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WiFi streaming — streamer vs. through iPad

I’m currently streaming Qobuz in my HeadFi rig to my DAC via my iPad via an upgraded dongle and USB cable and was pretty happy til I hooked up my CD transport and realized it sounds much better than than streaming.  After speaking with some folks here I’ve since realized I need to get a dedicated streamer hardwired to my router to up my streaming performance, but I’ve got a couple situations where going hardwired won’t be possible and will be forced to use WiFi.  My question is, if I’m using WiFi would there still be a sonic benefit to using a streamer (I’m planning on getting an iFi Zen Stream BTW) versus going wired through my iPad or will using WiFi completely nullify any sonic advantages the streamer brings?  Thanks for any thoughts/advice. 

soix

Showing 1 response by flyfish77

flyfish77
40 posts
 

A dedicated streamer is the way to go.  WIFI can work just fine as it does for all of my audio and video streaming. It is important to understand that it might take some trial and error and perhaps some expenditures to get WIFI working well. 

If you have strong WIFI in your listening room, you might not have to do anything but get your streamer connected to WIFI.  I get the best results using the 5 Ghz WIFI band.  If you have issues using your current WIFI network, then you can try  different types of extenders.  I tried all of that and I ended up installing an ORBI Mesh network that has been working very well for quite a while.

 

 

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