I live in a condo block and can strongly 'see' at least 12 other access points and weakly see many more. A lot of these share the same channel or neighboring channels meaning we're all sharing limited bandwidth. A simple speedtest shows that some days when there aren't many people around I have a lot more bandwidth (and crucially lower/stable latency) than others. My ethernet meanwhile is unshared and comes from the router which is directly attached to the fibre-optic cable and gives me a stable 1Gbit. So I'll generally go for ethernet for HQ streaming and wifi for casual laptop browsing.
I've been using powerline adaptors for a few years now - when they work, they're great, but they can be upset by switching transients from 13A appliances or variations in mains voltage during peak periods, I have an automatic failover to Wifi which minimises disruption.
I will tell you this fact as someone who has been an IT consulted for 35+ years. The number of calls for WIFI related issues verses cabled ethernet is at least 25 to 1. Ethernet was developed in 1972 by Bob Metcalf and others and if you run connections straight, all told we rarely if ever have an issue unless someone puts a piece of furniture on top of your cable. The list of WIFI related connection issues is too many to list here, suffice it to say we deal with them every month (probably 30-40 calls a year) and perhaps 1 or 2 calls a year for ethernet specific issues. My house is hardwired, and we NEVER have connection issues related to cabling, period. You can use this as guidance.
This annoys me coming from an IT person, WiFi is nothing like it used to be, if you invest in a modern standard Mesh setup vs repeaters or home plugs, you won’t have any issues
My thought is that if a wired connection is available then it should be used. If the wifi router is not in the same room as the streamer you may get a low signal to the streamer. For example; my wifi router is upstairs and my WIIM is hard wired connected in the basement. Using my wifi on tablet in the basement to control Spotify I sometimes lose the wifi signal in controlling the app. Every device has either a good or bad wifi antenna so that matters too.
This is basing on very outdated WiFi. A modern mesh network has zero dead spots and no signal degradation as the live router will beam form to that location to bolster the increased distance
The only way to know in any given situation is to compare them yourself. In my building there is a clear and dramatic audible difference between my available options.
both wifi and ethernet connect using tcp/ip for data control and packaging routing... if the wifi signal is enough you should have the very same result. If wifi signal is not strength enough you may have issues because of the bandwidth and lost ip packages being re sent. hope it helps! great video. another thing to consider when using wifi is the distance between the ISP device and your streaming device, you should consider to have more than .5 meters if possible, to assure protocols timing and avoid saturated wifi signals.
@@Pete.across.the.streetproperly built network equipment CANNOT transport noise through a TCP/IP channel. People have zero understanding of the difference between noise (analogue) and TCP traffic
@ that’s not correct, if that were to happen, all network traffic would fail, so you’d know instantly as your network would break. And that could only happen on faulty hardware anyway. Seriously, all these people are giving inane comments about analogue noise in a network packet stream, it’s not possible. Do some basic education on network traffic and RJ45 isolation.
The dependence of the airlens on WPS for Wi-Fi is unfortunate. High end network systems often do not support it apparently because it can represent a low security portal. And Paul, if the airlens is so great at isolation, why do you recommend and even provide a ferrite noise suppressor?
I place my xFi signal booster pod next to my computer (with an extension cord) and the WiFi signal is definitely stronger than placing the pods on an adjacent wall. It’s an incredible difference in strength of sound.
I find if I turn off wifi on my streaming device and let it run in ethernet, the audio quality is the best. I have excellent home wifi signals. I just use regular ethernet cable and routers. Ethernet has a lot of data advantages and, irrespective of Paul’s concerns, I suspect getting that data off the air, so to speak, ensures a more un altered data stream. This results in the best quality digital data that is converted to analog. So the answer may be, try each individually over a few months and see if you notice a difference. It might be home, home network, wifi brand/type/age/location/set up (all those things alone can impact it) and other factors that make it a more individual implementation/preference/setup. I’d never use power line. I’d use a tri band mesh system before that. Even if the backhaul is not on ethernet.
@mongo2044 again, I’m afraid you don’t understand how basic TCP/IP works. There is no data, there is no audio, not even any bits. Only packets which contain a verification signature. When that packet is unpacked, if it’s changed in any way, it would fail because of the TCP protocol and be rejected and a replacement requested again. So I’m afraid your concept that somehow being over the air can change the resultant analogue audio signal once the packets have been unpacked and passed through the DAC to be converted to analogue sound are completely unfounded and based on not understanding the difference between analogue noise and sound waves vs digital binary or network packets. The only place noise can be introduced is at the source of on the analogue output of the DAC, both of these would either be repeated to inferior products or a fault like a grounding issue
@@SpyderTracks I agree. So, why does it sound better over ethernet versus (pretty decent, strong signal) erro Pro mesh network in a small, wood frame home? So then, if it is not the packets, what changes? This is years of me noticing it on same systems in my home.
@mongo2044 it’s not the network, there’s some isolation issue in your DAC / Streamer that is picking up interference when the WiFi is enabled. It’s not an issue with the WiFi signal, any half decent equipment will have the output from the DAC isolated from the digital input. That’s the area that has a fault
I can’t hear any difference between WiFi and wired connections either. The only reason that I use power-line adapters is if I’m in the basement corner where WiFi is weak.
My server/streamer (Innuos Zenith mk3) only has ethernet connection. I have no way to run cable to the room. I use a TP Link mesh system with one unit near the streamer. And connect stream to the mesh unit using ethernet cable. Sound is fabulous.
Paul ignored the powerline part of the question. Powerlines use signals in the GHz range to transfer data over your power cable, which could interfere with a lot of devices plugged in any of your wall outlets. (It does not have to but it could), I imagine HIFI gear is especially susceptible. I have been using them for a while and did not notice anything but your experiences may vary.
Ethernet over cable or wifi is not a clear-cut decision. Ethernet provides a bandwidth for audio that is beyond good and evil and good latency times, Wifi provides galvanic isolation, but poorer latency times, which I can't imagine anyone being able to hear any differences. Assuming a well-functioning 100 MBit or GBit connection, the quality of Ethernet cables in the home network is irrelevant. Power line is always a bad compromise. Power line is always a bad compromise. The decision here should be between Power line and Wifi. If the bandwidths are roughly the same, I would choose Wifi.
I use fiber optic, I'm probably in the minority that prefers it sometimes. Something about the sound is less edgy to me, tho it is limited in bandwidth
I love your advices Paul, but when it comes to network suddenly you hear almost no difference and my experience is far different. If you don’t hear the changes you make on your network there is something wrong.
Noise definitely matters, and cables and wifi add noise differently. Cables can act as antennae and collect noise. Wifi and routers in general generate noise. Isolation and shielding become basic defences from noise.
It's not complicated to reach SINAD levels well above audible levels with modern DACs no matter how the data is coming into it. Throw out your DAC if it's sensitive to noise
@ SINAD is a measure of how much noise and distortion is suppressed relative to signal. If your DAC is truly over-sensitive to external interference, it would impact the SINAD level negatively and become measurable.
