@erik_squires - first, my apologies for the long post but my analytical mind got the better of me ...
Granted, there may be some advantages to dual band - mainly because currently there are many more 2.4 GHz devices than 5 GHz.
From what I have gleaned from the web...
The primary differences between the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz wireless frequencies are range and bandwidth. 5GHz provides faster data rates at a shorter distance, whereas 2.4GHz offers coverage for farther distances, but may perform at slower speeds
I have also been told the 5GHz signal does not penetrate walls as effectively as the 2.4 GHz signal from both an Audio store that installs gear and a friend in the computer sales business..
And If the trend is towards dual band, then other devices like phones will also use them and the 5GHz band will suffer from the same "congestion and interference" that 2.4GHz suffers today in the not to distant future.
Even though I have problems playing 24/192 resolution files wirelessly, Bluesound specifies their wireless solution works at 2.4GHz. Unfortunately, I believe my router is responsible (it was cheep and cheerful).
From Bluesound Support:
Wireless Signal Strength:
- For streaming 44.1/16 content: -70dBm
- For streaming 96/24 content: -55dBm
- For streaming 192/24 content: -45dBm
- It is good to note that the source for your local music can also be affected by poor wireless signal strength. If possible, we recommend it be connected directly to your router via a wired Ethernet connection for best performance, as moving from wireless connection to wireless connection can cause issues over weaker networks.
And a response from one happy Bluesound customer:
extremely happy with my ASUS RT-AC66U Dual Band 3x3 802.11AC Gigabit Router; haven’t had a dropout since I got it
But even their success would be dependent on the proximity of their router in relation to the Bluesound device.
I think the bottom line is that all current wireless solutions are far from perfect.
- Dual band solves the congestion and bandwidth aspects, but also suffer from the coverage issue
- success really depends on the router selected and the location in which it is being used. Specifically in relation to the component connected to it
I get your point that devices these days should be dual band, but having worked in the manufacturing end of micro electronics - it’s tough to roll out up to date products, because the end-to-end process gets extremely complex and in today’s world of integrated circuits - what seems like a simple "Die Revision" (i.e. a simple change to the silicon chip) can result in component failure, unleashing a flurry of calls to the support personnel.
Granted, cell phones seem to roll out every 5 minutes and use the very latest technologies, but they have their problems and their development effort, by comparison, is enormous.
Personally, I believe the people at Bluesound have found something that works and they are sticking with it.
Until sample rates greater than 24/192 become common place in the various streaming services and for the purchase of digital music (I’m thinking "iTunes like" outlets here) then a single band solution will suffice in this case.
If a person wants greater than 24/192, then there will always be the more esoteric brands to satisfy their lust
But eventually I believe Bluesound will catch up with todays technology at some point.
Cheers - Steve :-)
