What are Contenders for Top Audiophile Routers? Routers more Impactful than Switches?

[LeBlanc]

Might be helpful for this thread to distinguish between routers, modems and modem/router combos. To further complicate things, it could matter if Wi-Fi functionality of the router is available (and used) or a separate Wi-Fi access point.

With regard to audiophile routers, if I’m not mistaking Waversa was the first manufacturer with such a product. Nowadays maybe the Taiko Router is a well known audiophile product. I believe Synergistic Research has also launched a router. Seems the much less expensive Ubiquiti Edgerouter X was often deployed in the networks of audiophiles.

 

[agisthos]

I initially used just a TP-Link router/modem. Turning the wi-fi OFF, and instead using an outboard wi-fi extender was an upgrade. Just by moving the wi-fi function out of the modem did bring a slight uptick in transparency and noise removal.
Then I got a Ubiquiti Edgerouter X, and reduced port speed to 100mbps on the 2 ports the streamer and NAS were connected to. Again this brought a slight uptick in transparency and noise removal.

But since then I put an audio grade switch in-between the modem/router and streamer/NAS. This was always better than connecting to the router directly.

 

[audiobomber]

Might be helpful for this thread to distinguish between routers, modems and modem/router combos. To further complicate things, it could matter if Wi-Fi functionality of the router is available (and used) or a separate Wi-Fi access point.

I believe most audiophiles agree that having a router separated from the modem is an improvement in sound quality and provides better wi-fi coverage. I experienced both upgrades in my system when I added a TP-Link C9 Archer router.

Some have found that removing wi-fi from the router improves the sound. I can turn off wi-fi in my router, but I detect no change in sound quality when I do so.

A Zero-Zone 3.3A linear power supply on the router did improve sound quality, and sounded better than an iFi iPower Elite that I borrowed for a couple of weeks. An inexpensive Tirstrup AC power cable from Amazon was another audible improvement.

A Network Acoustics Muon was a step backwards when I tried it between my EtherRegen and exaSound PlayPoint streamer, but was a sonic upgrade when used between my router and Silent Angel Bonn N8 switch. I would have kept it, but the 100Mbps bottleneck was unacceptable in that location.

I tried separating the router from my switch using fiber optics (TP-Link MC220L with iPower X and Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL, smf, MikroTik CSR-305 with Teddy Pardo 12/2 and Finisar FTLF1318P3BTL). This was good, but needlessly complex. I replaced the fiber break with an iFi LAN iSilencer and I am happy with the result. Hard to compare, but I think the LAN Isolator is better. I redeployed the fiber setup to my desktop system, separate from the main audio chain. (My main audio system uses a more sophisticated fiber break).

As to the main question "Routers more Impactful than Switches?", you need both, but IMO a switch has a greater impact on sound quality, if only because it is closer to the DAC.

AferDark Audio sells a modified Ubiquiti EdgeRouter:

Ubiquiti EdgeRouter ER4 x Giesemann OCXO Black Modernize Edition

Ubiquiti EdgeRouter ER4 x Giesemann OCXO Black Modernize Edition Audiophile are welcome to approach us for details on modification. The below is an example of modification we done for one customer recently. The Project ClayX Black Modernize will include belows: Upgrade the Floyt Biopolar Audio...

www.adark.co

 

[Republicoftexas69]

I believe most audiophiles agree that having a router separated from the modem is an improvement in sound quality and provides better wi-fi coverage. I experienced both upgrades in my system when I added a TP-Link C9 Archer router.

Some have found that removing wi-fi from the router improves the sound. I can turn off wi-fi in my router, but I detect no change in sound quality when I do so.

A Zero-Zone 3.3A linear power supply on the router did improve sound quality, and sounded better than an iFi iPower Elite that I borrowed for a couple of weeks. An inexpensive Tirstrup AC power cable from Amazon was another audible improvement.

A Network Acoustics Muon was a step backwards when I tried it between my EtherRegen and exaSound PlayPoint streamer, but was a sonic upgrade when used between my router and Silent Angel Bonn N8 switch. I would have kept it, but the 100Mbps bottleneck was unacceptable in that location.