Here in Iceland Tidal has become unusable this year. after they switched to flac its just constantly buffering. Any ideas how to solve that one? It seems to be a unresolvable issue for Tidal, been going back and forth with them.
I recommend using Wi-Fi to minimize any line noise and terminate the ethernet port and all other ports not in use. This goes for all equipment. Audioquest seems to be the only company that makes terminating caps. Your gear will sound much more resolving by reducing EMF distortion. Also, a coaxial cable will give a full body of sound versus optical in which sounds thin in comparison.
Then again, the strongest source of EMFs might be the onboard wifi module, in turn, one way to use the effect of EM radiation on the streamer is deactivate wifi and go wired.
I tested WiFi vs Ethernet with my speakers and my AKG Q701. My opinion is that there are no major sound differences but wifi kills this little thing that makes music alive, a bit of magic disappears with wifi. Though Ethernet must be well set to be good, there are many tutorials on the internet about that. Bluetooth is also a solution to not neglect, especially the LDAC and APTX HD audio codecs. I always prefer Ethernet for Pure DSD streaming but i prefer BT over ethernet and Wifi for the rest.
Cables are more faithful, is the same quality though , WiFi can be noiseless I think , but Ethernet has a stronger signal and faithfulness, WiFi is radio, now can other frequencies kinda make some sort of noise ?
Digital is one of those things that SHOULD NEVER matter if the designer did their job right. Paul is 100% correct. Unfortunately very few people design digital correctly, so your mileage may vary.
digital is a concept of information transportation, and all transport relies on “analog” electrics and electronics, with all their little flaws and deviations from textbook.
It's not the digital part that's the problem, it's the noise affecting the analog circuits. And there's no such thing as digital audio.. you're converting that digital signal into a very complex analog output.
There is no sound difference between WiFi & Ethernet and so use whatever suits your preference. If your streamer has weak Wi-Fi signal then it will buffer which interrupts your listening experience and that's when Ethernet shines and saves the day.
From a network perspective: if both WiFi and Ethernet are available I would pick Ethernet every time of the day. My whole house is wired except my workshop/garage because it's detached from the house and I am to lazy to dig in a proper cable . I like to listen to music if I am in my workshop but that's the only place I encounter connectivity problems every now and then. Not withstanding the meshed network and properly installed repeater.
Very well explain Paul. I use and I do prefer WiFi . It’s good, cleaner and free of noise from power line and computers data transients. The only one concern is latency, that’s for digital audio signal transfer, it’s not a problem.
Louis, do you have stability problems using WiFi? If not, don't fix what's not broken ! As Paul states, you won't get a sound quality upgrade using wired ethernet. Personally, I like using Ethernet because I find the streamer is more responsive that way. It seems to connect/disconnect more quickly, have less hiccups, etc. Also, I try to have less devices connected to wireless as possible to reduce "wifi congestion" but really, that's just a personal preference. 😉
@@richardramorino3319 there is zero difference, you and Paul are absolutely right. People can’t accept the difference between analogue noise and digital network transport, noise cannot travel down a network route, that’s why Ethernet ports have isolation and cancellation due to twisted pair geometry.
If you're running Ethernet, you want to use the highest grade cable... CAT 7 or CAT 8 has better shielding and are rated for higher bandwidth. At some point, if your cable runs are getting to be too long... (how long is debatable.) you would switch to fiber. With Wi-Fi, YMMV depending on a lot of factors. If your environment is stable... depending on the quality of your equipment... wi-fi works. I mean, I stream my tv and your music is being buffered so you're ok. (True of all networking.) The issue though is that your wifi can be impacted by outside factors so the default should be to go wired if possible.
WiFi is a good way to go assuming you have a very strong signal.. the stronger the signal, and the lower the levels of interference signals, the better. A -43 dBm signal should be very good regardless, whereas as a -63 dBm signal could start to become marginal in some cases. I find that -53 dBm or better is satisfactory here. Unfortunately, I'm in a somewhat noisy environment. If I'm not mistaken, some streamer manufacturers believe -65 dBm or better to be a "very good" signal, but that's not my experience here.
@@dicmccoy that’s because your WiFi was substandard and you were dropping packets. Don’t confuse analogue signal ranges (highs, mids and lows) with network packets. The only way the sound could be different is if you were dropping substantial packets that weren’t being resent in time
@SpyderTracks I wonder why that was? I was on Telus Fiber Optic 1 GB/S and the router was right beside my streamer. I've tested 1.2 GB/S over that WiFi and the internet system was brand new from Telus.
@ yes, so an ISP provided router, ie garbage. If you want a decent network for audio equipment, you have to buy decent kit. No ISP provided router is any good, they’re all incredibly cheaply made and very restricted in their capabilities for traffic management etc. . For a modern wireless solution you’d never use a router WiFi anyway, you’d always have dedicated wireless network. In the same way you invest in power conditioners and cables, of course you have to in your networking infrastructure also. Speed is completely irrelevant to stability and channel separation
@SpyderTracks That sounds way too complicated to find which ones are good, and how to get it setup. Plug and play is what I want. I don't do computers for a reason. Computers do me. Lol
@ in that case you don’t stand much of a chance for modern audio equipment. Have to face facts, most of modern audio is heavily integrated into networking. And networking is increasingly moving to wireless
Even if the rj45 is well isolated, ethernet over power line could be adding noise to the mains supply, which would affect the whole hifi via their power cables.
How do you work that out? You’re talking analogue waves (ie noise), network doesn’t produce ANY analogue signals, impossible to introduce noise from a properly certified network device. People have no clue of digital vs analogue signals, let alone a digital signal vs network packets
This is a digital signal. For Apple Hi-Res Lossless audio at 24-bit/192 kHz it requires 9.216 Mbps - Data rate per second = Bit Depth * Sample Rate * Channels (9,216,000 bits/sec = 24bits * 192,000 samples/sec * 2 channels). There should be no difference in sound quality. The some of issues would be interference, traffic collisions which will cause the packets to be re-sent and depending on the buffer of the streaming device you might not notice the dropouts. This could happen for both WiFi and Ethernet. Ethernet wired connection would be the most reliable.
Always need to repeat this because it is ignored even though it is important: people confuse 1) packet networks, with 2) synchronous/isochronous interfaces. For a packet network the cable (for a consumer bandwidth) does not matter. The _internet_ proper is a packet network, whether it is over a wire or a radio. Your TOSlink on the other hand is an isochronous interface (which is why things like jitter are a problem.)
@@roybenz187 I use a MacBook Pro I5 through airplay; sounds good analogue like but lacks some detail; also, use MacBook Pro I7 through USB; sounds much better detailed but not as analogue sounding. Both using Wi-Fi 5G. (Old school now I guess).
Audiophiles when they change their CAT5 UTP Ethernet cable with CAT7 STP or with "audiophile grade" Ethernet cables ,because apparently that's a thing now and introduce Ground Loops...😜 Stick to what the manufacturer recommends, audiophile Ethernet switches and cables can't possibly make a difference.
