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Router for Audio Streaming

I have been streaming Pandora, Spotify and Qobuz through a wifi network streamer from a Netgear AC1750 R6400v2 router with no sound quality complaints.

Recently a router firmware update failed (a known issue with these) and as a result it is no longer accessible for administration.  It still seems to perform ok and accepts new devices however the network settings are "frozen" and I am unable to view device IP addresses or traffic, neither via desktop browser nor via the Nighthawk app.

I will try a factory reset but have read that quite often this does not work in these situations, so I started investigating getting a new router to be able to pull the trigger quickly if needed.

I heard/read that routers can make a difference in sound quality, beyond just being able to keep up with streaming with no buffering.  I'm wondering what router experience and recommendations folks have here for reliable audio streaming with superior sound quality at a reasonable price.

Thanks!

yoramguy1
fastfreight
677 posts
 

Hi @yoramguy1,  Lots of ideas huh?  I installed the Eero Mesh Pro 6 Wireless Router system in my home about a year ago.  Simple and powerful wifi.  Three in my kit for my home.  One needs hardwired to router, the others can be or not.

Also, Auralic Streamers are known for their wifi reception and some say wifi on an Auralic is better than wired.  I use my Aries G2.1 wired, but it sets up with wifi.

I run two other wireless Roon endpoints in MBR and MBath and they work fine.

I have not upgraded my modem in years (Verizon Fios).  Good luck!

kota1
2,706 posts
 

Pulling the trigger on Syphony I/O Ethernet upgrade from Add-Powr today. Their power conditioners work great and has 30 day return policy. Will post a review ASAP:

 

hce1
45 posts
 

@yoramguy1 I recently had my ISP install the most recent router they have available for their customers: Calix. I was surprised to see and hear significant improvements in the video and audio performance on my television and the audio delivered from my Aurender streamer. I had no expectation that the router would affect system performance at all, let alone so significantly.
 

For reasons not worth going into here, the Calix does not work for me in my current home. So, having observed that their router made an obvious and easily detectable difference in the delivery of audio and video information, I decided to buy three different routers to determine which offered the best performance for me in my home and with my system: Eero 6 mesh, tp-link axe5400 mesh, and tp-link axe7800 gaming router. All three resolved the technical problem I had with the Calix, but their handling of audio and video differed significantly. Without belaboring the point with too much detail, the two mesh systems’ performance were approximately equal to that of the Calix. But, the TP link gaming router delivered significantly better audio and video services than any of the other three. At the $159 Black Friday price, it was one of the cheapest, yet effective tweaks I’ve made to my system in years. I highly recommend it.

steakster
1,795 posts
 

Fidelizer Audio - Airstream 2

Fidelizer Audio - StreamHub

hce1
45 posts
 

@wsrrsw 

I just picked up an uptone audio etherregen. Uptone claims there is no need for an LPS with it. Can you elaborate on your experience with the after dark PSU and clock with your etherregen?

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