Hi,
Since my router has run out of ethernet ports I plan to connect my Volumio Primo via Gigabit ethernet switch. I noted that some unmanaged ethernet switches have both PoE and non-PoE ports. Can I use one of the PoE ports to connect the LAN cable to my Volumio Primo. If so anybody has made any comparisons to the signal and sound quality?
Thanks.
WOW…5 years and not 1 single feedback?!
I’m running both pi4b and pi5 over POE, and my POE switch is connected to a 2000w sine-wave UPS. Speaking with my electrician friend, he says there’s no need for any fancy power filters or even a linear power supply for my setup. Further, I’ve read from another forum of someone running their Pi DAC thru POE with no issues.
As a recovering a-phile, I am certainly interested if there are any issues with POE powering a simple streamer but so far, I have personally found none.
Using Power over Ethernet (PoE) in hi-fi audio setups introduces both benefits and potential drawbacks, depending on how it’s implemented and what your goals are (e.g., bit-perfect audio, ultra-low noise floors, etc.). Here’s a structured overview:
Benefits of PoE in Hi-Fi Audio
1. Cleaner Cable Management
- A single Ethernet cable can carry both power and data, reducing clutter.
- Especially useful for networked audio endpoints (e.g., Roon bridges, Volumio endpoints, DLNA renderers).
2. Centralized Power
- Allows powering remote audio devices via a centralized, high-quality PoE switch or injector, removing the need for multiple wall-warts or switching PSUs.
3. Reduced Ground Loops
- In well-isolated setups, PoE can eliminate the ground potential differences that cause hum or buzz, especially if Ethernet isolators or transformers are used.
4. Low Heat and Power Noise at Endpoint
- Especially with PoE splitters that provide clean 5V or 12V DC to an endpoint like a Raspberry Pi, you can offload switching noise to a remote location.
Potential Drawbacks and Noise Considerations
1. Switching Noise from PoE
- Many PoE supplies use switch-mode converters that inject high-frequency ripple and noise.
- In sensitive audio systems, this may result in jitter, hash, or subtle degradation of audio quality.
2. Interference via Ethernet PHY
- Some cheap Ethernet transformers or poorly-shielded cables may allow high-frequency noise to couple into your DAC’s ground reference.
- Especially noticeable if the DAC is USB-powered by a PoE-powered SBC (e.g., RPi), without galvanic isolation.
3. Power Quality of PoE Splitters
- Low-cost PoE splitters often have dirty output rails. Unless they’re followed by LDOs or filters, the noise can affect DACs, clocks, or USB peripherals.
Best Practices for PoE in Audiophile Contexts
| Area | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| PoE Source | Use high-end managed switches with low-noise PoE output, or injectors with linear or well-filtered outputs. |
| PoE Splitters | Choose high-quality splitters with proper EMI shielding and low-ripple output. Avoid generic eBay/Aliexpress units. |
| Ethernet Cabling | Use Cat6a or shielded Cat7 with verified grounding and shielding. Consider fiber Ethernet converters for complete isolation. |
| Endpoint Design | Power your RPi or SBC via PoE, but ensure the USB DAC is isolated or self-powered for best results. |
| Filtering | Add LC filters or low-noise LDO regulators between the splitter and the endpoint if you care about minimizing ripple and HF noise. |
Example Use Cases
Recommended:
- A Volumio endpoint (e.g., RPi + HAT DAC) powered via PoE → good splitter → clean DC rail → isolated USB DAC or I2S HAT.
Avoid:
- PoE powering both the SBC and DAC without filtering or isolation, especially if using noisy splitters or switching injectors.
Audiophile Enhancements (If You’re Serious)
- Use PoE-to-12V DC converters into a low-noise linear regulator for DACs.
- Use optical Ethernet isolation between network switch and endpoint.
- Separate power domains for DAC and CPU (even if both are PoE-powered).
Kind Regards,
Thanks for the info. Currently I only use my pi volumio as streamers and have zero interest at the moment to run them as dacs or to power a usb dac. I have thought about trying a dongle dac with one of my pi for fun, and now based on the info, I will still try to see if I’ll hear noise from that kinda setup.