WiFi streaming — streamer vs. through iPad

Can someone explain why Mesh may sound better than an extender? Is it better at avoiding AC wire line noise?

@soix 

You hit it on the head.

I agree with @bkeske on software being a two-way road. Qobuz Connect is something Qobuz has to make, which is a tool to help streamer manufacturers implement native support easier. Qobuz is considering making a "Connect" option like Spotify and Tidal have, but last I check Qobuz hasn’t committed to the project yet. Without a Qobuz Connect product, streamer manufacturers have to write bespoke code to implement a service, which I imagine is resource and time intensive.

I treat the iFi streamer like the Sonore and SOTM products--they’re made to be used with Roon. @soix if you’re like me, you won’t want to use MConnect or BubbleUPNP for long to use Qobuz with the Zen Stream. Roon is a much more elegant and convenient streaming solution, but it will take some initial setup to get going.

I wouldn’t say that a Mesh Wifi system sounds better than using extenders. I’m saying you could use this opportunity to improve you home Wifi while also connecting a hardline to your streamer. If your only interest is sound quality, whether you go with a mesh system or extender, just make sure the access points support ethernet out to connect to the streamer. Once you have a wired connection, I would recommend converting the ethernet line to fiber optic. Small Green Computer has youtube videos on how to do this for about $100 of gear. I believe that adding the fiber line was a significant sonic improvement. 

I do not think you are going to hear a difference between an extender and mesh. I have had a friend that has had noting but problems with mesh. Mesh is just newer. So, tne bugs will get worked out. But. My experience suggests the biggest difference is in the streamer you use. The better the streamer, the better it isolates and sounds better with any input.

So after listening to and learning a lot from all the great info here, I’ve decided to dip my toe in on the cheap to get an idea of what improvements I’ll get in my system running hard wired vs. just using WiFi.  I bought a TP-Link RE650 used in very good condition for $67 that I’ll connect to the Zen Stream through a 1m Wireworld Starlight 8 Ethernet cable I found for $200.  I’m thinking AC wire line noise might not be as big an issue as the TP-Link will be powered through an Audience power conditioner that I’d think will mitigate the impacts of any line noise.  So while certainly not a SOTA setup I figure this will be at least good enough to compare WiFi to hard wired with the Zen Stream and I’ll just upgrade from there as necessary or desired.  Thanks again(!!!) for all your help here — you not only enabled me to get started but also provided great info for future potential upgrades (Mesh, fiber, ENO, etc.) that I’ll inevitably be exploring in the future.  I’ll follow up with my findings after I get everything settled in case anyone might be interested.