The basics
Contents
What do you need for a solid audio network? Basically just a few things:
- A router (may be the provider’s router, but preferable not for reasons of flexibility and computing power)
- A solid switch close to the streamer (we recommend a minimum of eight ports for expansion)
- A decent – preferably shielded – network cable to connect the streamer to the switch
Make better
Before we start discussing the ‘nerdy’ stuff, say 24 ports layer-2+ and layer-3 switches, in order to guarantee stability in a network, it is crucial to buy solid stuff. And yes, that, like decent audio, just costs money.
A solid router with enough computing power to send everything smoothly in the right direction quickly costs 150 euros. A decent 8-port switch (e.g. the Netgear GS108) costs a few tens. Solid cable: 1 euro per meter. Solid plugs: a few euros for a bag. Do you want it very solid? Audioquest or Supra, for example, have excellent cables for a normal amount of money; you do not need a AQ Diamond right away.
What about wifi? If you can place the router more or less centrally in your home, then the built-in access point may be fine. Is the router in the electrical room near the front door? Then it is better to switch off this accesspoint and place a separate accesspoint, centrally in the house (stairwell often works very well). A good accesspoint usually costs about 150 euros. If you want to control the power supply directly via the Ethernet cable (recommended), a so-called PoE switch or a PoE injector is required. We’ll discuss access points in the next chapter.
https://www.netgear.com/nl/home/wifi/mesh/mk73s/
My compliments for the clear explanation. But do I need to purchase an additional switch, placed between the provider’s modem and the router, the satellites are connected via WiFi. You recommended using an sBooster on the RME ADI-2 FS DAC and I couldn’t believe it. That the power supply of a professional device is so poor. It’s not cheap but the results are amazing. If I understand correctly, I don’t need linear power supply for the modem or router. The satellite in the room is connected with CAT7 to the switch and connect (CAT7) to the streamer. But should I change the power supply of both (satellite and switch) to a linear power supply for better sound quality?