A fully wired ethernet will always be the best option, but not when used with the adaoptors that use the house wiring, the noise generated by them can cause all sorts of issues If Wi-Fi is done correctly with good equipment then it should provide the cleanest signal, unless your neighbours are on the same channel. Sadly trial and eroor are often the only way to find the best option for your situation. I never stream anything, for music iand video i connect directly to the source.
That's interesting. The received wisdom from reading hifi magazines and forums is that wired should be better. I have experimented for myself and have never been able to discern any difference between WiFi and ethernet. I'm actually quite relieved to hear an expert, such as yourself, say that there may actually be no difference.
I would agree that wires should be better, but I have found that ethernet over power line is not always as good. If I wanted the most reliable connection, I would get ethernet wired in. In my home< I installed ethernet to my main use points and used Wi-Fi for the rest. I ran in the conduit for TV and phone, but NOT mains electricity.
He's not an expert. He's a charlatan. There is no difference - but when he says there's "no noise" associated with Wi-Fi he exposes himself as nothing more than a liar and snake oil salesman. Look for his videos about ABX testing. Ask yourself whether you truly believe any of the inane rationalisation he spouts in an attempt to discredit scientifically validated methods for comparing audio sources/playback equipment and codecs. If he isn't a shameless money-grabbing liar, he's a quasi-religious audio cultist who is too far gone to see that he's built his career on nonsense.
Agree there is no sonic difference between the two, however I still choose Ethernet as it does not drop out like wi-fi does, which just kills the music listening experience. Wi-fi is fine for my casual listening set-up in the kitchen, but not for my serious system.
If your WiFi is dropping out it’s because your WiFi network is substandard, WiFi should never drop out. Invest in a proper mesh setup, you’ll never have a drop out again
cat 5e @ 100meg min preferred.2.4gog n wireless next. and then there's the modem and then the company it's hooked to. my rabbit hole minimum suggestions end here. i have posted before about packet distribution and collation processes before. as to power lines....noise was easy before the proliferation of switching power supplies and what they introduce to the waveform in your home. physics and timimg folks. a lot of work went into modern day networking but the basics of it all remain the same. for best results....capture then play back. apologies that the process doesn't involve cloud service streaming (where you never really physically own what you paid for btw) or fit that particular business model. cool subject paul. hope a few folks go down the rabbit hole. it's quite interesting and a bit of educational antecedence provides insight to the end result'user.
I had dedicated isolated audio outlets and dedicated ethernet lines and jack with a dedicated router with 2 GB service run by professional installers. so..thats not it!
@@AllenPendleton that’s not correct actually. Network traffic is in signed packets, not open bot streams. But either way, you’re right, makes zero difference if it’s cabled or over WiFi
In Other Words 20 KHZ is About Where Humans Can Hear Sound or Cut Off Point Yet That Sound Wave May Be Longer Than Your Cat 5 Cable So This Is Why WiFi is Better Because WiFi Bumps Up to 200 MHZ Which is Now a Radio Wave That Can Bang Through Walls so Which is Better Well This is Why You Have a Redundant Network or System If One Goes Out and Takes a Dump You Have a Back Up System and All Your Dreams Will Come True You See Folks You Don’t Hear Beyond 20 KHZ Yet WiFi Will Blast Through Walls at 200 MHZ and You Only Really Hear a Fraction of The WiFi Spectrum So Have Both or Ala Cart
Audio signal wavelength is irrelevent in digital. All that is all-important but only starting at the DAC. Digital can describe an infinite range of khz values across any network technology.
I always listen to music through my phone over Bluetooth. It sounds amazing. You can't really tell the difference with any setup, unless you have a trained ear.
I'm always baffled by audiophiles applying analog, audio traits to ethernet cabling and WiFi - as if analog audio signals are being transmitted over the internet connection. My streamer, like all fixed devices in my home gets a wired signal, but I have strong enough WiFi through a distributed UniFi system that it would run off of WiFi just fine. I go bonkers when I see people talking about the sonic improvements achieved with premium ethernet cabling 'designed specifically for HiFi', doing cable burn-in, adding galvanic ethernet isolators, etc. It's absolutely bonkers. Next they will try carbon fiber ethernet cable risers...
I don't stream when I am listening to music, critically. I may stream with wifi if I see something new I want hear but most of the time I listen to cassettes, cd or vinyl.
@@mikeeygauthier2959 yes, of course it does, it’s a universal standard so applies anywhere in the world. Obviously you don’t have a WiFi 6e or 7 router / WiFi router.
Both WiFi and Ethernet can have an impact on sound quality due to noise they feed downstream. Of course one could always argue that in "properly designed devices" it should be all good, at the same time everybody and his mom know, that no such thing as a "perfect device" exists. Best solution: trust your ears and try! You might be surprised. :-)
Wut ? 😳🤭 Like someone else mentioned; Ethernet over powerline induces noise onto the grid, which may cause noise in badly designed power supplies. But Wifi and ethernet carry digital signal only. 'Trust your ears'... great advice dude 😏
@@medonk12rs It’s generally considered false. While we often think of nature as continuous (“analog”), quantum mechanics shows us discrete (or “quantized”) phenomena, for example, energy levels in atoms come in distinct steps. That’s not “digital” in the computer sense of zeroes and ones, but it does mean physics embraces the idea of discrete states. maybe educate yourself a little? Cheers!
I did some experiments disabling the wifi function, removing the antenna and if possible the whole wifi card from the streamer and/or receiver and it made the devices sound a lot more "quiet". Improving clarity, focus and resolution. This is why I stick to ethernet cables.
It is always a blast reading through these comment sections. Apparantly there are unknown laws and physics when it comes to audio signals. "Measurements mean nothing! Digital is bad, m'kay!? Trust your ears!" 😂😅🤣🤣
@Alamo-cz5xc What if they had the same attitude developing nuclear energy. "Oh well, just trust your intuition and give it a go! Who needs science anyway?" Besides, my set-up sounds better than anybody else's anyway. That's what my ears tell me! 😜
@@Alamo-cz5xc To me it is indeed listening to music. People that claim that Wifi sounds different than ethernet, are clearly not listening to music using their ears.
I think all of this is very minimal in terms of audio quality. But I choose source signals carefully just in case. I recently changed to fiber for bringing internet into my home because the technician, when I told him I wanted as little possible noise, said there's no electricity involved in fiber - just light. But I purchased an iFi noise-cancelling power supply for the router just in case there might be something going from my AC power into the router. I use Ethernet mainly because it's faster and more reliable than WiFi, and even though I'm still not so sure, people like Paul tell me that the integrity of the data stream is really important for clocking and jitter and jingle-jangle and all that. It does make sense that WiFi - which carries no electricity - might be cleaner, but the speed of Ethernet in my house is one heck of a lot faster. And WiFi has to go through my farts, so we couldn't have that, especially when listening to classical music.
