2. digital
  3. 160713-148856

Wireless pickle

We just moved into a new house. The great room has a large stone centerpiece/fireplace, and low cabinetry on either side. I've got a pair of KEF R11's that I'd love to continue to use, but I can't have wires running along the floor in front of the centerpiece, and I really don't fancy the idea of trying to get a conduit through/around this behemoth marble centerpiece (and concrete flooring). So keeping the amp/receiver on one side and running cable to the other is kinda out of the question.

I DO have power available in both sides in the cabinets, so I could drive them independently. I guess a Bluesound powernode on either side is a possibility? (albeit not a particularly economical one). We do predominantly stream in our household (apple airport optical into my Peachtree Nova), so going wireless in general would suit us fine.

Thanks for any thoughts,
Chris

oktavist
4 responses Add your response
mlsstl
1,436 posts
 
Here's another option. Use a music server than runs LMS (Logitech Media Server). Then, get two Raspberry Pi players and set them up with the PiCorePlayer OS and a suitable DAC HAT on each one, and enable the WiFi networks. Then, in the LMS software, sync the two players. On the RPi player on the left side, run a RCA cable only from the left output into a monoblock amp. On the right side, use only the right output into that mono amp. This would allow you to stream your local library of ripped files as well as use Qobuz, Tidal or another streaming service.

Of course, you'll want identical RPi boards and HATs (don't have a RPi 3 on one side and a 4 on the other, etc.) along with the same software in order to eliminate any time differences between the two channels.
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,782 posts
 
We are a bluesound dealer you cant use two nodes as a left and Right mono amplifiers


Questyle did make high end wireless mono amps Around 3k and they were excellent

Also awireless sub transmitter to a pair of tiny nuprime sta9 mono amps would work

Dave and Troy
Audio intelllectl nj
dbtom2
382 posts
 
What @erik_squires said.

Or take the long way around: either around the back of the listening position or a wire route that exits the room next to the existing power outlets, around the back of the hearth and re-enters next to the other power outlet on the other side. Assuming that is outside the house, a conduit (flexible) could be used.

I would be studying the base of the hearth and any molding that is used - or could be used - as a cover for the wiring. Obviously, if the bottom of the hearth is at floor level this wouldn't work. 

Then again, I would also use any excuse that seemed reasonable to buy two Bluesound Powernodes. ;)

In any event, without pictures of the installation, I can only offer guesses. 

Hope this helps. Good luck and congrats on the new digs.

T.

erik_squires
16,056 posts
 
What about a rug in between to hide the cable??
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Ayre Acoustics QB-9 DSD
80x80
Bricasti M19
80x80
Esoteric Grandioso K1XSE