I tried separating the router from my switch using fiber optics (TP-Link MC220L with iPower X and Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL, smf, MikroTik CSR-305 with Teddy Pardo 12/2 and Finisar FTLF1318P3BTL). This was good, but needlessly complex. I replaced the fiber break with an iFi LAN iSilencer and I am happy with the result. Hard to compare, but I think the LAN Isolator is better. I redeployed the fiber setup to my desktop system, separate from the main audio chain. (My main audio system uses a more sophisticated fiber break).

As to the main question "Routers more Impactful than Switches?", you need both, but IMO a switch has a greater impact on sound quality, if only because it is closer to the DAC.

AferDark Audio sells a modified Ubiquiti EdgeRouter:

Ubiquiti EdgeRouter ER4 x Giesemann OCXO Black Modernize Edition

Ubiquiti EdgeRouter ER4 x Giesemann OCXO Black Modernize Edition Audiophile are welcome to approach us for details on modification. The below is an example of modification we done for one customer recently. The Project ClayX Black Modernize will include belows: Upgrade the Floyt Biopolar Audio...

www.adark.co

Any time I have placed a filtration device between my EtherRegen and my Innuos Zenith it sounded at if tied a knot in my NeoTech NEET 3008 Ethernet Cable, no matter the filter. English Electric, Stack Smoothlan or EMO....Move it in front of the Sonore Optical Module Deluxe V2 they are most effective. May give the Stack Regen a spin..

 

[agisthos]

@audiobomber
I also found an LPS to be better than the iFi Elite on the router.
The iFi Elite was better than the stock SMPS on the Cisco Meraki router, but I don't think its worth the money.

 

[MacF]

Great topic! There should be audiophile modems that are easy to select and have the same inherent advantages of an audiophile switch I agree. But between having to use a certain modem per your ISP provider, I have gone the way of audiophile switches.
I will say, however, that adding an excellent linear power supply (in my case a Sean Jacobs DC4 AR6) to my Verizon modem, I perceive a huge uptick in anything coming out of the modem. From there I peal off audio only into both a JCAT M12 Gold switch with same Sean Jacobs power supply, into a GTT DeJitterit switch which creates a ‘clean network’ free of any other wired or wireless traffic.

,Do you happen to know what size the router plug? I have the Verizon FIOS G-3200 router/ modem combo, more easily recognizable by its cylindrical shape.

 

[tony22]

the fiber comes into the house and connects to the small white wall-mounted box. An ethernet cable from that box goes to the ATT router on the floor

So some sort of ONT is used, it seems. The fiber does not go directly into a fiber based router.

 

[MacF]

Correct

 

[NigelB]

Using an eero Max7 with one gig of speed from Frontier. The eero outputs to an 8Switch. All digital is hard wired ethernet. Just moved my dCS DAC out of the 8Switch and now directly into the eero Max7 router. Could hear no difference, both processes were dead silent.

What are your cable distances eero to 8Switch and 8Switch to streamer? What cables are you using for these two connections? The position of a switch is important to its ability to contribute sonically as its's nothing to do with the digital data and everything to do with minimising RFI noise reaching the streamer and going on to the DAC.

 

[NigelB]

I initially used just a TP-Link router/modem. Turning the wi-fi OFF, and instead using an outboard wi-fi extender was an upgrade. Just by moving the wi-fi function out of the modem did bring a slight uptick in transparency and noise removal.
Then I got a Ubiquiti Edgerouter X, and reduced port speed to 100mbps on the 2 ports the streamer and NAS were connected to. Again this brought a slight uptick in transparency and noise removal.

But since then I put an audio grade switch in-between the modem/router and streamer/NAS. This was always better than connecting to the router directly.

What are your cable distances Ubiquiti to switch and switch to streamer/NAS? What cables are you using for these two connections?

I've just asked the same of @Coppy777 and wonder if your answer might be relevant to him. Thanks

 

[Di-fi]

shouldn't a Router have more impact than a Switch?

As to the main question "Routers more Impactful than Switches?", you need both, but IMO a switch has a greater impact on sound quality, if only because it is closer to the DAC.