The question needs to be deconstructed and what I hear Paul...about using 2 types of data transport delivery systems "Powerline Ethernet adapter vs WiFi Streaming". I will guess he is using an All-in-one DAC let's say "WiiM or EverSolo"? Main Cable Ethernet line from the wall going into the Main Router, then Ethernet output, let's say Port 1, from router connected to a Powerline adapter, then a second Powerline adapter, in another room, that's connected into the (DAC)? Using Amazon Basics RJ45 cable for the Powerline, then going to higher end Speaker cables and maybe hearing noise when using the Powerline transport? So, I would approach a simple troubleshooting process. I would run an Ethernet cable from the Main router, right into the DAC to bypass the Powerline adapter. He may need to purchase a 25, 50ft or 75ft RJ45 cable (location of the DAC) and see if he hears any difference. As StarTek Dr. McCoy would say: My God man, running thru a home electrical circuit to transmit data with interference from appliances is not the answer! The "Matter-antimatter reaction" must be repaired! Now, put away your 21st century power sources and let me save this patient with Dilithium crystals before it's too late!
Whether we're talking about transmitting and receiving machine code or streaming music, nothing will ever produce results as good as a wired connection.
@@jondu-sud274 I put in a 10GB ethernet backbone with a few 10G/Multi-Gig Ethernet switches. Now I have super data transfer speeds and the switches do a nice job of heating the house.
Another total waste of money on DAC, cables, pretty much everything. Music cast , lossless streaming even from an iPhone is spectacular. I am constantly surprised since hi def lossless streaming appeared how good it is. Yup, from an iPad Pro……as the preamplifier….direct to a high powered amp.
I use Ipad as well. I agree with your point, but point out that the iPad or iPhone utilzes a DAC either in the bluetooth receiver of in the wired connection. The apple dongle for headphones/audio has a DAC in it.
@ Correct, I oversimplified my comment. I was more referring to the individual that purchases an additional DAC , or expensive cabling, but I suppose if it makes them happy….thank you for the input though.
The Anatomy of Cat 5 Cat 5e and Cat 6 Ethernet Was Never Discussed….This Falls Under Infrastructure and Cat 5 Cat 5e and Cat 6 Speed and Bandwidth Was Also Never Discussed Okay Let’s Start With Bandwidth Cat 5 and Cat 5e Has a Bandwidth of 100 MHZ Yet The Cat 6 Has 250 MHZ With a More Than Double Bandwidth Now Lets Talk About The Anatomy and Very Important The Installation of Cat 5 Cat 5e and Cat 6 First The Anatomy Cat 5…Cat 5e…Cat 6 Comes in Solid Copper or Stranded Copper That’s Non/Shielded There is a Reason For Solid and Stranded The Path The Solid Cat 5 Takes is Super Important and Should Be a Straight Path if That Path Has Many 90° and 45° Bends in Its Path Those Become Choke Points and Potential Brake Points So Stranded Cat 5…Cat 5e and Cat 6 is Use If There are Many 90° or 45° Bends in The Path Plus This is Very Important and Critical….if The Path is Straight Use Solid Copper if Many Turns and Bends Use Stranded Copper Cat 5….Cat 5e and Cat 6 Is Not To Be Pulled During Installation Cat 5….Cat 5e…and Cat 6 is Placed In The Path Not Pulled Through a Path Because You Also Do Not Stretch Cat 5…. Cat 5e…or Cat 6 So It’s How You Install This Cable as Part of Your Home Infrastructure and Good Installation is Crucial and Critical This Would Also Fall Under Redundant Systems Now You Have a WiFi Network and a Hardwired Cat 5 Connection Perfect Now I Got Carried Away Yet There Is a Difference Between WiFi and Cat 5 and How The Cat 5 is Installed In The Home Infrastructure Just More Horse Exhaust and Not Enough Substance Boy Thanks 🙏 Paul You Did It Again You Put Me Tooo Sleeeeeep Sorry If You The Audio File Is Lucky Enough To Have All This Installed During The Construction Of a Home Even Better My O’Lady is Calling Good Night 💤 Folks and Happy New Year 🎈🎊 🎉😮
My god this is so stupid. The confidence with which you can lie to people is infuriating. I think you know you're a liar, but you've made your whole career from lying so you're not going to admit it, are you? You should be ashamed.
Their is always that one guy who has to make their snarky comments. So captain negative elaborate. To insult one of the pioneers and leading high-end audio designers shows nothing but gealousy and ignorance.
I live in a condo block and can strongly 'see' at least 12 other access points and weakly see many more. A lot of these share the same channel or neighboring channels meaning we're all sharing limited bandwidth. A simple speedtest shows that some days when there aren't many people around I have a lot more bandwidth (and crucially lower/stable latency) than others. My ethernet meanwhile is unshared and comes from the router which is directly attached to the fibre-optic cable and gives me a stable 1Gbit. So I'll generally go for ethernet for HQ streaming and wifi for casual laptop browsing.
I've been using powerline adaptors for a few years now - when they work, they're great, but they can be upset by switching transients from 13A appliances or variations in mains voltage during peak periods, I have an automatic failover to Wifi which minimises disruption.
I will tell you this fact as someone who has been an IT consulted for 35+ years. The number of calls for WIFI related issues verses cabled ethernet is at least 25 to 1. Ethernet was developed in 1972 by Bob Metcalf and others and if you run connections straight, all told we rarely if ever have an issue unless someone puts a piece of furniture on top of your cable. The list of WIFI related connection issues is too many to list here, suffice it to say we deal with them every month (probably 30-40 calls a year) and perhaps 1 or 2 calls a year for ethernet specific issues. My house is hardwired, and we NEVER have connection issues related to cabling, period. You can use this as guidance.
Yep. This is the reason and it has nothing to do with regular audiophile stuff.
I find microwave ovens to always interfere with my home wifi.
This annoys me coming from an IT person, WiFi is nothing like it used to be, if you invest in a modern standard Mesh setup vs repeaters or home plugs, you won’t have any issues
@@pizzafrenzyman I used to have that issue.. but in recent years newer routers don't seem to have this issue... don't know why.
We're not talking about connection issues, we're talking about noise affecting your sound quality.
My thought is that if a wired connection is available then it should be used. If the wifi router is not in the same room as the streamer you may get a low signal to the streamer. For example; my wifi router is upstairs and my WIIM is hard wired connected in the basement. Using my wifi on tablet in the basement to control Spotify I sometimes lose the wifi signal in controlling the app. Every device has either a good or bad wifi antenna so that matters too.
This is basing on very outdated WiFi. A modern mesh network has zero dead spots and no signal degradation as the live router will beam form to that location to bolster the increased distance
Happy New Year Paul and PS Audio. Wishing you a great and prosperous 2025.
The only way to know in any given situation is to compare them yourself. In my building there is a clear and dramatic audible difference between my available options.
both wifi and ethernet connect using tcp/ip for data control and packaging routing... if the wifi signal is enough you should have the very same result. If wifi signal is not strength enough you may have issues because of the bandwidth and lost ip packages being re sent. hope it helps! great video.
another thing to consider when using wifi is the distance between the ISP device and your streaming device, you should consider to have more than .5 meters if possible, to assure protocols timing and avoid saturated wifi signals.
