I have a Dell desktop with Windows 10 connected an Ariss SB8200 Modem/Router connected to cheap no-name ethernet cable connected to my K50 music server. Are there any recommendations for updating my modem/router and ethernet cable? Can you name me a product that is ideal for my setup?
I have yet to ever encounter āidealā in this hobby. What I encounter instead are numerous items at different price points that can help one improve their enjoyment of music. Often, but not always, one gets what they pay for.
As far as a router, I would invest first in a good switch to use between your K50 and router. The router matters less with a good switch involved - likely to the point where you feel no need to move to a different router.
Your router appears to have a 12v power supply. Something you might consider as well is a better power supply. I power my router with an iFi iPower Elite. I thought this was worth the price in terms of the sound quality improvement but I doubt I would have appreciated it as much had I not had a good switch feeding my Antipodes.
@jazzbirder I agree with @kennyb123 that the router is less important if you have a good switch between it and the streamer. Indeed I now think my router is sufficiently isolated from my Antipodes that I consider the router has no effect whatsoever on the audio. I have had to arrive at this because the only realistic access to internet that we have is to use a G4 cellular solution with an outdoor aerial pointed at the nearest mast.
Some swear by using fiber as a means to isolate from network noise but in my experience all fiber solutions I have tested (I have tested many many different ones in my system) all seem to sound worse than a good switch. I define worse in this context as being slightly harsher and with false ābiggerā sound stage and an emphasis to plucked and percussion notes.
As to what defines a good switch that is less easy to define and cost is not much help. Some very expensive switches are no more than $10 circuit boards disguised in expensive milled aluminium boxes.
There is a Network Acoustics Tempus ethernet Switch, but it cost too much. The is new switch called Silent Power OMNI LAN that costs only $799, but there are no reviews done yet!
Hi jazzbirder
To improve the sounds from my Antipodes K50 I was given the advices of putting a Switch between my Router and the K50.
I tried different ones from various manufacturers.
In the end I decided the Uptone Audio - Ether Regen not only gave me much improvement to the overall sounds of the Digital files I was streaming but, also isnāt costly compared to the other manufacturers Iād listened to in my set-up. I also Upgraded to Cat8 cabling which further improved everythingā¦music to my ears. Very happy and content now!
Go on the website and you can even email the Company for further information or any questions and queries you may have ?
Try to demo some Switches and you can decide for yourself?
Good luck
Hi Jazzbirder
I think a good switch just before the antipodes server is essential.
At the moment I use a silent angel Bonn (around 500⬠) that already makes a big difference.
I am following the ārumorā on the internet about a switch from the UK named Reiki Audio. The designer relies heavily on blocking EMI from the switch. There is one LAN input and one output and no switching LEDās. Looks like a down to earth concept.
Thumbs up at least to the popular Melco brand switch with optional Plixir DC power supply.
Every song / track i listened to enabled listening deeper into the recording.
But the best general improvement was a reduction / elimination of some type of digital noise that the ear picks up as an annoyance.
Used different cheap switches and settled now on a IFi LAN ipurifier pro between router and S40. Worth the money.