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. 

soix

@bkeske Thanks a lot — that’s great info and a huge relief because I’m pretty set on the Zen Stream and not sure what I would’ve done if Qobuz didn’t work.  I’ve emailed iFi and will forward any new info re: Qobuz in case anyone else might be interested. 

@soix

You are welcome. It is ultimately only in iFi’s best interest to get a connect feature with Qobuz, as they already have with Tidal.

I have no reason to doubt they are working on it and will get this sorted out. But again, probably have to have the help/collaboration directly with Qobuz to incorporate within the Qobuz’s app. Something Tidal obviously did.

No doubt iFi and Tidal were working on the integration well before the Zen Stream was released, as it is so much incorporated into the actual unit.

@ bkeske. Posted before I saw your comments.  RU actually using with Qobuz and does ot work?

Not trying to be too skeptical but I've been told too many times by reps that something is avaiable and come to find out its not.

@marco1

No, I don’t use Qobuz, but have thought about it. May get a trial one of these days.

In terms of MConnect, I have downloaded it, and checked it out, (for the use of the Zen and Qobuz), and looks likes a direct connection between the iFi Zen and the app is pretty straight forward.

Select Qobuz, log into your account, select the iFi as the streaming source, play music without the need for AirPlay or Roon.

Why not download it and try yourself?