Router for Audio Streaming
I have been streaming Pandora, Spotify and Qobuz through a wifi network streamer from a Netgear AC1750 R6400v2 router with no sound quality complaints.
Recently a router firmware update failed (a known issue with these) and as a result it is no longer accessible for administration. It still seems to perform ok and accepts new devices however the network settings are "frozen" and I am unable to view device IP addresses or traffic, neither via desktop browser nor via the Nighthawk app.
I will try a factory reset but have read that quite often this does not work in these situations, so I started investigating getting a new router to be able to pull the trigger quickly if needed.
I heard/read that routers can make a difference in sound quality, beyond just being able to keep up with streaming with no buffering. I'm wondering what router experience and recommendations folks have here for reliable audio streaming with superior sound quality at a reasonable price.
Thanks!
Rationally speaking, routers and switches have no effect on sound quality; they just help move bits from point A to B. Think about it - Qobuz, Tidal and other streaming services aren't using special 'audiophile' routers / switches to deliver audio. As long as you're getting the data intact, you're good to go.
Have you looked into nmrpflash?
There's also an 'unbricking' guide that's related to dd-wrt, but it may give you some ideas - link. |
Thank you, @audphile1 audphile1 and @hk_fan ! |
And thank you, @yage ! And thank you also for the links! No, I have not looked into unbricking etc... Fascinating stuff but not sure I'm up to diving into it. On the other hand, if the router is a brick the worst is buying a new one, which obviously I'm mentally getting prepared for... My understanding of digital signal transmission and processing is very limited but I read/heard about bit error issues and clock accuracy issues. I guess how the data is sent is one thing (and do we know exactly what equipment they use?) and how it is being received and processed is another, isn't it? Thanks again! My current plan is to order a new router from Amazon Prime (as to which one I'm soliciting opinions here). Once it arrived, try a hard-reset of the Netgear. If successful, send the new one back. if not, set up the new one and take the Netgear to the electronics recycling pile. |
That's worrying about your router's upgrade failure. Netgear have been fine for me so far, aside from the avaricious nature of their support and service add-ons. I have a Netgear Orbi mesh system, and it’s very reliable. The router has an ethernet cable to the ISP-supplied fibre modem, and I have more bandwidth than my entire street could make use of. The Orbi uses a dedicated 5Ghz backhaul to an Orbi satellite in my lounge which is physically connected to my streamer. The satellite has an iFi iPower Elite powering it. I can’t tell if this makes a huge difference, but some things are simply required if only to eliminate a possible source of noise. Some would argue for ditching the wifi backhaul and therefore remove a source of noise. But, in reality, if have to use it. No dropouts at all. Quite often the Innuos app struggles to find the server - cause unknown. I have a decent ethernet cable on order (SotM). And hope to trial a decent fiber bridge, and the EtherRegen (or replacement) |
