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can't stream in hi-res on Roon HELP

Dear A-goners

I am having trouble streaming hi resolution files on Roon.  96k 24bit will sometimes work but anything higher, I get a message that Qobuz is loading slowly and it won't play.  My internet is 56 Mps download which I assume would be enough for these files?  My main system is connected directly to the router and my upstairs system is connected via Wi-Fi.  Downstairs system is a little better, it will usually load 96K 24bit but the upstairs system can only manage CD quality.  I'm wondering what my issue is?  Do I need better internet or a dedicated NUC for Roon?  I'm currently running it on my iMac

thanks for any help
adam8179

Showing 4 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,886 posts
 
I can do higher than that with Wifi, but then, I am kind of a PC tech and have great signal quality. In my modest 1,200 SQ feet, 2 floor home I get 5 bars and no competition, and I'm using 5GHz, which has a lot more bandwidth. I could do anything, but my main system will be hard wired.

Roon only needs a lot of CPU if you have it set to  upsample or convert to DSD. You can check on the core if you can view the CPU usage.  Normally playing music for me, even with a few EQ bands, runs about 15% CPU unless I do DSD upsampling, then it jumps to around 80% CPU or higher.

As I mentioned though, the core uses up a lot of Wifi bandwidth.  It needs to receive the signal from your streaming source (unless on local disk) and it needs to send it out. And it has to compete with any other Wifi traffic. If Roon is broadcasting to more than one target, each of these uses up your Wifi bandwidth as well.  So, 2 endpoints, you have 4 competing Wifi signals eating up your bandwidth.

Get a signal analyzer. Especially look for competing routers. Put your router above all your other devices.


erik_squires
15,886 posts
 
Did you use a wifi analyzer? Get one for your phone and make sure your router channel(s) are not contested.
erik_squires
15,886 posts
 
Are your Roon core and endpoint both on Wifi?  This may be your problem.  You need wifi bandwidth TO the core, back from the core and to the endpoint.
erik_squires
15,886 posts
 
20 Mbps is about what you need to stream CD quality. That’s assuming nothing else is being downloaded.

Check the quality of your WiFi signal with a phone app. I use WiFi analyzer on android. Make sure your signal is strong and that your router is using an uncontested channel.

If possible, it is always best to put the router at the highest point of your network, not the lowest. 

If you still can't get a decent signal where you need it, consider a mesh type router, like this TP Link offering:


https://amzn.to/3oTDeJI


Best,

Erik
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