This isn't an exhaustive list, but just some of the key points to keep in mind..

Why a router has less impact on sq:

+ Primary function: A router mainly routes traffic between networks (like your ISP and local devices). It handles data, assigns IPs, and takes care of NAT/firewall stuff.
+ More software processing: Routers use software to manage packets, which can add some extra noise. Routers can be improved over time with updates.
+ Clocking not optimized for audio: The router's clock, if there is one, is made for network timing, not for the ultra-low jitter Ethernet needed for high-end audio setups.

Why an audiophile switch can improve sq:

+ Better clocking: Many audiophile switches have OCXO or TCXO clocks, which cut down on phase noise and create a cleaner electrical environment for your devices.
+ Lower processing noise: Switches, especially unmanaged ones (most audiophile switches), use simpler hardware and firmware, meaning less processing noise.
+ Noise isolation: Some switches (like eR) isolate noisy network traffic from the clean feed going to your streamer/DAC.

Routers manage data flow but can add software noise. Switches focus on local data transfer, reduce jitter, and rely less on software, making them better for sq improvement. They work together— a good router ensures clean data entry, while a good switch ensures clean delivery to the music server or DAC.

Both : Better psu’s help reduce noise even more.

 

[caesar]

This isn't an exhaustive list, but just some of the key points to keep in mind..

Why a router has less impact on sq:

+ Primary function: A router mainly routes traffic between networks (like your ISP and local devices). It handles data, assigns IPs, and takes care of NAT/firewall stuff.
+ More software processing: Routers use software to manage packets, which can add some extra noise. Routers can be improved over time with updates.
+ Clocking not optimized for audio: The router's clock, if there is one, is made for network timing, not for the ultra-low jitter Ethernet needed for high-end audio setups.

Why an audiophile switch can improve sq:

+ Better clocking: Many audiophile switches have OCXO or TCXO clocks, which cut down on phase noise and create a cleaner electrical environment for your devices.
+ Lower processing noise: Switches, especially unmanaged ones (most audiophile switches), use simpler hardware and firmware, meaning less processing noise.
+ Noise isolation: Some switches (like eR) isolate noisy network traffic from the clean feed going to your streamer/DAC.

Routers manage data flow but can add software noise. Switches focus on local data transfer, reduce jitter, and rely less on software, making them better for sq improvement. They work together— a good router ensures clean data entry, while a good switch ensures clean delivery to the music server or DAC.

Both : Better psu’s help reduce noise even more.

Thank you for your thoughtful post.

Yet wouldn't one train of thought be to eliminate the noise right away as the signal enters your home, via a router, instead of passing it on to the switch?

also, what specific implementations have you heard?

 

[Di-fi]

Thank you for your thoughtful post.

Yet wouldn't one train of thought be to eliminate the noise right away as the signal enters your home, via a router, instead of passing it on to the switch?

also, what specific implementations have you heard?

Even if a router can reduce noise immediately and a switch, in theory, doesn’t pass noise, new interference is always introduced as the signal travels to the streamer. At every stage—through network cables, power supplies, and EMI/RFI—noise continues to enter the system.

Sound quality isn’t like purified water that stays clean until you drink it. Noise constantly seeps in, bypassing shielding and cables, coming from various sources. That’s why the final connection to the streamer is so important—regardless of how clean the source is, what ultimately reaches the DAC is what truly matters.

How I see it, routers and switches play different but complementary roles in optimizing sound quality. That’s why I focus on the entire network rather than just the last switch, with an emphasis on isolating the audio chain within the setup. And I don’t believe an audio-focused router necessarily has to be at the ISP entry point. In my setup, I placed a dedicated router (mikrotik crs305) and fiber conversion not to far from my audio switch (EtherREGEN), both powered by high-quality PSUs.

I’ve worked with different fiber and copper combinations, tested various transceivers, used shielded Ethernet cables to the DAC, and fine-tuned the entire system also with psu’s, and dc and ac power cables. Ah, forgot a SR tranquility pod under my switch. Along the way, I’ve drawn inspiration from experiences like with the development of the Taiko router and switch (Q&A), HiFiAdvice switch reviews —covering network changes through switches, clocks, vibration control, and cable upgrades, along with their detailed audible effects— and insights shared here. Now that I’ve moved, my new place has fiber coming straight from the wall—no modem, nothing—so I’m exploring new configurations again.

