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A better way to stream

Recently I've been proposing a two ethernet port solution as optimal for a streaming setup with optical conversion and/or separate server and streamer/end point.

 

Originally, I used a simple server only setup, using usb out to dac, but over the years my research showed many converting to two computer setups (server/streamer) with great results. At the time I wasn't using a switch so in trying to figure out how I could make this happen I came across this interesting thread, https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-audio-streaming/#comment-613370

 

As a result I was able to convert to two computer setup with great results. Since then I've tried any number of devices, both prior to and after server. By far the most effective have been post server, with optical conversion and quality streamer being amongst best overall upgrades.

 

With the two ethernet port setup one can do away with audiophile switch (the idea of which is quite contentious anyway). Why detour back  through an ethernet cable, through the switch, then yet another ethernet cable only to end up in the same place you could with a single ethernet cable with the two ethernet port setup. More possibility for noise to enter chain is never a good thing with streaming. 

 

It seems very few server manufacturers understand the inherent advantages of dual ethernet port  setups with exception of Antipodes and Small Green Computer, perhaps others I'm not aware of, please inform if there are. They should at least offer it so people can at least try optimum setup for server/streamer with present server.

 

Say what you will about server/streamer setups vs. servers alone, but the mere fact you have to go back through the same circuitous route mentioned above to try optical isolation is another demerit for the single ethernet port solution. Optical conversion, in my experience, has been easily one of the best, if not the best streaming upgrade I've experienced. This, and the optimal interface to separate streamer, together make the dual ethernet port solution a deal breaker for servers without.

 

I can only tell people to try for themselves different streaming setups, there are so many varieties sometimes its hard to keep track of. I can only say the opportunity to optimally interface with optical and/or separate streamers/end points makes dual ethernet port servers inherently superior to servers without.

 

 

sns
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 

Say one has a Bluesound 2i. What are you suggesting to "try?"

sns OP
3,003 posts
 

If Node you're all in one unit, not much to do, you can even use wifi.

 

Something like NUC's with separate dac are next step up from Bluesound. At this point network optimizing can pay off. Basic setup will usually be server/streamer all in one package with usb out to dac, usb renderers are first optimization. The issue with most usb outs is they come directly out of motherboards, not ideal, reason why people find usb renderers effective.

 

Next people generally move to network optimization, which means fancy switches, filters. I'm just proposing another path for optimization, simplifying while employing optical conversion.

 

My proposal for  optical with shortest signal path would be optimized optical out on server to optical usb renderer/end point/streamer (whatever you want to call it) to dac. This is optimal isolation, read lowest noise floor, should be highest resolution streaming solution.

 

Since optical out servers are practically non-existent one has to do the fiber media converter dance,

 

Some people want to stream for convenience, others seeking highest possible sound quality. Many good choices for convenience, have to get into weeds to achieve highest sq.

 

My take is most off the shelf servers not for me, too little bang for buck, no two ethernet out (with exception of Antipodes, SMG), don't render usb internally and only the very highest end ones will do HQPlayer high level processing. One can do much better with diy atx build, possibly NUC build. 

 

Highest quality streaming dac can also be another top choice, forget the usb altogether, all you need is optical for the isolation. On some dacs I2S may also be best input, again don't have to worry about the usb stuff, optical is all you need add. Unfortunately, most dacs optimized for usb, rendering and optical both needed for best streaming quality..

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,913 posts
 

I'd settle for a simpler way to stream which is easy to operate  and doesn't rely on a network or at least very little reliance upon it. If your idea will do that then I'm all for it. But it seems to add more complication rather than ease of use

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 

Should have said 2i playing off a hard drive going to an external DAC 

How do you add your mystical optical to that?

Actual devices please.

sonic79
80 posts
 

What the OP is suggesting accomplishes several things.

1) Separating server and streamer duties to dedicated devices

2) A server with multiple LAN ports streamlines the chain

3) Connecting these devices over a network electrically isolates them

4) The streamer can be a low power and low noise device feeding into the DAC

Yes, complexity is higher than simply running USB out from the server into the DAC. You lose most of the above advantages, however.

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