Same result for data, but probably different results for noise
@@Pete.across.the.streetproperly built network equipment CANNOT transport noise through a TCP/IP channel. People have zero understanding of the difference between noise (analogue) and TCP traffic
@SpyderTracks yeah but the copper ethernet or wifi antenna can still inject noise no matter what the tcp is doing
@ that’s not correct, if that were to happen, all network traffic would fail, so you’d know instantly as your network would break. And that could only happen on faulty hardware anyway. Seriously, all these people are giving inane comments about analogue noise in a network packet stream, it’s not possible. Do some basic education on network traffic and RJ45 isolation.
@SpyderTracks 1500Vrms. Why would it break? The noise isn't in the packets. The noise is on the copper. You can have both noise and uncorrupted data .
The dependence of the airlens on WPS for Wi-Fi is unfortunate. High end network systems often do not support it apparently because it can represent a low security portal. And Paul, if the airlens is so great at isolation, why do you recommend and even provide a ferrite noise suppressor?
I place my xFi signal booster pod next to my computer (with an extension cord) and the WiFi signal is definitely stronger than placing the pods on an adjacent wall.
It’s an incredible difference in strength of sound.
I didn't realise there were two Aspen speakers at first, and the angle made it look like Chris had lost his freaking mind.
I find if I turn off wifi on my streaming device and let it run in ethernet, the audio quality is the best. I have excellent home wifi signals. I just use regular ethernet cable and routers. Ethernet has a lot of data advantages and, irrespective of Paul’s concerns, I suspect getting that data off the air, so to speak, ensures a more un altered data stream. This results in the best quality digital data that is converted to analog. So the answer may be, try each individually over a few months and see if you notice a difference. It might be home, home network, wifi brand/type/age/location/set up (all those things alone can impact it) and other factors that make it a more individual implementation/preference/setup.
I’d never use power line. I’d use a tri band mesh system before that. Even if the backhaul is not on ethernet.
@mongo2044 again, I’m afraid you don’t understand how basic TCP/IP works. There is no data, there is no audio, not even any bits. Only packets which contain a verification signature. When that packet is unpacked, if it’s changed in any way, it would fail because of the TCP protocol and be rejected and a replacement requested again. So I’m afraid your concept that somehow being over the air can change the resultant analogue audio signal once the packets have been unpacked and passed through the DAC to be converted to analogue sound are completely unfounded and based on not understanding the difference between analogue noise and sound waves vs digital binary or network packets. The only place noise can be introduced is at the source of on the analogue output of the DAC, both of these would either be repeated to inferior products or a fault like a grounding issue
@@SpyderTracks I agree. So, why does it sound better over ethernet versus (pretty decent, strong signal) erro Pro mesh network in a small, wood frame home? So then, if it is not the packets, what changes? This is years of me noticing it on same systems in my home.
@mongo2044 it’s not the network, there’s some isolation issue in your DAC / Streamer that is picking up interference when the WiFi is enabled. It’s not an issue with the WiFi signal, any half decent equipment will have the output from the DAC isolated from the digital input. That’s the area that has a fault
I can’t hear any difference between WiFi and wired connections either. The only reason that I use power-line adapters is if I’m in the basement corner where WiFi is weak.
If you can't hear it then it does not matter ! Well done !
My server/streamer (Innuos Zenith mk3) only has ethernet connection. I have no way to run cable to the room. I use a TP Link mesh system with one unit near the streamer. And connect stream to the mesh unit using ethernet cable. Sound is fabulous.
You can use a power line bridge.
I was using wi-fi and Roon. Bought a Innuos Zen-NG and my performance dramatically improved immediately!
@@tonyd9998 that’s because your WiFi was substandard
Paul ignored the powerline part of the question. Powerlines use signals in the GHz range to transfer data over your power cable, which could interfere with a lot of devices plugged in any of your wall outlets. (It does not have to but it could), I imagine HIFI gear is especially susceptible. I have been using them for a while and did not notice anything but your experiences may vary.
Ethernet over cable or wifi is not a clear-cut decision. Ethernet provides a bandwidth for audio that is beyond good and evil and good latency times, Wifi provides galvanic isolation, but poorer latency times, which I can't imagine anyone being able to hear any differences. Assuming a well-functioning 100 MBit or GBit connection, the quality of Ethernet cables in the home network is irrelevant. Power line is always a bad compromise. Power line is always a bad compromise. The decision here should be between Power line and Wifi. If the bandwidths are roughly the same, I would choose Wifi.
Thanks for the video. I’m using Fiber optic cable to my Lumin U2 Streamer. Don’t know if it’s the best choice but that’s what I’m using
I use fiber optic, I'm probably in the minority that prefers it sometimes. Something about the sound is less edgy to me, tho it is limited in bandwidth
Aren't there concerns with WiFi, if multiple devices are running on the same 2.4 gHz?
I have multiple devices on 2.4 and I stream my music on 2.4. No issues
@@ryanschipp8513 That's nice. I have multiple devices on 2.4 and have conflicts. I had to put one on 5 gHz
Maybe with wifi , impedance matching, stray capacitance is no problem ?
I love your advices Paul, but when it comes to network suddenly you hear almost no difference and my experience is far different. If you don’t hear the changes you make on your network there is something wrong.
Galvanic isolation or not
Noise definitely matters, and cables and wifi add noise differently. Cables can act as antennae and collect noise. Wifi and routers in general generate noise. Isolation and shielding become basic defences from noise.
Hoping you have a wonderful 2025, Paul and family!
I use a wifi pod plugged into my Audio-quest power conditioner for my Bryston streamer/headphone amp. It works fine.
It's not complicated to reach SINAD levels well above audible levels with modern DACs no matter how the data is coming into it. Throw out your DAC if it's sensitive to noise
Sinad 😂😂😂
@ SINAD is a measure of how much noise and distortion is suppressed relative to signal. If your DAC is truly over-sensitive to external interference, it would impact the SINAD level negatively and become measurable.
@@ThinkingBetter it sure would
Here in Iceland Tidal has become unusable this year. after they switched to flac its just constantly buffering. Any ideas how to solve that one? It seems to be a unresolvable issue for Tidal, been going back and forth with them.
The WiFi antenna can inject noise into your system and degrade sound quality if your streamer isn't up to the quality of the Air Lense.
I recommend using Wi-Fi to minimize any line noise and terminate the ethernet port and all other ports not in use. This goes for all equipment. Audioquest seems to be the only company that makes terminating caps. Your gear will sound much more resolving by reducing EMF distortion. Also, a coaxial cable will give a full body of sound versus optical in which sounds thin in comparison.
Then again, the strongest source of EMFs might be the onboard wifi module, in turn, one way to use the effect of EM radiation on the streamer is deactivate wifi and go wired.
I tested WiFi vs Ethernet with my speakers and my AKG Q701.
My opinion is that there are no major sound differences but wifi kills this little thing that makes music alive, a bit of magic disappears with wifi.
Though Ethernet must be well set to be good, there are many tutorials on the internet about that.
Bluetooth is also a solution to not neglect, especially the LDAC and APTX HD audio codecs.
I always prefer Ethernet for Pure DSD streaming but i prefer BT over ethernet and Wifi for the rest.
