Does connecting a streamer to Ethernet make much difference compared to wifi?

[JezmondTutu]

My music room is in a different part of the house hence wondering if it might be worth trying to run a cable from my router. Internet is fibre and I use BT Discs to relay the signal currently.

Thanks

Jez

 

[foxwelljsly]

It will sound exactly the same, but stuff like library updates may take a bit longer.

It would have to be a very poor Wi-Fi signal if you’re getting buffering when streaming, in which case a cable would be better. Personally, if I was going to run a cable I’d stick a Wireless Access Point on the end of it and connect to that.

 

[Fergus]

Could you not just run a cable from your nearest BT disc to your streamer?

 

[Phyztech]

If you plan just connect simple ethernet cable from the router without any other significant upgrades (power supply, switch etc.) the result may be worse than a simple wi-fi connection.

 

[onlyconnect]

I would use whichever gives you a better and more stable connection, if both are fine the music will sound the same.

 

[JezmondTutu]

Thanks, signal is fine, nearest wifi disc is in the kitchen.

I was under the impression that streaming would sound better if you hard wired to your router. Forgive my lack of knowledge but I primarily play vinyl on my main system and digital music files but do stream from time to time.

 

[Jubal]

If you plan just connect simple ethernet cable from the router without any other significant upgrades (power supply, switch etc.) the result may be worse than a simple wi-fi connection.

I have been meaning to ask for ages. What is the purpose of a network switch in an audio setup? Besides adding a few ports if you don’t have enough on your router that is?

 

[Fergus]

I was under the impression that streaming would sound better if you hard wired to your router.

If possible I believe wired is more robust but then I stream wirelessly to my Eversolo without issue.

 

[Phyztech]

I have been meaning to ask for ages. What is the purpose of a network switch in an audio setup? Besides adding a few ports if you don’t have enough on your router that is?

Switch is a lower-noise device compared to the router + offers re-clocking.

 

[Fergus]

I have been meaning to ask for ages. What is the purpose of a network switch in an audio setup? Besides adding a few ports if you don’t have enough on your router that is?

There are other threads that talk about this. Very contentious!

 

[JezmondTutu]

Switch is a lower-noise device compared to the router + offers re-clocking.

My Node2i has an uprated clock, probably don’t need to add more boxes!

 

[Phyztech]

My Node2i has an uprated clock, probably don’t need to add more boxes!

Depends on how network is organised and whether you prioritise equipment upgrades vs tweaks or not

 

[Jubal]

Switch is a lower-noise device compared to the router + offers re-clocking.

I guess this is only a factor for local streaming then. TVM.

 

[Alex S]

I find Wi-Fi terrible since it makes my £2500 Ethernet switches and cables redundant.

 

[vacuum_tubes]

Switch is a lower-noise device compared to the router + offers re-clocking.

absolute gibberish.

 

[InSides]

Wasn’t there a company (*) making streamers that preferred wifi?

I seem to remember something about “less noise sans wires”.

…but then again I have been running a slight fever and may be remembering things that never happened.

For the sake of discussion - I run one streamer wired, the other wireless only due to the fact one doesn’t have wifi and the other no free cable socket in the vicinity.

EDIT: That company seems to have been Auralic.

 

[Hcanning]

It won't make any difference to the sound. Ethernet is always preferable over wifi purely from a reliability and speed/latency standpoint though.

 

[Amber Audio]

Wasn’t there a company (*) making streamers that preferred wifi?

I seem to remember something about “less noise sans wires”.

…but then again I have been running a slight fever and may be remembering things that never happened.

For the sake of discussion - I run one streamer wired, the other wireless only due to the fact one doesn’t have wifi and the other no free cable socket in the vicinity.

EDIT: That company seems to have been Auralic.

The boss of Auralic is on record as saying he prefers the use of a wireless network rather than cabled into their streamers - his name is Xuanqian Wang.

As an IT bod we always go with cabled if possible - stability/reliability, recent wireless kit is so good it makes little difference unless in a challenging environment these days. Most jobs I’m involved in now are using fibre instead of copper.

 

[AndyU]

I find Wi-Fi terrible since it makes my £2500 Ethernet switches and cables redundant.

My Wi-Fi sounded terrible until I upgraded the aerial on my router. But bear in mind I live in a Faraday cage filled with state of the art ether which was blessed by a shaman from Bingley, and I have a very resolving system, so ymmv.

 

[tuga]

I have been meaning to ask for ages. What is the purpose of a network switch in an audio setup? Besides adding a few ports if you don’t have enough on your router that is?

It isolates the streamer from the router.