Kris, I have the same model: separate fiber ISP for audio only. I connect a laptop for servicing the Extreme, and disconnect when finished, so typically, there is no non-audio traffic to manage. I plan to keep that model moving forward, but questions:
--Do you still turn off any service functionality for your audio network? Was it 5 GHz you didn't like at home?
--Do you still use hard-wired device for control head, or did you change back to WiFi? WiFi is so convenient and ubiquitous nearby from neighbors, so I haven't tried hard-wired connection to iPad myself. Thanks.
I will also keep both ISP untill I test it myself if it is the same in one ISP v Two separate ISP or not.
I do turn off everythything I can including specific firewall settings That tend to keep processor on 10-15 % permanent activity . Once turned off the Dream machine pro has processor activity 3-4 % only,
That is a big difference in SQ. I also turned off routing ports And use only the 2 SFP ports with DAC cables and 1 WAN for modem.
All additional aps in dream machine pro are uninstalled .
the only one that is installed and active is network app.
I use both wifi and hard wire.
Unfortunate the 5 ghz I tested today is still horrible.
I keep 2,4 ghz most of the time , but for ultimate sound quality hard wire is much better.
During wifi use (2.4 ghz) I have to have 3 switches to isolate the access point And I still run long cables . That helps a lot.
I hate what wifi is doing to the sound .
I dont think current access points are acceptable for audio.
The only cure I see is Emile who could design and build the access point with proper
isolation and all audio chain focused things.