I plugged my SW6 into a powerzone and it seems nice. Where have I heard that before? 
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I agree with Scott, having a PC in the chain the priority is not a switch upstream, it should be a real audio server/streamer. IME replacing the computer with a Innuos server, was the starting point to a long long streaming journey.
Filters, switches, grounding systems to reduce noise in the path (cables included) are all the next steps.
Good luck!
PS: stay away from this forum, it could be dangerous!
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Or you could just replace the computer with something like the Eversolo DMP-A6 for less than the price of an “audiophile” switch and run it wireless eliminating the need for all the fancy cables and filters.
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These and other questions will haunt us forever.
The OP says he has a $20 Ethernet to Fiber converter, should he try it?
Yes. Try it.
All the rest is noise.
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Pretty sure OP was talking about a switch, not a FO MC.
Maybe I misunderstood.
Yes, USB from the PC to the Matrix then into the DAC via the I2S connection. Utilizing the I2S was my main reason for purchasing the Matrix. The second reason is the galvanic isolation.
Thank you I am glad to be here 
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Would I have wasted my money on the Matrix if I buy a streamer?
Thank you! I see…lol
The question I have is would I have wasted my money having bought the Matrix if I buy a streamer? Connecting over Wi-Fi would eliminate the need for filters on the connection to the PC and steamers?
No, not if you still want to run I2S from the streamer to the DAC. You would just be replacing the PC and possibly the hard wired ethernet connection. If you buy from Amazon you have 30 days to try the wireless out. I ran the Eversolo wireless for over a year with no sound issues.
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If you are ok with your current system, no problem. Enjoy music and be happy!
If you are looking how to improve sound quality, there are a few variables to consider.
-
The gear
A computer is the noisiest unit, it’s not intended for audio purpose only, consider it the weakest link. The Matrix is a DDC, its role is to receive a digital signal from a source (USB from your computer) and transfer it to a different input DAC (I2S). It works but there is margin of improvement using a proper audio component. You can keep the Matrix though, depending of the streamer you choose (not my suggestion). -
The path
Noise is the enemy. There is noise coming from the router, the air, the mains.
It’s not an audible noise, we are talking about high frequencies, EMI, RFI that can alter the sound. You know how important is only when you reduce it and your system sounds better.
Every strategy has a final goal, reducing that noise along the path in order to preserve the signal along the path.
This is the reason why the I2S is a good connection (again the Matrix is currently a good idea) for galvanic isolation.
A switch can help.
A PSU feeding the router and the Matrix itself can help.
A filter (like EtherRgen, Muon Pro, Smooth-LAN, Pink Faun LAN etc etc) can help.
A better cable (Ethernet, USB, power cord) can help
A grounding system can help. -
The way you listen to
You currently stream from Quobuz. But you might want in future playing also files saved on a server, regardless they are ripped from CDs or downloaded from whatever internet music provider.
You can stream just for searching new albums and artists, that you want to buy and reproduce on CDs and Vinyl.
If the streaming sound improves in your system, your habits can change in future and you can find yourself streaming for 80% of your listening sessions.
It depends on your journey, your attitudes, your preferences. -
The budget available
The more you get improvements from streaming music, the more you want to invest on it. Because it’s easy, it sounds good enough to makes you satisfied, you don’t need to store physical media around the room, you have access to tons of albums, etc etc
If you want to invest in this journey (call it a rabbit hole) to achieve a better sound, be aware… this is a trial and error process, You need to learn more, ask suggestions, understand how things work. This forum already have available tons of useful infos, read and read and read, Even more: on this forum you can ask, there are many veteran members that can help you along the way.
One step at a time! Start from your initial budget, no matter how much money you want to spend. It’s the first step. Don’t try to find a “final solution” or an “end game” component, it’s impossible!
Long story short: from your current set up, what’s your goal (point 3) and what is your budget (point 4)? I then suggest to first face the gear (point 1) and then the other things (point 2).
If you don’t want to start a journey, you are already ok, enjoy the music.
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I was thinking I would buy a streamer with the I2S if I went that route. Which would be better… A streamer with I2S or a streamer with the Matrix involved? If I am going to buy a streamer would the AirLens would be the one to get?