Rather than powerline, I ended up using MoCA adapters over my coaxial cables that are going to each room for the TV.
Cables are more faithful, is the same quality though , WiFi can be noiseless I think , but Ethernet has a stronger signal and faithfulness, WiFi is radio, now can other frequencies kinda make some sort of noise ?
Digital is one of those things that SHOULD NEVER matter if the designer did their job right. Paul is 100% correct. Unfortunately very few people design digital correctly, so your mileage may vary.
no such thing as a "perfect" device.
digital is a concept of information transportation, and all transport relies on “analog” electrics and electronics, with all their little flaws and deviations from textbook.
It's not the digital part that's the problem, it's the noise affecting the analog circuits. And there's no such thing as digital audio.. you're converting that digital signal into a very complex analog output.
There is no sound difference between WiFi & Ethernet and so use whatever suits your preference. If your streamer has weak Wi-Fi signal then it will buffer which interrupts your listening experience and that's when Ethernet shines and saves the day.
From a network perspective: if both WiFi and Ethernet are available I would pick Ethernet every time of the day. My whole house is wired except my workshop/garage because it's detached from the house and I am to lazy to dig in a proper cable . I like to listen to music if I am in my workshop but that's the only place I encounter connectivity problems every now and then. Not withstanding the meshed network and properly installed repeater.
Very well explain Paul. I use and I do prefer WiFi . It’s good, cleaner and free of noise from power line and computers data transients.
The only one concern is latency, that’s for digital audio signal transfer, it’s not a problem.
Louis, do you have stability problems using WiFi? If not, don't fix what's not broken !
As Paul states, you won't get a sound quality upgrade using wired ethernet.
Personally, I like using Ethernet because I find the streamer is more responsive that way. It seems to connect/disconnect more quickly, have less hiccups, etc.
Also, I try to have less devices connected to wireless as possible to reduce "wifi congestion" but really, that's just a personal preference. 😉
I've never found any difference. I note that lots of reviewers from Stereophile and Absolute Sound don't hear a difference either.
@@richardramorino3319 there is zero difference, you and Paul are absolutely right. People can’t accept the difference between analogue noise and digital network transport, noise cannot travel down a network route, that’s why Ethernet ports have isolation and cancellation due to twisted pair geometry.
If you're running Ethernet, you want to use the highest grade cable... CAT 7 or CAT 8 has better shielding and are rated for higher bandwidth. At some point, if your cable runs are getting to be too long... (how long is debatable.) you would switch to fiber.
With Wi-Fi, YMMV depending on a lot of factors. If your environment is stable... depending on the quality of your equipment... wi-fi works.
I mean, I stream my tv and your music is being buffered so you're ok. (True of all networking.)
The issue though is that your wifi can be impacted by outside factors so the default should be to go wired if possible.
WiFi is a good way to go assuming you have a very strong signal.. the stronger the signal, and the lower the levels of interference signals, the better.
A -43 dBm signal should be very good regardless, whereas as a
-63 dBm signal could start to become marginal in some cases.
I find that -53 dBm or better is satisfactory here. Unfortunately, I'm in a somewhat noisy environment.
If I'm not mistaken, some streamer manufacturers believe -65 dBm or better to be a "very good" signal, but that's not my experience here.
Put an oscilloscope on the dac output. You'll be able to test if there's a difference.
better use your ears.
I found WiFi to be not as revealing on the top end. It was ever so slightly rolled off and veiled.
@@dicmccoy that’s because your WiFi was substandard and you were dropping packets. Don’t confuse analogue signal ranges (highs, mids and lows) with network packets. The only way the sound could be different is if you were dropping substantial packets that weren’t being resent in time
@SpyderTracks I wonder why that was? I was on Telus Fiber Optic 1 GB/S and the router was right beside my streamer. I've tested 1.2 GB/S over that WiFi and the internet system was brand new from Telus.
@ yes, so an ISP provided router, ie garbage. If you want a decent network for audio equipment, you have to buy decent kit. No ISP provided router is any good, they’re all incredibly cheaply made and very restricted in their capabilities for traffic management etc. . For a modern wireless solution you’d never use a router WiFi anyway, you’d always have dedicated wireless network. In the same way you invest in power conditioners and cables, of course you have to in your networking infrastructure also. Speed is completely irrelevant to stability and channel separation
@SpyderTracks That sounds way too complicated to find which ones are good, and how to get it setup. Plug and play is what I want. I don't do computers for a reason. Computers do me. Lol
@ in that case you don’t stand much of a chance for modern audio equipment. Have to face facts, most of modern audio is heavily integrated into networking. And networking is increasingly moving to wireless
Even if the rj45 is well isolated, ethernet over power line could be adding noise to the mains supply, which would affect the whole hifi via their power cables.
How do you work that out? You’re talking analogue waves (ie noise), network doesn’t produce ANY analogue signals, impossible to introduce noise from a properly certified network device. People have no clue of digital vs analogue signals, let alone a digital signal vs network packets
@@SpyderTracks It's because he bought a 300$ Network Noise Isolator from Chord and it fixed all his problems 🙃😉😉
Do not confuse a good steamer using wi-fi or your source using air-play! And be sure that your wi-fi will be strong enough… many variables!
That's been my conclusion for a long time.
Ethernet is more trouble free than wi fi.
This is a digital signal. For Apple Hi-Res Lossless audio at 24-bit/192 kHz it requires 9.216 Mbps - Data rate per second = Bit Depth * Sample Rate * Channels (9,216,000 bits/sec = 24bits * 192,000 samples/sec * 2 channels). There should be no difference in sound quality. The some of issues would be interference, traffic collisions which will cause the packets to be re-sent and depending on the buffer of the streaming device you might not notice the dropouts. This could happen for both WiFi and Ethernet. Ethernet wired connection would be the most reliable.
Bits is bits. Just use whatever has the dependable and consistent bandwidth, and is easier.
"Bits is bits."
I hear no difference between the two. I have a mesh system hardwired together via powerliine ethernet adapters, and it works well.
Always need to repeat this because it is ignored even though it is important: people confuse 1) packet networks, with 2) synchronous/isochronous interfaces. For a packet network the cable (for a consumer bandwidth) does not matter. The _internet_ proper is a packet network, whether it is over a wire or a radio. Your TOSlink on the other hand is an isochronous interface (which is why things like jitter are a problem.)
You really don't though
How about streaming from iMac through WiFi or Ethernet ?
@@roybenz187 I use a MacBook Pro I5 through airplay; sounds good analogue like but lacks some detail; also, use MacBook Pro I7 through USB; sounds much better detailed but not as analogue sounding. Both using Wi-Fi 5G. (Old school now I guess).
Audiophiles when they change their CAT5 UTP Ethernet cable with CAT7 STP or with "audiophile grade" Ethernet cables ,because apparently that's a thing now and introduce Ground Loops...😜
Stick to what the manufacturer recommends, audiophile Ethernet switches and cables can't possibly make a difference.
My main system is connected via ethernet purely because I can have it that way. But there is no difference.
My router is upstairs, I ran cat 5 cable down to both my Apple TV and Play Station. The difference is night and day.
