I use ethernet extenders(TP-link), Uptone Audio EtherREGEN with Cat 5 cables into Bluesound Node 2i , outboard Benchmark DAC with excellent results, though not SOTA, for sure. As with analog, find huge differences among source material(redbook v HR), and the recordings themselves. Admit to enjoying the convenience and ability to easily learn new music and musicians via QOBUZ.....LPs remain superior in my system, but my analog front end is also WAY more $$ and SOTA. One thing I learned a while ago..I must UNPLUG all my ethernet extenders in the house(3) before I play LPs, as they add significant noise to the analog system
WiFi streaming — streamer vs. through iPad
I’m currently streaming Qobuz in my HeadFi rig to my DAC via my iPad via an upgraded dongle and USB cable and was pretty happy til I hooked up my CD transport and realized it sounds much better than than streaming. After speaking with some folks here I’ve since realized I need to get a dedicated streamer hardwired to my router to up my streaming performance, but I’ve got a couple situations where going hardwired won’t be possible and will be forced to use WiFi. My question is, if I’m using WiFi would there still be a sonic benefit to using a streamer (I’m planning on getting an iFi Zen Stream BTW) versus going wired through my iPad or will using WiFi completely nullify any sonic advantages the streamer brings? Thanks for any thoughts/advice.
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A dedicated streamer is the way to go. WIFI can work just fine as it does for all of my audio and video streaming. It is important to understand that it might take some trial and error and perhaps some expenditures to get WIFI working well. If you have strong WIFI in your listening room, you might not have to do anything but get your streamer connected to WIFI. I get the best results using the 5 Ghz WIFI band. If you have issues using your current WIFI network, then you can try different types of extenders. I tried all of that and I ended up installing an ORBI Mesh network that has been working very well for quite a while.
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@audioguy85
If you are using the music service app (or any app like youtube) on the iPAD it’s Wifi to the app. But if your DAC or integrated has USB in you can use digital output on the iPAD and go USB to either of those devices. You could use Airplay I suppose to do it wirelessly to devices that are Airplay enabled. I have played around with streaming through my iPAD and it sounds purdy good but does not match my streamer. Use it primarily if I want to watch a video or something and have better SQ through desktop system.
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- 46 posts total