2. digital
  3. 195240-116251

Streamer vs Airport 2nd gen

Hi, I am currently using Tidal with my phone to an Airport Express 2nd gen sending optical signal to my DAK.  the other day I tried bypassing the Airplay with a LAN from my router to the Airport. May have have improved the sound, but within a few minutes the router would switch from wired to WiFi and then all WiFi would cease to my other computers, TV , light bulbs, and thermostats.  My question is would a music server do the same thing?  I have a TP Link Deco 6e main router, with 2 Deco 6e as mesh WiFi. I have a basic system with older Sonus Fabers on Stands and a Jolida tube hybrid.

Thanks

bremner1
bremner1 OP
12 posts
 

Soix thanks.  Probably used and under 1k. I probably need a better DAC.  I have a 10 year old Cambridge Audio DAC Magic which I would like to replace.  I think it may be important to try a server first.  Your suggestion to run the Ethernet from a node is not possible.  My Main or primary router is near the stereo.  Do I have to connect to the Mesh node rather than the main router with a server?

ghdprentice
8,112 posts
 

@soix 

+1

If you are close to the router... by all means connect to the main router. But make sure your audio system isn't too close to the router / modem or it will interfere with the system. For most folks the router is not close, and they can use an extender or nearby node. 

You are at a critical junction. If you get an inexpensive streamer with a DAC then the whole thing might sound better immediately but then later when you are going upgrade the DAC you have wasted money. 

I'd look at it long term. A good investment level is Streamer = DAC = Preamp = Amp (lots of research... make sure the best and compatible components... don't just make a decision on cost). 

So, you can plan one upgrade at time... like maybe streamer first... if you want to stay budget... go one way, if you want your whole system getting better, then chose a really good used streamer, then upgrade the DAC. 

Long termed thoughts?

 

bremner1 OP
12 posts
 

I am leaning to the long term solution which is why it seems starting with the source may be a good approach. Thanks for the input.

ghdprentice
8,112 posts
 

So what would be your long term investment level for a component. $1K ? $2K? $3K?... an integrated amp counts for two so 1/2 cost. 

There are large differences in streamer sound quality... but given sufficiently good and resolving other components. Typically speakers cost more than an electronic component. Not a hard rule... just it generally works that way. My systems have nearly always settled around 25% speakers, 20% Streamer, 20% DAC, 20% Preamp, 20% amp. 

bremner1 OP
12 posts
 

Thanks.  Those percentages make sense.  Speakers and new amp are in the future. I'm leaning to $1K per component and 2-4K on speakers. 

 

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