A fully wired ethernet will always be the best option, but not when used with
the adaoptors that use the house wiring, the noise generated by them can cause
all sorts of issues
If Wi-Fi is done correctly with good equipment then it should provide the cleanest
signal, unless your neighbours are on the same channel.
Sadly trial and eroor are often the only way to find the best option for your situation.
I never stream anything, for music iand video i connect directly to the source.
So you watch no cable or video service other than dvds and rabbit ear overtheair tv?
@@1donjuego No TV either, here in the UK you have to pay for a licence that i refuse to have.
That's interesting. The received wisdom from reading hifi magazines and forums is that wired should be better. I have experimented for myself and have never been able to discern any difference between WiFi and ethernet. I'm actually quite relieved to hear an expert, such as yourself, say that there may actually be no difference.
I would agree that wires should be better, but I have found that ethernet over power line is not always as good.
If I wanted the most reliable connection, I would get ethernet wired in.
In my home< I installed ethernet to my main use points and used Wi-Fi for the rest.
I ran in the conduit for TV and phone, but NOT mains electricity.
He's not an expert. He's a charlatan. There is no difference - but when he says there's "no noise" associated with Wi-Fi he exposes himself as nothing more than a liar and snake oil salesman.
Look for his videos about ABX testing. Ask yourself whether you truly believe any of the inane rationalisation he spouts in an attempt to discredit scientifically validated methods for comparing audio sources/playback equipment and codecs.
If he isn't a shameless money-grabbing liar, he's a quasi-religious audio cultist who is too far gone to see that he's built his career on nonsense.
20 to 20,000 Hz is Where Humans Can Hear
Sorry Folks
No way my hearing reaches 20khz. I've tested it.
BS... I hear 20-14/15khz. So you're wrong. LoL. Happy New Year!!
Is this why I can’t hear wifi?
Something to
Think About
100 MHZ to
250 MHZ
The Actual Bandwidth Can Be Longer and Wider Than The Cat 5
Cat 5e Cat 6 Cable Run
Agree there is no sonic difference between the two, however I still choose Ethernet as it does not drop out like wi-fi does, which just kills the music listening experience. Wi-fi is fine for my casual listening set-up in the kitchen, but not for my serious system.
If your WiFi is dropping out it’s because your WiFi network is substandard, WiFi should never drop out. Invest in a proper mesh setup, you’ll never have a drop out again
If you have a modern router then you should have no issues at all when using wi fi
cat 5e @ 100meg min preferred.2.4gog n wireless next. and then there's the modem and then the company it's hooked to. my rabbit hole minimum suggestions end here. i have posted before about packet distribution and collation processes before. as to power lines....noise was easy before the proliferation of switching power supplies and what they introduce to the waveform in your home. physics and timimg folks. a lot of work went into modern day networking but the basics of it all remain the same. for best results....capture then play back. apologies that the process doesn't involve cloud service streaming (where you never really physically own what you paid for btw) or fit that particular business model.
cool subject paul. hope a few folks go down the rabbit hole. it's quite interesting and a bit of educational antecedence provides insight to the end result'user.
I had dedicated isolated audio outlets and dedicated ethernet lines and jack with a dedicated router with 2 GB service run by professional installers. so..thats not it!
They are just carrying 1's and 0's not actual audio until it's decoded so cable type on ethernet will not make any difference in audio quality anyway.
@@AllenPendleton that’s not correct actually. Network traffic is in signed packets, not open bot streams. But either way, you’re right, makes zero difference if it’s cabled or over WiFi
In Other Words
20 KHZ is About Where Humans Can Hear Sound or Cut Off Point
Yet That Sound Wave May Be Longer Than Your Cat 5 Cable
So This Is Why
WiFi is Better Because
WiFi Bumps Up to
200 MHZ Which is Now a
Radio Wave That Can Bang Through Walls so
Which is Better
Well This is Why You Have a Redundant Network or System If One Goes Out and Takes a Dump
You Have a Back Up System and All Your Dreams Will Come True
You See Folks You Don’t Hear Beyond 20 KHZ
Yet WiFi Will Blast Through Walls at
200 MHZ and You Only Really Hear a Fraction of The WiFi Spectrum
So Have Both or
Ala Cart
Audio signal wavelength is irrelevent in digital. All that is all-important but only starting at the DAC. Digital can describe an infinite range of khz values across any network technology.
I always listen to music through my phone over Bluetooth. It sounds amazing. You can't really tell the difference with any setup, unless you have a trained ear.
That’s a very good point.
bluetooth is extremely lossy codec
@ No question about that. I can clearly hear the difference. But, it’s convenient in a pinch.
i've had wifi issues... never ethernet. worth patching some drywall to run new cables
Is it possible to extend the wifi quality by using air refresher?
Can I get wider image with a forest smell?
I'm always baffled by audiophiles applying analog, audio traits to ethernet cabling and WiFi - as if analog audio signals are being transmitted over the internet connection. My streamer, like all fixed devices in my home gets a wired signal, but I have strong enough WiFi through a distributed UniFi system that it would run off of WiFi just fine. I go bonkers when I see people talking about the sonic improvements achieved with premium ethernet cabling 'designed specifically for HiFi', doing cable burn-in, adding galvanic ethernet isolators, etc. It's absolutely bonkers. Next they will try carbon fiber ethernet cable risers...
Wifi 💯
I don't stream when I am listening to music, critically. I may stream with wifi if I see something new I want hear but most of the time I listen to cassettes, cd or vinyl.
WIFI has 2 modes: 5G & 2G. Use 5G… much better. Of course Ethernet cable connection is much better.
@@mikeeygauthier2959 modern WiFi now has 6ghz now also as standard since WiFi 6e
@ my provider does not have this! What country are you in?
@@mikeeygauthier2959 yes, of course it does, it’s a universal standard so applies anywhere in the world. Obviously you don’t have a WiFi 6e or 7 router / WiFi router.
Both WiFi and Ethernet can have an impact on sound quality due to noise they feed downstream.
Of course one could always argue that in "properly designed devices" it should be all good, at the same time everybody and his mom know, that no such thing as a "perfect device" exists.
Best solution: trust your ears and try! You might be surprised. :-)
Both are digital signals dude…
@@djwolffe_OG physics knows no "digital"... maybe educate yourself a little? Cheers!
Wut ? 😳🤭
Like someone else mentioned; Ethernet over powerline induces noise onto the grid, which may cause noise in badly designed power supplies. But Wifi and ethernet carry digital signal only.
'Trust your ears'... great advice dude 😏
@@medonk12rs It’s generally considered false. While we often think of nature as continuous (“analog”), quantum mechanics shows us discrete (or “quantized”) phenomena, for example, energy levels in atoms come in distinct steps. That’s not “digital” in the computer sense of zeroes and ones, but it does mean physics embraces the idea of discrete states. maybe educate yourself a little? Cheers!
1's and 0's ain't impacted by noise. The streamer will either buffer due to lack of bandwidth or it plays normally and that's how digital is.
