Lots of gear! You're in for a boatload of experimentation to find the best configuration. I suggest starting with simple and adding/changing as needed. Caution, as discussed previously, the router contains a firewall. Any gear connected upstream of the router is an open door to hackers.

IME, LAN Isolators can have positive and negative effects, depending on quality and placement. I have heard mixed opinions on the DXE isolators for audio. Also, Uptone recommend only the cable in between the ER and streamer. That is what I found when I tried a Network Audio Muon. It was great...

Modifying the DAC will provide uncertain results, potentially even damage. Modification will severely impact the resale value. If you aren't happy, you should consider selling it and buying another DAC instead.

My experience as well, with iPower X and Zero-Zone LPS.

Switches don't have a designated input and output, all the ports are interchangeable. All switches have transformers, but they do not completely isolate in the way the EtherRegen does. I don't know of any other switch that completely isolates inputs from outputs like the ER. "The...

The RE650 has an internal switch mode power supply. An extender that allows an upgraded power supply should be better. Linear power is best, IME. Really though, ethernet connection is better than wifi and fiber is best.

I heard that option 2 is preferred. The reasoning is that the extender is not a switch, and it will forward all IP addresses to the downstream devices, which will then need to sort and select the proper IP. This extra activity creates noise in the extender. The explanation makes sense to me...

I believe this function must first be set up in the router. I have Wireless Settings in my TP-Link Archer C9 router's operating system which allow me to set "Channel Width" and "Channel". Both are set to Auto. I could select a channel manually, but I let the router choose, because the...

An RE650 will automatically choose the cleanest broadcast frequency. You should configure it for both 2.4 and 5Ghz and allow it to choose. Disabling the broadcast radio as you've done provides a noticeably cleaner signal.

Are you absolutely certain your service provider will not allow you to use your own router? That would be very unusual, you should check again. I know you must use their modem, but you should be able to configure the modem/router so it acts strictly as a modem. If the device they supplied cannot...

Get Bubble UPnP from the Play Store. Does virtually everything Roon does, for next to nothing, and no ongoing subscription cost. I stream from a computer, NAS and Qobuz to any of my five different UPnP capable devices.

I have Dekoni Elite Velour pads. They're comfy alright, but they suck the life out of the music. PRaT killers. :triportsad:

I had the Amiron in-house for two weeks and returned it. A friend has the T1-Gen3. I am not a fan of the Beyerdynamic "consumer" sound profile, as found in the T1-3 and Amiron. I much prefer the harder hitting DT 1990 sound, and only with Analytical pads.

Yes, SFPs do require break-in. It's a miniature circuit board, with traces, surface mount resistors, capacitors, and more.

The 1318 should be quite an improvement. Yes, confusing for sure. I'm told most single fiber cable is manufactured by Corning. The main thing is to get a yellow cable with blue connectors. I purchased this one, but it was offered in single packs, now only available in packs of six. The specs...