Streaming Audio Cuts Out Frequently

Thanks guys. Lots of stuff to consider here. Will check out the wifi app for sure. Will look at the FAQ at Roon too.

Hard wiring would be very easy for me to do as there is open basement below my listening room and where my modem and router are.

My router is a fairly new NetGear with two antennas. I don't know all the specs but it is 5gHz.

auxinput, I wondered about the caching  of movie data. That also makes me wonder why music couldn't be cached. Maybe a timing/clock issue?

ISP (which is our local phone company) recently called with an offer of faster service and improved modem for about the same price as current plan so I might do that too.

As far as a streamer I have waffled back and forth about a Node2. I've heard its DAC isn't all that great but it probably isn't any worse than the Modi I'm using now. And if I cut the Apple TV out of the loop, went hi-res streaming and hard wired the Node2 into my router I suspect SQ would be better than what I currently getting even with the limitations of the Node's DAC.

My only real concern here is that in the past any problems we've had with internet are always "out on the pole" according to the techs that come out. I'm worried that crappy local (backyard) infrastructure could turn out to be the real issue and who knows if that would ever get sorted.

Thanks again for all the great advice.

George

Like everyone else stated, I believe this is a wireless network issue. This type of thing is not just limited to Apple TV - it affects everything.  I have know somebody with an Oppo bluray player and external antenna.  He would get audio drop-outs from his computer server unless the antenna was positioned "just so".  A hard-wired internet connection using an ethernet cable to your internet router will always be superior.  An upgraded wireless router with multiple antenna arrays may also help.

Most likely the reason why there isn't a drop-out when viewing streaming movies is that the client streaming app will download and cache movie data.  If there is an internet interruption, it has already cached a certain amount of movie time within the device.

I went from a 100 mbps router to a 1000 and it was the best 99 I ever spent

If on wifi, first thing is get a phone app to check for channel contention. Move your router to least used channel

Yes, I did this using Wifi Analyzer. There's so much traffic now.
@n80,
You should upgrade to a 5gHz capable router if you haven't already. I bought a refurbished one from a dealer on Ebay and no more dropouts.

I had I had the same persistent problem. I replaced our old wifi router with a Netgear Knighthawk AC1750. Problem solved.

If on wifi, first thing is get a phone app to check for channel contention. Move your router to least used channel

When I first started streaming hi-res on Tidal a few years ago I had intermittent cutouts, especial on the 24/192 tracks.  I replaced my cheap Xfinity-provided cable modem/router with a Netgear Nighthawk 7000 router (and separate but inexpensive Netgear cable modem) and the problem went away for good.  This may not be your issue but I thought I'd share my experience.  It seemed my router just couldn't handle the data traffic.

George, I suggest going to RoonLabs website and FAQ section. They address the issue you're describing and the possible causes and solutions. Good Luck
Larry