I did some experiments disabling the wifi function, removing the antenna and if possible the whole wifi card from the streamer and/or receiver and it made the devices sound a lot more "quiet". Improving clarity, focus and resolution. This is why I stick to ethernet cables.
@@TeknoGecko you’re not talking about a product of decent quality then if it didn’t have basic isolation.
@@SpyderTracks have you tried it? I have with flagship Denon, Onkyo and Primare integrated amps and processors.
@@TeknoGecko so yeah, confirms what I was saying. Big difference between mainstream hifi and high end audio.
It is always a blast reading through these comment sections. Apparantly there are unknown laws and physics when it comes to audio signals. "Measurements mean nothing! Digital is bad, m'kay!? Trust your ears!" 😂😅🤣🤣
if you're not "trusting" your ears i.e. listening to music, you're just a nerd who looks at graphs
@Alamo-cz5xc What if they had the same attitude developing nuclear energy. "Oh well, just trust your intuition and give it a go! Who needs science anyway?"
Besides, my set-up sounds better than anybody else's anyway. That's what my ears tell me! 😜
@@literal_lee it's not nuclear energy bozo, it's listening to music
@@Alamo-cz5xc To me it is indeed listening to music. People that claim that Wifi sounds different than ethernet, are clearly not listening to music using their ears.
@@literal_lee okay buddy
I think all of this is very minimal in terms of audio quality. But I choose source signals carefully just in case. I recently changed to fiber for bringing internet into my home because the technician, when I told him I wanted as little possible noise, said there's no electricity involved in fiber - just light. But I purchased an iFi noise-cancelling power supply for the router just in case there might be something going from my AC power into the router. I use Ethernet mainly because it's faster and more reliable than WiFi, and even though I'm still not so sure, people like Paul tell me that the integrity of the data stream is really important for clocking and jitter and jingle-jangle and all that. It does make sense that WiFi - which carries no electricity - might be cleaner, but the speed of Ethernet in my house is one heck of a lot faster. And WiFi has to go through my farts, so we couldn't have that, especially when listening to classical music.
The question needs to be deconstructed and what I hear Paul...about using 2 types of data transport delivery systems "Powerline Ethernet adapter vs WiFi Streaming". I will guess he is using an All-in-one DAC let's say "WiiM or EverSolo"? Main Cable Ethernet line from the wall going into the Main Router, then Ethernet output, let's say Port 1, from router connected to a Powerline adapter, then a second Powerline adapter, in another room, that's connected into the (DAC)? Using Amazon Basics RJ45 cable for the Powerline, then going to higher end Speaker cables and maybe hearing noise when using the Powerline transport? So, I would approach a simple troubleshooting process. I would run an Ethernet cable from the Main router, right into the DAC to bypass the Powerline adapter. He may need to purchase a 25, 50ft or 75ft RJ45 cable (location of the DAC) and see if he hears any difference. As StarTek Dr. McCoy would say: My God man, running thru a home electrical circuit to transmit data with interference from appliances is not the answer! The "Matter-antimatter reaction" must be repaired! Now, put away your 21st century power sources and let me save this patient with Dilithium crystals before it's too late!
Whether we're talking about transmitting and receiving machine code or streaming music, nothing will ever produce results as good as a wired connection.
in this case the wired connection goes over power line. this is for sure the worst connection you can use for high quality audio.
@@dougstorace321 completely false, basing digital network communication on analogue signals. The two don’t exist together.
Anyone try that $3000 lan switch? 💥 😂
I bought 3 and have them set up in a cascading arrangement,- unfortunately now can't afford to heat the house this winter
@@jondu-sud274 I put in a 10GB ethernet backbone with a few 10G/Multi-Gig Ethernet switches. Now I have super data transfer speeds and the switches do a nice job of heating the house.
Another total waste of money on DAC, cables, pretty much everything. Music cast , lossless streaming even from an iPhone is spectacular. I am constantly surprised since hi def lossless streaming appeared how good it is. Yup, from an iPad Pro……as the preamplifier….direct to a high powered amp.
I use Ipad as well. I agree with your point, but point out that the iPad or iPhone utilzes a DAC either in the bluetooth receiver of in the wired connection. The apple dongle for headphones/audio has a DAC in it.
@ Correct, I oversimplified my comment. I was more referring to the individual that purchases an additional DAC , or expensive cabling, but I suppose if it makes them happy….thank you for the input though.
The Anatomy of Cat 5
Cat 5e and
Cat 6 Ethernet Was Never Discussed….This Falls Under Infrastructure and
Cat 5
Cat 5e
and Cat 6 Speed
and Bandwidth Was Also Never Discussed
Okay Let’s Start With
Bandwidth
Cat 5 and Cat 5e
Has a Bandwidth of
100 MHZ Yet The
Cat 6 Has 250 MHZ
With a More Than Double Bandwidth Now Lets
Talk About The Anatomy and Very Important The Installation of Cat 5
Cat 5e and Cat 6
First The Anatomy
Cat 5…Cat 5e…Cat 6
Comes in Solid Copper or
Stranded Copper
That’s Non/Shielded
There is a Reason For
Solid and Stranded
The Path The Solid
Cat 5 Takes is Super Important and Should Be a Straight Path if That Path Has
Many 90° and 45° Bends in Its Path Those Become Choke Points and Potential Brake Points So Stranded Cat 5…Cat 5e
and Cat 6 is Use If There are Many 90° or 45° Bends in The Path Plus This is Very Important and Critical….if The Path is Straight Use Solid Copper if Many Turns and Bends Use Stranded Copper
Cat 5….Cat 5e and
Cat 6 Is Not To Be Pulled During Installation
Cat 5….Cat 5e…and
Cat 6 is Placed In The Path Not Pulled Through a
Path Because You Also Do Not Stretch Cat 5….
Cat 5e…or Cat 6
So It’s How You Install
This Cable as Part of Your Home Infrastructure and
Good Installation is Crucial and Critical
This Would Also Fall Under Redundant Systems Now You Have a
WiFi Network and a
Hardwired Cat 5 Connection Perfect
Now I Got Carried Away
Yet There Is a Difference
Between
WiFi and Cat 5 and
How
The Cat 5 is Installed
In The Home Infrastructure
Just More Horse Exhaust and Not Enough Substance
Boy Thanks 🙏 Paul
You Did It Again
You Put Me Tooo
Sleeeeeep
Sorry
If You The Audio File Is Lucky Enough To Have All
This Installed During The Construction Of a Home
Even Better
My O’Lady is Calling
Good Night 💤 Folks and
Happy New Year 🎈🎊 🎉😮
My god this is so stupid. The confidence with which you can lie to people is infuriating. I think you know you're a liar, but you've made your whole career from lying so you're not going to admit it, are you? You should be ashamed.
What an amazingly unhinged rant. Please tell us what is wrong in this video?
I heard him say both are the same but power isolation is important. Where is the lie there?
Their is always that one guy who has to make their snarky comments. So captain negative elaborate. To insult one of the pioneers and leading high-end audio designers shows nothing but gealousy and ignorance.
@@logisticallychallenged name of logistically challenged, think mentally challenged is more appropriate