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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!

yoramguy1

Showing 2 responses by cakyol

cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 

Even the most basic home router you can buy can EASILY keep up with audio, as long as your provider/cable modem can also keep up.  You do not need anything fancy.  Even the most basic routers can do 100 Mbits/sec which is more than enough for even the highest sampled digital music, as long as you are not sharing the channel with a lot of other devices.

Since you want to use wifi, there are 3 band choices: 2.4G, 5G and 6Gig.  2.4 has the most penetration and as a result the highest RSSI.  5G has better bandwidth but is prone to radar detection requirements, especially if you live any airport or military installation and hence you will be auto channel switching all the time anytime a radar pulse is detected (this is an FCC requirement).  6G is very new and is most likely prone to firmware errors so I would hold off on it.

So probably your best bet is 2.4G band and if you make your streamer the ONLY device on that band, you are likely to get very good response.

 

cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 

99% of the home routers available today will be more than adequate for streaming music, as long as your carrier service is at least 10-15 mbits/sec.  Other than that, they will not make a difference.

Go with a slightly older router (11N or 11AC) instead of 11AX  or above.  The software stability is bound to be better since those versions are much simpler.

Also, for better penetration, use 2.4G instead of 5G.  You are more likely to get more interference but if you dedicate one band (basically do not use auto if you can) to streaming and push everything else working on 2.4G to the furthest away band, you will also minimize your interference.

 

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