Primer for getting started with networked audio sources / streaming?

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2FlyingYorkies

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Is there a good primer out there explaining the basics of setting up a network / streaming audio system? Since I'm setting up a completely new audio system, I feel like it's probably time to move beyond CD and into higher res sources and/or streaming. Current data assets include: Desktop computer and wireless router, located ~50ft from the listening room, and an Android tablet. We've ripped some portion of our CD collection to the computer, but it was done years ago via Window Media Player and/or iTunes, so probably not the highest quality.

How do I get music from the computer to the audio system? Or is it better to skip the computer entirely and move the music to a dedicated streamer / music server box?

Thanks for humoring an old guy that's not very good with networking and wireless things.
 
Skip the computer all together.

Use DBPowerAmp to rip your CD's to your computer, an external drive, NAS whatever. Then, you can go with an Aurender (N100H or N10) with internal storage and move the files to the Aurender from the computer.

You WILL need a network (Ethernet) connection for the Aurender.

Add your favorite DAC.

Grab an iPad and go! iPad controls the Aurender.

Another good option:

The Lumin D1, T1, A1 or S1 offer a DAC/network music player in one. If you don't want to fuss with a NAS, Lumin sells the L1 (a turnkey NAS purposely built for the Lumin). You copy the files from the computer to the L1 via USB and go! Connect the L1 to your network (via Ethernet), connect the Lumin D1, T1, A1 or S1 to the network and go! Again, iPad controls the Lumin.

Definitely skip the computer. Be careful to watch out for products masked as audiophile servers which are nothing more than glorified Windows machines with some different parts. You want a purposely built audiophile product - not some Windows machine a guy builds in his basement.

To me, the app has a lot to do with it too. The Lumin and Aurender apps are world class, delightfully easy to use.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Mike's comments are exactly what i would say. also, ripping is great, but for $20 a month you can have cd quality or mqa with tidal. integrates well with aurender and lumin that mike mentioned.
 
Diagram from Mike:
attachment.php


http://www.audioshark.org/lumin-169/new-lumin-network-hook-up-diagram-6951.html
 
Thanks guys - this is all very helpful! Taking the computer out of the loop certainly seems to make things easier. Looks like the real trick will be running an ethernet line to the media area. Certainly can be done, but may have to do a little drywall work to get the line fished through. :)

Most of the devices mentioned above seem to prefer Apple for their interface apps. Ours has never been an Apple household, so that may take some arm twisting, but hey, it's a brave new world!
 
Jack said:
No need to punch holes in the drywall. You can use an extender/access point or a Powerline adaptor. This works just fine.
Click to expand...

That's an interesting option. But if the streamer has a wifi input, and my wifi generally reaches the media room, there's no need for this, right? I figured Mike was saying to go hard wired to eliminate the chance of dropouts, or I guess some of these devices don't have wifi (haven't had a chance to look yet).

The powerline extender gives me a little more pause. We go to all kinds of trouble to eliminate AC noise in this hobby, and this seems like a way to directly inject noise into the home power grid. Maybe it's too high of frequency to worry about?
 
2FlyingYorkies said:
That's an interesting option. But if the streamer has a wifi input, and my wifi generally reaches the media room, there's no need for this, right? I figured Mike was saying to go hard wired to eliminate the chance of dropouts, or I guess some of these devices don't have wifi (haven't had a chance to look yet).

The powerline extender gives me a little more pause. We go to all kinds of trouble to eliminate AC noise in this hobby, and this seems like a way to directly inject noise into the home power grid. Maybe it's too high of frequency to worry about?
Click to expand...

Although I have not read any tests or studies, I think you are right. At least, that's what makes sense to me. I would rather think the ideal is to run CAT 6 or 7 to your room. Low voltage wiring guys can do it in no time.
 
As to the noise possibly injected by the Powerline adaptors I don't know as I have never tried one though they have been in use for some time. The extender comes into play if you need to hard wire from it's gigabyte port if you choose a streamer that doesn't have wifi. Several of the ones being discussed don't have it if that is a deciding factor to you. If it is not then the extender gives you the option to try and see if it works before doing any additional wiring.
 
Jack said:
Saw this at Computer Audiophile today written by the forum owner.

https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/bits-and-bytes/extending-a-network-for-hifi-r653/
Click to expand...
I employ a similar solution. I use the BlueSound Vault 2. I did multiple comparisons (all sources through the same DAC) and with the same files and found it easiest to use.

Not the best resolution, but most stable and accessible.

I haven't compared the BlueSound product to others (such as Aurender).

The Vault 2 cost me around $1000 USD.
 
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