Permutations & Findings

With a natural obsession with testing this kind of stuff, I tried a number of configurations in the network. I even had cable (Spectrum) and fiber (AT&T) internet services active at the same time to test differences.

Keep in mind, these are just my findings. Please let me know what your experiences are in the comments. YMMV.

  • The power supply to your modem and router have a much larger impact over your Ethernet cable.
    • Try plugging your equipment into a UPS battery. This is the one I use. I went a step further and connected them to a Paul Hynes SR4. The differences are night & day.
  • Fiber internet sounds quieter, tighter, and more detailed - but thinner. Cable internet is softer and warmer - but doesn't have as much detail or depth. This is even obvious when streaming music to smart devices such as Google Home and Minis.
  • Although more subtle, changing the Ethernet cable between the modem and router - affected the sound even when the router is connecting to the Innuos via a wireless bridge.
    • This part didn't make any sense to me. Especially when the bridge is galvanically isolated from the main system. The only thing I could think of is how the interaction between the radio antennas was impacted by the Ethernet cable.
    • Tonal differences were subtle but there's no doubt that the "detached" Ethernet cable still impacted the music server that was connected wirelessly.
  • Direct vs. Wireless: Using a longer run of cheap 25 ft of generic Ethernet cable from the Netgear X4S router to the SOtM switch vs. connecting it wirelessly to the Asus EA-N66 wireless bridge.
    • This was interesting. I feel the tonal quality is better with a direct connection - even when using generic Ethernet cable. It just sounded more solid. But the sound was pancake flat and transients were obliterated.
    • Using the bridge had a more "HiFi" sound. It was much quieter, had a larger soundstage, and provided much better focus. However, it was cooler, coarser, and thinner. A SOtM iSO-CAT6 did help smooth it out a bit - but adds to the cost.
    • I was a bit torn here. I enjoy the richer tone of the direct connection, but the delineation and outlining with the bridge was much better.
    • Now, what would happen if I power the bridge with a better power supply? I feel it'll make the wireless bridge the better (and more convenient) option. But that's an experiment for another day.