 

[StreamFidelity]

I’m using a FritzBox!5530

For routers, it is very important to revise the configuration. For example, I have outsourced the WLAN to repeaters because otherwise the antennas for 2.4G and 5G would radiate into the router assemblies. I have deactivated Dect, media server, USB etc.

If you are interested: https://griggaudio.de/2022/08/30/fritzbox-audiophiles-setup/

 

[engadin]

For routers, it is very important to revise the configuration. For example, I have outsourced the WLAN to repeaters because otherwise the antennas for 2.4G and 5G would radiate into the router assemblies. I have deactivated Dect, media server, USB etc.

If you are interested: https://griggaudio.de/2022/08/30/fritzbox-audiophiles-setup/

Hi Ronnie, your advice regarding FRITZbOx 5590?

 

[StreamFidelity]

Hi Ronnie, your advice regarding FRITZbOx 5590?

No others as described above. The tips are universal, whether fiber optic, DSL or cable.

Incidentally, I have experimented with a higher-quality transceiver for fiber optics. Unfortunately, the FRITZ!Box does not accept other manufacturers.

 

[PYP]

Now that I’ve moved, my new place has fiber coming straight from the wall—no modem, nothing—so I’m exploring new configurations again.

@Republicoftexas69 wrote in the switch thread: Okay no WiFi in my house.

Great examples of how different our systems are and why experimentation is needed.

How I see it, routers and switches play different but complementary roles in optimizing sound quality. That’s why I focus on the entire network rather than just the last switch, with an emphasis on isolating the audio chain within the setup.

You have made me a believer. Will experiment with router options in the near future now that the switch is settled.

 

[luca.pelliccioli]

For routers, it is very important to revise the configuration. For example, I have outsourced the WLAN to repeaters because otherwise the antennas for 2.4G and 5G would radiate into the router assemblies. I have deactivated Dect, media server, USB etc.

If you are interested: https://griggaudio.de/2022/08/30/fritzbox-audiophiles-setup/

Thanks,, I had read this useful page and made all the settings suggested a few months ago.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

@Republicoftexas69 wrote in the switch thread: Okay no WiFi in my house.

Great examples of how different our systems are and why experimentation is needed.

You have made me a believer. Will experiment with router options in the near future now that the switch is settled.

That is by choice. My wife and I both work with secure data. I do for DoD and she is in finance.

 

[Di-fi]

For routers, it is very important to revise the configuration.

Great! Let me add to that: since dedicated audio routers are rare and given how routers function, an audio router should at a minimum provide :

+ Create an isolated audio network: Set up a second network dedicated to audio, keeping your streamer separate from general home traffic. Configuring an exclusive port for this ensures better isolation.

+ Reduce unnecessary network traffic: Unlike a switch, which can control traffic to specific MAC addresses, a router can actively minimize overall network noise.

+ Limit automatic adjustments: Routers prioritize the best connection for all devices, often increasing transmission power and noise. Disabling unnecessary optimizations helps maintain a cleaner signal.

+ Be well-shielded: LEDs, unused RJ45 ports, and poor shielding introduce noise. A properly shielded router minimizes interference.

+ Avoid vibration issues: Like other sensitive audio equipment, routers react negatively to vibrations, so proper placement matters.

+ Manage Wi-Fi wisely: A dedicated Wi-Fi access point in the router should allow only one control device to connect, reducing wireless noise. Antennas should be large enough to avoid excessive power boosting.

+ Address indirect noise sources: While Wi-Fi itself doesn’t interfere with the music signal’s frequency, to make Wi-Fi happen, ground plane noise, PSU noise, and RFI do—so proper design and power management are key.

Again, not an exhaustive list, but these are some key areas where an audio-focused router can make a difference. Combined with a switch, network traffic and noise can be controlled and minimized more effectively than, for example, using two switches alone.