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

Congrats on the new DAC ! 

Note:  for those that still have "copper" going to their house with limited rooms enabled,  I made the following "realtively inexpensive" changes that helped my sound quality.  I found most of these recommendation on "you tube".

First converting my copper to optical to get rid of any noise from the line coming to the house - after the router.  Then going to an EERO mesh system to increase my WIFI strength.

Then, using another EERO Mesh node hardwired to my Stack Audio SmoothLan network Filter with a Audioquest Cinnamon Cable, then, the Smoothlan filter to my Volumio Rivo+ streamer.  I am using an LPS & a Shunyata power conditioner for this EERO Mesh node and the same for the streamer and monitor

Great discussions, inputs, views and recommendations -  but the options available now become almost impossible to test qn review. It is becoming a complicated tri-nomial decision tree. So I am going back to basics - throwing the proverbial one pebble at a time in the pond and observing the ripples - then start  adding more pebbles and trying to make sense of the changes in the ripples.

1. Confirmed that all network cables from Etisalat (servive provider) to property are fibre

2. Netgear switch arrived  - swapped with current TP-link switch. No audible difference. Netgear returned. 

3. iFi Lan silencer arrived via eBay on 30 day return basis. Listened for 2 days with silencer inserted at streamer (after TP-link) and 2 days inserted at wall receptacle (before TP-link). Audible difference with silencer at wall (nothing audible with it after the switch). Didn't expect that. Keeping at least for next 2 weeks to test with BJC cables and SmoothLan.

4. Stack SmoothLan delivered either Tuesday/Wednesday from UK. Will test over the rest of the week. 60 day return policy

5. Benchmark DAC 3b arrived from TMR (BTW - great service - triple packed and FedEx to Abu Dhabi - less than $50. Arrived within a week). Alas, require a UK power cable - so until that arrives from UK on Tuesday/Wednesday (no decent ones below $1000 in UAE), it stays in the box. Will be last item to insert in chain to test. This will be a keeper in my system - synergy, revealing and all that.

5. Blue Jeans Cables (shielded and non-shielded) currently on FedEx plane in France, hopefully leaving tonight for UAE. Expected on Thursday / Friday after customs inspection and further costs to be paid.

6. Fidelizer became an option based on above discussions. DMOR (variant of DYOR)

For now testing is 1 change at a time and monitoring impact. Its fun

Will keep you posted and again - Thanks to all for input/views!

Cheers

As I upgraded my dacs and streamers over the years I found audiophile switches and filters that used to “improve” sound were no longer needed. With my last three dacs, Mojo Audio Evo Pro > Tron Atlantic Signature > Cinnamon Audio Galle,  I found I could sell off these devises.  Going from the Innuos Zenith mk3 to the Pulsar and finally to my current Cinnamon Audio Galle streamer made the need for these devices melt away. The Innuos Pulsar paired  with the Mojo dac is really where the need for these devices ended for me.  Before this I found expensive switches and filters from companies like Network Acoustics and Paul Pang quite helpful and sonically pleasing. 

I actually found most of my “tweaks” were no longer needed selling my Puritan conditioner among other accessories.  The only “tweaks” I currently use are the Verifi Swiss Digital Fusebox and Exemplar Audio Portals.  I find both sonically beneficial.   

I still find ethernet cables make a nice difference.  Same for USB cables, perhaps even more so for me.

@gournard  

I’m a big fan of Fidelizer Audio.  Keetakawee is on a mission to engineer excellent and affordable SQ.   Great customer support!   

I’ve owned his AirStream for years.  It’s been working flawlessly.  I also used his Pro software before switching to a dedicated streamer.   No experience with the Hyperlink or Nimitra.  His most recent products are the Erawan Flagship and the Lira.

For the last few years, I’ve been tweaking for EMI.  My observations are here & here.

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Also, @gournard  

In late September, I crewed 10 days on a Cal 34.  San Francisco Bay → Monterrey → Channel Islands → SF.   A steady westerly at 22-24, gusting to 35.   Just a single reef on the main.  Plenty of whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters, etc.    I love the recent navigation apps.  Don’t miss Loran-C.  

Congratulations on fixing up your cottage.  Leaky is a sailor’s bane.  I suspect that you did a shipshape job.    New adventures await.    4 months in the Caribbean on a Vision 444 sounds absolutely heavenly.*   The last time I was in St. Lucia, greenies (Heineken’s) were only US$.50/bottle.   Aaaah - those were the Jimmy Buffet days!   Yes, I’d be interested in a crossing.   PM when you know more.

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*Probably a good idea to stay well off the coast of Venezuela.

My journey summarized:

Started with an English electric 8 switch and Network Acoustics Eno filter. Was unsure of any benefit. Thought there was, but it was subtle at best.

Auditioned a Nordost QNet and LPS. Was unsure of any benefit. Thought there was but it was subtle at best. Certainly not worth the significant spend.

Auditioned a Reiki Superswith and LPS. Brought an obvious and material benefit this time and decided was worth the significant expense. So much so, I’ve actually considered their $$$ network cable. Deferred for now.

My conclusions summarized:

Some of this gear works, some does not. Audition is a must.

Stick with companies who specialize in a particular problem as opposed to companies straying from their core competencies.

Regards,