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NAD C-388 w/BluOS2i WiFi Connectivity

I have a NAD C-388 w/BluOS2i (and HDM-2) MDC cards. It has worked very well for several years.
Later, I purchased a Node2i. They are both in my 2-ch music listening/concert watching system. Typically use PC, tablet, or Note phone to control the C-388 using BluOS app to stream AmazonPrimeMusicHD.

Between C-388 and Node2i, I prefer to use the C-388 because it is more direct connection, since the Node2i is connected to Coax1 input of the C-388. However, the C-388 seems to drop the WiFi connection after 5-10 minutes of play. My solution has been to switch to the Node2i - which has always been rock-solid connection.

Investigating this issue, I've found that the Node2i is always connected on 5GHz (never fails), while the C-388 is always connected on 2.5GHz. Home network is all Asus mesh, with AC3100 (master) and three AC1900 (nodes) spread throughout the house and to cover an acre of property (for IEM noise-blocking + tunes while mowing).

Question is about the C-388 WiFi being 'stuck' in 2.5GHz. Seems I need to move it to the more robust 5GHz.

Anyone know if this is possible and how to do that? Is it a C-388 setting or BluOS2i setting? 
128x128mwatsme
parkzhi
2 posts
 
Hi, actually I have same issue now, since I recently bought NAD C388 with MDC Bluos 2i but unfortunately the usb wifi adapter was broken now and I was trying to see if I can replace with a new one. I read through your conversation and did some investigation as well. I noticed the original usb wifi is drive support with win7 and Linux (ath9k_htc), would that be possible that usb wifi adapter is like free drive and linux supported. Since I would guess Bluos is based on Linux. I also bought a TP link usb wifi adapter but that needs me to install driver, so I can not use TP link ones at all. 
mwatsme's avatar
mwatsme OP
187 posts
 
@parkzhi 
Seems there are three options, listed best -> worst result:
  1. Run Ethernet cable to the unit
  2. Use a wifi bridge for improved wifi
  3. Call NAD/Lenbrook and order a replacement wifi dongle. NAD support is good when you use their website to open a ticket.
mwatsme's avatar
mwatsme OP
187 posts
 
I have moved on to NAD M12, which uses the exact same dongle, and am still using that for wifi connection. Having both C388 and M12 (without built-in amp), I can say that any improvement of sound quality from the 'upgrade' is marginal.
I didn't need the amp section of C388 and wanted the M12 for its features - specifically the digital coax output and XLR in/out - M12 also has bigger, nicer, touch screen.
parkzhi
2 posts
 
@mwatsme thank you so much, now I am using a wifi bridge with Ethernet output to connect to the MDC 2i for airplay and it works well so far. But I think I will order an replacement USB wifi dongle anyway since I can’t use Bluos app without wifi. Wish you the best. 
mwatsme's avatar
mwatsme OP
187 posts
 
I agree it is good to make the unit complete and fully functional - especially if it might be sold or handed down later.
However, as long as the BluOS control device (PC, tablet, cellphone) is on the same network, it should be able to control the BluOS2i MDC card for streaming services and NAS. So if the wifi bridge is on the same network, it should work - although, I haven't tried it.

Also, I had the HDM-2 MDC card installed in C388, and it works great too - now moved to the M12. I use it for watching music videos on YouTube, concerts, Netflix, and Bluray - essentially a 2-ch music/video experience.

The BluOS app also has an Alexa skill available for voice control using Azon Echo devices. "Alexa, ask Bluevoice to...", benefit to doing it this way is the stream isn't bit-reduced by the Echo device; instead, you get full quality/resolution of the streaming service. Have used Tidal this way, before switching to Amazon Music Ultra HD family plan. BluOS MDC supports MQA and does Tidal just fine, but the cost/value/library and ease of use with AzonUHD wins. Pretty wife can listen to country in one room, son can listen to Celtic metal (or whatever that noise is called), while I enjoy my music on the 2-ch system all simultaneously in UHD - which is brilliant. At this point, we have 3 BluOS devices; M12, C388, and a Node2i, which can be easily grouped/ungrouped spontaneously for multi-room/whole-home effect (similar to Sonos/Heos/MusicCast/etc.) all in UHD - and with access to AzonHD personal playlists (my Denon AVR w/HEOS can't do that). My impression is BluOS is a great system with awesome functionality, which adds tremendously to the value of NAD units like C388, M12 and others.

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