Ethernet

$500 is a decent price for a cat 7 audiophile quality cable. I tried a BJ interconnect that some people thought it was the end all cable to own. It was junk, I sold it as fast as I could. Compared to my good cables, it was flat sounding like somebody put a comforter over the speakers, soundstage collapsed, sure they were cheap compared to my 20x the price cables, but I’ll pay the difference.

The poster referenced the eero mesh router, do not get any mesh router less than a 6e compatible router, getting a 7 mesh would even be better. Any mesh router that is WiFi 6 or earlier is junk. I use 4 6e mesh routers and 1 Linksys non mesh router in my house, and I’ve installed 5 or more mesh routers in bigger homes.

Always go wired, only use WiFi when you can’t go wired. Also, use each mesh router as a switch so you can wire all your devices and let the 6e/7 mesh router use its 2.5Gb backhaul to route the traffic instead of using the 2.4ghz WiFi on your device.

Never use a network switch with a walwart, I use a $500 power cable in my switch.

I am running a Netgear Orbi mesh with 2 satellites. My streamer (Linn ADSM/3) does not support wireless.  I placed one of the satellites close to my audio equipment and run a 1ft ethernet cable from the satellite to the Linn.  I get fantastic sound and my speed is approaching 1Gig.  I tested going with an ethernet cable from the router directly to the Linn and can hear no difference.  My primary source is Qobuz or music that I ripped to a Mac Mini that I use as a music server.

@rbstehno What ethernet cable are you using? 

I worked in IT for 30 years, mainly dealing with ethernet networks. If you take the time to learn how ethernet works, you’ll understand that you need nothing more than a good quality CAT5e or CAT6 cable. Don’t run it across any fluorescent lights or near an AC motor. TP (twisted pair) cable shields itself from low-level RF interference that will slow your connection. You can believe whatever else you want, but your money is better spent on quality audio equipment. 

@mggartner Do not disagree you might get a lick out of this.... https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/erics-network-throttle-cable-parts-usa.41843/#post-1101098