Wifi with external adapter

[Kunter]

Hi all,

I would like to share my experience on wireless transmission, and I think it deserves a separate thread...

My current favourite setup is:
MacBook Pro -> wireless -> Apple Airport Extreme -> Audioquest Diamond 0.75m -> D800

I am happy with this setup since it provides very good sound quality and ease of operation since I can keep my MacBook with me at the listening chair..

I tried direct Ethernet connection with this setup, eliminating the Airport Extreme, but did get worse sound quality (due to probably the Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter I had to use, since MacBook does not have an ethernet port!) and worse user experience to keep the MB near the system.

Everybody says disabling the WiFi has positive impact on the sound, but due to the setup I use, it was not an option. Then I read somewhere, taking the wireless outside the computer by an adapter may help.

Hence I ordered and installed a USB 3.0 wireless adapter:
Edimax EW-7822UAC AC1200 Dual-Band USB3.0 Adapter with Adjustable Foldaway Antenna

I am not sure if it is the best out there, but I chose it since I will also try the Edimax AC1200 Router for proper AC level connection

And disabled the internal wireless...

I should say I am shocked with the increase in resolution this simple addition brings on the table. My MacBook is the newest version large retina display, running 10.9.4, so everything is up to date. The addition of the Edimax is a real large step on sound quality with increased resolution, proper and rock solid soundstage placement, etc. The change is similar to what I experienced when I changed to Audioquest Diamond from Vodka.

Go figure!

The price currently is 28 USD on Amazon with Prime. I will report back once I have the matching router, hopefully in the next couple of weeks. The adapter is currently working on Wireless N 300Mbps, probably not compatible with the AC of Airport Extreme (I saw only once that they clicked on AC at 867 for a short while).

Cheers,

Kunter