Network Streamer using Wifi connected to a MHDT Orchid

I have been quite happy with my Zen Mrk 3!  I, especially, love the capability to rip cd’s. Previous to having the Zen, I was in the market for a transport. At this point, I am content to rip and play from the Zen as a network.  That may change in the future of course. You know how this hobby goes…

Thanks, I got the model you recommended, works great, easy set up. I’m getting a Zen Mark 3 soon, how are you enjoying yours, I’m replacing my Eversolo A6. Hoping the Innuos will be a big step up sonically, I’ve read the zen Mk3 sounds amazing, big soundstage, warm, very analog, which is what I need with my Focal S2 speakers. 👍🏻

@toneranger58  unfortunately, I am in the middle of packing / moving and have mine boxed up at the moment. So, can’t tell you my exact model. I believe it is a RE715X or similar strength model.  I chose mine by the signal strength and picked it up at Best Buy. I did get the Ethernet cable Soix provided the link to above and will say the extender works flawlessly!  I have to sign into the TP app every time, though.  Not sure if that is normal?!?  

Any advise  on a TP Link Extender, , I can’t run a cable to my listening area, but need Ethernet for a Zen Mark 3 streamer. Thanks for any advice. 

Another vote for the Innuos Zen. Been using one for almost 4 years without a single problem. Zen simply gets out of the way and plays music. CD ripper is so easy to use. Innuos Sense software is great..so good I couldn't go back to using Roon.  

Good luck!

I went with the Innuos Zen Mk3. It will be shipped out tomorrow. I like the cd ripping capabilities too. Can you use it as a cd transport?

Congrats! AFAIK the drive is only there to rip CDs into storage. I haven’t used the cable and was just going on other’s enthusiastic feedback here, but past that — and as always with cables — it’ll depend on what sound characteristics you’re looking for so maybe read some reviews of brands like Wireworld, AudioQuest, Audience, DH Labs, etc. and go from there.  If you go with the CAT 8 cable I’d get the 22 gauge and wouldn’t worry too much about ground loops, and even if you do have a problem you can easily just return it to Amazon.

I went with the Innuos Zen Mk3.  It will be shipped out tomorrow. I like the cd ripping capabilities too. Can you use it as a cd transport?  I didn’t realize it has a Teac driver. Aurender was an option too, but everyone keeps jumping up the chain. So, I’ll look into them for a final upgrade way down the road. 

@soix and others. The link to the Cat 8 Ethernet cable. Is this something you have used and heard?  The link seems to offer a 22awg or 26awg. Which would be better?  I don’t mind spending more if this cable was, just, meant to get me going. But, if it is good, then nice on the price!  Then, a few comments I have read on Cat 8 cables state Cat8 can produce ground loops. Any thoughts on ground loop issues?  There were mentions of shielding or non-shielding, so this cable may not be an issue there. Admittedly, I don’t have the experience and knowledge others here do with real streamers, so I hope this made sense. 

TP Link extenders are a solid choice. Here’s a nice Innuos Zen Mk 3 streamer in your price range that’d be a great choice, and I believe Innuos streamers are Roon ready if you ever decide to go that way although many are very happy using their excellent Sense app for both sonics and usability. 
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650024244-innuos-zen-mk3-mint/

Thank you everyone and for the idea of a wall wart Wi-Fi extender!  @soix the DH Labs USB cable is what I am using now. So, good to know I do not need to change it out.   Any recommendations on a Wi-Fi extender?  There are several out there. 
 

For the network streamer, I’m think price range of around $2,400 if this helps narrow the playing field. Not looking to go with Roon, at least for now. 

Wifi can be good if you have a strong signal AND little competition. Use a free wifi analyzer for your phone to find the best channels.

I am tired of all the commercials with Pandora, YouTube, and Spotify and am looking to subscribing with Qobuz. And, making that final step of getting away from streaming from a laptop.

Goodonya!!! You’ll get significantly better performance with both upgrades. +1 @ghdprentice on using a Wi-Fi extender and an Ethernet cable from that to the streamer. Some people think a Mesh system sounds better than an extender and that it may work better if your router is far away from your system, but I have no personal experience with that so just fyi. Here are some recommendations for Ethernet and USB cables (assuming you’ll be using the USB input on your DAC) that get solid reviews from people here and won’t break the bank…

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VVFB8VX/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=A1EA54VWB150Z7&amp=undefined&th=1

https://silversonic.com/products/digital-cables/mirage-usb/

For a streamer I’d add Innuos as a solid recommendation along with Aurender.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.

I agree with @fuzztone regarding using a Wi-Fi extender.  I have no way to hard wire my Bluesound Node 2i and Node 2.  A member on this forum suggested the same solution.   I followed through and purchased two extenders, and haven’t looked back. They work great.  I am in the process of upgrading the power supply on the node 2i. This will determine if I upgrade the streamer in my main system.  

Pay to play. You can cough up for premium versions of all services mentioned. Or get used to stinkin’ commercials. Or enjoy silence.

One streamer plays Pandora radio stations commercial free - no charge.

Features are a bigger difference in streamers than SQ, Examples: Aurender doesn’t play with Roon; PS Audio and Metrum will not play local (USB) a non starter for me, some that do allow internal SSDs (Aurender, HiFi Rose), most are external only.

Capacitors? Red herring. Cost is ridiculous for any perceived improvements.

A $25 wifi extender has a better BT receiver than mostly streamers feature and gives you rock solid Ethernet.

Get a wall wart wifi extender. Plug in next to audio system… then plug in streamer to this. I have, and know of a number of $150K systems running like this… and producing vinyl quality sound. This gets away from getting a streamer with internal WiFi. The internal ones typically do not work well anyway.

You will enjoy Qobuz and getting a real streamer. Big sound quality improvement. I recommend the best quality Aurrender streamer you can afford. I have the N100 and W20SE one at the low end and the second at the top end. Aurender only does streamers… they do them incredibly well. 

Wi-Fi through cable internet and wireless router. 

Are you using Verizon for your WiFi?