in areas that aren’t densely populated @yoramguy1 is entitled to that view on a well implemented router connection. Wifi is subject to EMI/RFI And ground level noise which may well not be present in a rural setting
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!
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Wifi does have the advantage of total galvanic isolation, but then we know fiber has that advantage as well. Beyond that no advantages, only disadvantages. Certainly there may be less air borne EMI/RFI in rural settings, but still have issue of self generated this within the wifi capable and using devices.
Getting entire network optimized is critical for getting rid of that last bit of digital signature in an otherwise optimized streaming setup. Correct timing, lowest possible jitter is an absolute necessity for analog or analog like sound quality from streams and/or cd rips. |
Hi Guys, More power to y'all. I'm not preaching, honestly... Please keep doing what you're doing!! My subtle sound quality perception may not be as refined as some of you, although folks say that I do have a very musical ear (nothing I did to earn it)... My approach to audio is quite simple: 1. It needs to sound really good to me. I know when it does and when it doesn't, and why. 2. It needs to make sense in the context of our discretionary funds and other hobbies and pastimes. 3. If an improvement is not patently and immediately obvious to my ears, or the upfront technical rationale not convincing to my mind (e.g., how exactly digital bits get changed and how exactly it affects the sound), I conduct a controlled, fully blind evaluation, such as in this case. This requires a trusted and audio-interested helper -- a spouse, a friend etc. You'd be surprised by some of the results of true blind evaluations. I certainly was in a few instances. 4. If I feel that I need improvement in a certain aspect of sound, I apply the Pareto approach: What is the single element which is likely to provide the most improvement at a reasonable cost. If that does not bring about all the desired improvement, what is the next one, etc. 5. I don't pay for what I don't hear, however sexy the story or the equipment. 6. I appreciate that in theory there may be 20 very subtle improvements coming from 20 different areas, of which each one alone I cannot detect, but when combined together vs. the starting point I would hear improvement. I guess that would be my loss, as I am not hardcore enough to chase them all on the premise that maybe at the end I will reap the rewards... Cheers! |
@mendef , if you follow the thread you will discover that the router question had been resolved. I have successfully factory-reset my trusty Netgear AC1750 R6400v2 and it works seamlessly in both wifi and ethernet hi-res audio (Qobuz 192kHz) streaming as before. My experience with wifi vs. ethernet (in audio) is the same as yours. |
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