I’m wondering how to manage a router in order to reduce as much as possible noise and other bad things. I’m searching for suggestions from forum members, as usual. TIA
This is the router I’m talking about:
The router is provided by the internet provider (it is not mine) as included in the contract, so I’m not allowed to use a LPS. The internet provider firmly said: you cannot use other power supply than the official one! Period!
This router is exclusively dedicated for audio purposes, there is already another network for the rest of the house.
I won’t use WiFi with this router, I want my room to be a totally WiFi free zone.
Router INPUT
SPF Module, via fiber cable (from the external of the house by the internet provider)
Router OUTPUT
1: Innuos PhoenixNET Switch > Innuos Streamer, via ethernet cable (always on)
2: MacMini (occasionally on - when I need to manage the network settings and server/streamer settings)
3: iPad, via ethernet cable/adaptor, that I use as controller of the streamer and to navigate the web during listening sessions (alway on during listening sessions)
Here my questions:
As per ELECTRICAL NOISE
What is the cleaner way to feed the router? A dedicated line (which shares only the ground rod with the other lines dedicated to the system) or a “general” line in common with the rest of the house but completely separated from the lines dedicated to the system?
If I plug the router to the “general” line, how much the ethernet connection (PhoenixNET>Streamer) can create pollution?
I’m already using on the Input port of the Innuos PhoenixNET the Pink Faun LAN Isolator:
It means: where the router is more dangerous, injecting noise to current via electrical connection or injecting noise to signal via ethernet cable?
Consequently where I can feed the MacMini itself? It won’t have any connection to the system, just to the router via ethernet cable.
I don’t want to use any fiber converter, I hate more boxes around.
I ordered also this little toy (I already use their CAD CG1) I’m going to test in a USB port of the router:
I think you have it set up correctly now. Pull the blinds, look outside for white vans with parabolic microphones on the roof, and if none are present, use a proper external power supply for a listen.
With the fiber link I seriously doubt it will make a difference. If you wreck the modem, throw it in a bucket of water and tell the Internet provider the cat peed on it.
Galvanic isolation stops electrical noise. So you should be fine.
In general, the perfect galvanic isolation can be achieved by using optical networking. But the Pink Faun does its job, I use it as well. My question is: How many audio devices do you have which require a network connection? If it’s just the Innuos Streamer, why do you use a dedicated (expensive) audio Switch like the PhoenixNET? Just go with the Pink Faun directly on your Streamer…
is there enough outputs on the FRITZ!Box to handle the whole room? if so why add anything else. Optical to your room gets the room isolated on the network. anything you add after that could add other noise. just plug in the device right to that thing. I do the same with my Melco S100. optical in, and all units in the room into that thing.
Right now my NAS is plugged into the A side of my EtherREGEN, and my Pink Faun into the B side. The Grimm MU1 gets its internet connection from the Pink Faun. That’s it for networking in my system.
Thanks. Simply because the system sounds better with the PhoenixNET in place, as Innuos recommends. I was hoping not, wishing to sell it and have simpler life but truth be told. They know their stuff.
Or are they saying that to get people to buy it? You would be best judge. Try it with it in place for a while once room is done and then yank it out. You will know if the sound changes.
That was my doubt, too. But I can confirm: it works. It’s a keeper IME.
My focus now is on router and MacMini and how let them be less noisier as possible.
I believe, that the only equipment which really matters is the streamer and its connection to the DAC. Here is where the digital magic happens. If these two devices are handled cleanly with regard to interference noise, then everything is perfect. Everything before that in the data stream (routers, switches, NAS devices, etc.) is negligible.
I have an optical network connection to my streamer (Sonore opticalRendu) for this reason. What happens in prior to that in the network is absolutely indifferent to me. As long as the data stream works, there is nothing to optimize here.
OK, my streaming strategy is built on Roon here. So it’s a different use case…
@luca.pelliccioli I agree with Al. It think you’re in good shape now.
I’ll add two quick comments though. First, don’t worry about the broadband company’s warning. If you want to use a better power supply, just make sure it’s providing the proper voltage. If it’s a 9v, 12v, 15v etc. requirement I would guess that any of the power supplies rated for that voltage on the market will be able to safely run it.
Second, you don’t say which ethernet cable runs from the Innuous switch to the streamer. You might experiment there, if you’re looking to spend some more money. (But again, I’ll back Al’s suggestion to sit back and enjoy.)
I lied. I have a third suggestion. Have the broadband provider turn off all WiFi functionality in their router, unless you have access to do that yourself.
