Ethernet

Just as you use ChatGPT to find the solution you want to hear or believe regarding Ethernet cables and connections, you could also use AI (or search through forums) to understand why a better streamer can still matter. It’s an important topic, but it has been discussed so many times that people are genuinely tired of repeating the same explanations. What really matters is whether you believe it or not, and whether you are open-minded enough to accept an answer that you may not be inclined to believe.

Just try it. There are numerous budget-friendly yet more capable streamers than the N130 that sound better, such as the Nano, which has been praised by several trustworthy reviewers if you want to stay within the BluNode line. If you can’t hear a difference, congratulations—you can rest assured, enjoy your music without spending extra, and simply return the gear. There is nothing to lose. You are certainly not the only one who were on the other side of fence including myself.

@lanx0003 

I’m considering using a 25 foot ethernet cable run from my router to my Node N130 instead of using wi-fi. Will there be an improvement by bypassing the wifi receiver inside the Node?

it depends on how poor your wifi is - impossible for someone else to tell you, you need to try it

@kevn    Your posts about the battery-operated router caught my interest.   My WiFi streaming chain is fairly tricked out for noise reduction- both TX/RX.  The SQ is very good.  I also have a battery-operated DAC.  When it goes into the recharge mode, the DAC continues playing on AC.   I can hear the SQ become slightly noisier.

My streaming head-end has two routers - in-line - after the modem. A Netgear Nighthawk - and then a Fidelizer Audio Airstream - setup as an access point.   All of my noisy household WiFi devices are connected to the Netgear WiFi router.  Only the streamer is connected to the Fidelizer Airstream - via WiFi.    So, there’s audio-only traffic on the 2nd unit.

Last night, I experimented by powering the Airstream with a regulated 12 vdc battery power supply - very beefy.   Sure enough, the SQ improved.   More natural/organic.   No loss of dynamics - which can be a common downside of using a small battery. Since the Airstream is only used when playing music, I should be able to turn it off via the power bank to save the charge when not in use.   My household devices will still be functional since the Netgear router is powered by AC power.

It seems that this might be an interesting solution for noise abatement.  Two routers - or one router & one switch.   The 2nd unit being powered by a battery for the streamer only.   This unit might be perfect - since the voltage is regulated.*  Theoretically, it should work well for both hard-wired and WiFi.    The key is to remember to turn it back on - wherever it’s located - when firing up the system for a listening session.

Thx for your informative post.   Sometimes, these discussion threads can lead learning something new.   🙏

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* This is another type of a battery bank - but the DC voltage might not be regulated.   AI says that routers require a regulated voltage.