Router Noise 影響都幾大

odysseyhk

When start playing 24/352.8 source or higher, sometimes we have problem locking the signal.  When we disconnected the ethernet, the problem disappeared and sound quality improved.  That triggered router noise reduction experiment last weekend.

I have done the following experiment with my music server.

1/ I have changed using a very small travel router which allows me to power it with high quality 5V linear power supply.  It only take 5V 0.6A.  It also allow me to control the RF output power (I reduced it to 35%).  It is an amazing feature.  I don't need the high power WiFi.   It is just for my ipad/iphone to control the server. Reducing WiFi output is exactly what I wanted.  

2/ I have changed to Cat7 cable

My music server is powered by linear power supply. Both the above tweaks improved the sound quality, particularly the depth of the sound stage and much more analog sound. Base on the outcome of this experiment, I think the router is a source of noise and noise is entering my music server through the ether net cable. Ethernet cable also act as an antenna which receive for RF noise. Using Cat7 cable with better shielding will help.

So far very happy with the improvement achieved this weekend.

Just want to share with ching here. It may justify to set up a small private network just for your CAS.  

CKKeung

Even just one switching psu in the chain can spoil the sound!

odysseyhk

CKKeung 發表於 2013-10-3 22:11
Even just one switching psu in the chain can spoil the sound!

You are absolutely right, I'm buying a 5V linear power supply replacing anything in the showroom using switching power supply.  Even they are not directly related to the CAS.  Our showroom will be a "switching-power free" very soon.  

obee

odysseyhk 發表於 2013-10-3 22:16
You are absolutely right, I'm buying a 5V linear power supply replacing anything in the showroom u ...

當我換每走一個switching PSU, 我都覺得好左D. 至少靜左, 當然我無用乜古董CAP或名牌CAP做LPS. 我用的CAP只是幾蚊粒的.

odysseyhk

obee 發表於 2013-10-4 00:26
當我換每走一個switching PSU, 我都覺得好左D. 至少靜左, 當然我無用乜古董CAP或名牌CAP做LPS. 我用的CAP ...

i hand made noise remover using low esr cap. good for digital source.

odysseyhk

pls note that my router was powered by a separate power source.  But still noise travel to the music server through the ethernet cable.

So when isolate problem, don't forget the ethernet connection. Anything conductive could carry noise to your audio source.  

odysseyhk

I use this Eagletech nano router.   It got one ethernet wired connection.  Most travel routers only have wireless.  And it use 5V external power.  And the wireless RF power can be adjusted.  Pretty good fit for my audio only network use.