Streamer DAC next to magnets & wi-fi

[slowTwitch]

Eversolo DMP-A6 plonked on top of an ATC SCM50ASL with my wi-fi router right behind it.

How do we feel about this...what's the received wisdom on ASR in 2026?

Cheers,
Rich

Gemini says:

In the world of high-fidelity audio, "everything matters," but some things matter much more than others. Placing an Eversolo DMP-A6 on a subwoofer next to a router is a bit like putting a precision watch on a jackhammer—it's not ideal, but for reasons you might not expect.
Here is how those specific factors actually impact your gear.

1. Magnetic Interference (The Subwoofer Magnet)​

Modern DACs like the Eversolo use solid-state components that are largely immune to static magnetic fields from a subwoofer driver.

• The Myth: People often fear the magnet will "scramble" the digital signal or pull at internal components.
• The Reality: Unless you are using vintage gear with output transformers or a turntable with a sensitive phono cartridge, the magnet itself won't distort the audio.
• The Caveat: The electromagnetic field (EMF) from the subwoofer's internal power transformer (if it’s active) is a bigger threat than the driver's magnet, as it can induce "hum" in poorly shielded analog cables.

2. Wi-Fi and RFI (The Router/Streamer)​

This is a more legitimate concern. Wi-Fi signals are Radio Frequency Interference (RFI).

• Digital Jitter: High concentrations of RFI can technically increase "noise floor" or jitter, though the DMP-A6 is exceptionally well-shielded.
• The "Tick" Factor: If your Wi-Fi router is inches away, you might occasionally hear faint "data packets" (a rhythmic clicking or buzzing) through your speakers, especially if you use unbalanced (RCA) cables instead of balanced (XLR).

3. The Real Danger: Vibration​

Ironically, the biggest threat from a subwoofer isn't the magnet—it's the mechanical vibration.

• Microphonics: Constant shaking can affect the clock oscillators in a DAC. High-end audio relies on timing measured in picoseconds; physical vibration can cause microscopic timing errors.
• Solder & Connections: Long-term exposure to heavy vibration can stress internal solder joints and cable connections.

---

Comparison of Interference Risks​

Factor	Risk Level	Effect on Sound
Static Magnet	Low	Generally none for digital gear.
Wi-Fi / RFI	Moderate	Potential "hiss" or faint digital noise.
Vibration	High	Loss of clarity, potential hardware wear.

Recommendations for Your Setup​

1. Use Balanced XLR Cables: If you’re connecting the Eversolo to an amp or active speakers, use XLR. They are designed to reject the RFI/EMI noise from that nearby Wi-Fi streamer.
2. Isolation Feet: If you must keep it on the sub, buy some Sorbothane or isolation pucks to decouple the Eversolo from the vibration.
3. Distance: If you can move the Wi-Fi source even 1–2 feet away, the "inverse square law" applies—the strength of the interference drops off significantly with distance.

Would you like me to recommend some specific isolation materials or balanced cables that would help shield your signal chain?

 

[Purité Audio]

Have you tried it there already, any difference, I wouldn’t expect there to be.
Keith

 

[DVDdoug]

Magnets and vibration are simply not problems (except sometimes with outdated stuff like tubes or record players).

W-Fi and cell phones can SOMETIMES cause interference but if you're not hearing noise (hum, hiss, whine, clicks in the background) there is no problem.

Gemini says:

AI doesn't know truth from garbage and the audiophile community and audio related websites and publications are DOMINATED by nonsense.

Audiophoolery discusses the actual characteristics of "sound quality". That may help you to avoid imagining that you are hearing things that aren't real and it should help you to ignore all of the nonsense words that "audiophiles" use to describe what think they are hearing (or think they are hearing.

 

[slowTwitch]

Have you tried it there already, any difference, I wouldn’t expect there to be.
Keith

Not yet. Weekend job as I have to pull out the TV etc., so it's a bit of a ball-ache.

AI doesn't know truth from garbage and the audiophile community and audio related websites and publications) are DOMINATED by nonsense.

For sure. Be rude not to at least check though

 

[Purité Audio]

I put my ‘T8’ digital transport on top of a Sigberg, ‘Saranna’ it didn’t appear to affect either.
Best,
Keith

 

[DVDdoug]

Have you tried it there already, any difference, I wouldn’t expect there to be.
Keith

Not yet. Weekend job as I have to pull out the TV etc., so it's a bit of a ball-ache.

If you don't have noise there's nothing to fix.

 

[sigbergaudio]

Eversolo on top of two subs with a total of 20kg of magnets or thereabouts. Nothing to worry about.