Router for Audio Streaming


I have been streaming Pandora, Spotify and Qobuz through a wifi network streamer from a Netgear AC1750 R6400v2 router with no sound quality complaints.

Recently a router firmware update failed (a known issue with these) and as a result it is no longer accessible for administration.  It still seems to perform ok and accepts new devices however the network settings are "frozen" and I am unable to view device IP addresses or traffic, neither via desktop browser nor via the Nighthawk app.

I will try a factory reset but have read that quite often this does not work in these situations, so I started investigating getting a new router to be able to pull the trigger quickly if needed.

I heard/read that routers can make a difference in sound quality, beyond just being able to keep up with streaming with no buffering.  I'm wondering what router experience and recommendations folks have here for reliable audio streaming with superior sound quality at a reasonable price.

Thanks!

yoramguy1

P.S., just to confirm my understanding: the tri-band mesh has a wireless backhaul which does not rob bandwidth from the devices and does not need ethernet backhaul, correct?

This system doesn’t offer a dedicated radio band for wireless backhaul. Instead it uses a "dynamic" approach where the wireless backhaul uses the least trafficked WiFi frequency/channel rather than a separate & dedicated one. The TP-Link Deco M9 system does have a dedicated wireless backhaul.

Thank you, @nmolnar !! It is awesome to synthesize inputs from our expert panel!  This is the beauty of this forum.

I will look into the M9.

@yoramguy1 I’m with you on the wireless. The wire can carry EMI/RFI noise. Wireless is the connection recommended by the manufacturer of the wireless bridge I use to stream, an Auralic Aries (original). 

@yoramguy1 

P.S., just to confirm my understanding: the tri-band mesh has a wireless backhaul which does not rob bandwidth from the devices and does not need ethernet backhaul, correct?

You got that right. What you want to look for is a dedicated wireless backhaul feature.

 

If most of your network devices support the latest 802.11ax (a.k.a. Wi-Fi 6) standard and you have a gigabit internet connection, there might be a reason to upgrade. If your current setup meets your needs, then I'd stand pat.

 

One note - it looks like all the TP Link gear mentioned so far supports the older 802.11ac (a.k.a. Wi-Fi 5) standard so you won't be future-proofing at all.