Go with AirLens. All users are very happy with it based on feedbacks from this forum.
Thank you for the detailed explanation! I am trying to learn about the digital side of audio and get the best bang for my small budget. I thought I was all set till I started reading this thread 
I do have a linear power supply on the matrix already but I hadn’t thought about the router.
I hooked up the very cheap switch yesterday and removed it this morning. I was getting noise and after unhooking it the noise was gone. I figured it’s power supply was introducing this noise but I am only guessing.
I was looking at filters yesterday after reading here. Another first for me, lol
I will look into a grounding system… also something new to me.
I stream and also have about 6TB of music on a HD I use JRiver to play. I find the HD sounds best but Qobuz is really good. I love the convivence and space I save.
I’m not sure if I will ever be satisfied… I do love music and It started for me as a small child. I’ve always had some type of stereo till my late 30s. I was forced to take a break from stereos but music was still an important part of my life. I was recently able to start putting a system together again but my budget is very small yet my goals are huge, haha I can’t really get into buying gear to try I’m buying for keeps for the most part.
Besides a good power supply on the router I think my next improvement should be an amp and speakers. I have a class d ice power amp I was given and am looking at the PSA S300 for my next big purchase. I do have a set of Vandersteen 1Bs I’m planning to buy next month to replace the Klipsch KG 3.2 I currently have. I am told these Vandersteens are much better but I have never heard them or any Vandersteen’s.
Thanks again for the info!
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How is the HD accessed and connected in you signal chain?
There might be some “tweakability” (Re: Noise Reduction) options for your current system after all.
Cheers.
I haven’t look at any streamers but I would prefer to buy from PSA. I thought I was all set with my PC and the Matrix but now I am rethinking things… Thanks a lot fellas!
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Through my PC using JRiver. The HD is connected via USB. That would be great if so!
…directly to the DAC via USB…?
If so, then you can experiment with power supplies for the HD and and USB cables for connecting to the DAC.
If the HD is connected to the computer; again, I am not so sure it would be worth the effort to play with the HD connections.
FWIW.
I did find in JRiver everything was being sampled at 48khz for some reason. I noticed my dac always said 48khz no matter the file which led me to finding the JRiver setting being set this way. Probably something I did playing around when I first started using JRiver
Sorry, The HD is connected to the PC using USB. The PC then connects to the Matrix also using USB. Then I2S from the Matrix to the DAC.
Anyone here on the forum might have different preferences when talking about servers and streamers.
As for streamers there are lots of opportunities on the market, new or even more if used.
As for server you have the chance to separate it from the computer (NAS) or having it integrated inside the streamer.
One more thing, the controller. Different schools of thought again. You can go for Roon, very popular and much appreciated. In that case you need a “core”, that could be a server or a computer. Otherwise many manufacturers of server/streamers have their own App to act as controller.
Depending on your budget you can take a look at official websites from:
Lumin, bluesound, Eversolo, Auralic and many many others.
There is general consensus on higher level products like Grimm, but it requires greater investments and you can consider it an arrival point more that a starting point. Not to mention brands like Antipodes, Aurender and so on.
If you are thinking, hey Luca be more specific, give me your preference…
I’ve chosen Innuos brand and owned different of their products. You can find their entry level solutions like the ZENmini
- it sports a CD ripper
- it can be configurable like streamer or server+streamer
- you can run Roon or at your choice their SenseOs App (that I prefer and use since years mainly because is user friendly and its sound quality)
- it is upgradable in future, adding its own power supply
- You can still use the Matrix between the ZENmini and the DAC, but in future you can use a PhoenixUSB unit going just USB if you upgrade for a higher level DAC like the PS DS MK II (that has a great USB input sonically speaking)
- You can use in future their own switch called PhoenixNET, that performs very well also without Innuos components in a system
One more thing. Technology runs faster and faster. The best connection of today could soon be considered old, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, USB, I2S etc etc all is in constant evolution. Avoid decisions based on a specific type of connection and protect your future upgrades (servers in particular) by choosing brands with modularity options (take a look for instance at the ZEN NG unit on Innuos website).
Innuos is my choice but other members here can help you with valid alternatives.
Hope that helps.
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