improvements

This has been great fun, learned a lot from all of you. I appreciate the candour, advice, recommendations. Thanks for giving me a glimpse of the depthes and intricasies of this hobby. I will implement some of the tweaks - 1 by 1 - note differences (if any).

Will also give feedback - its the least I can do.

Thank you so much to all contributors! 

Settling down now with a nice dram of Glenfarclas 18yo acquired with savings on my $750. Listening to some Bob Seeger and CCR on vinyl (no blues tonight). 

Happy listening and Cheers!

Digital transmission artifacts do affect the analog domain. Noise riding on grounds and cables affects resolution/transparency, incorrect timing or jitter affects the presentation, more accurate waveform contributes to a more analog like sound quality. 

 Enjoy your new DAC.