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Streamer vs Airport 2nd gen

Hi, I am currently using Tidal with my phone to an Airport Express 2nd gen sending optical signal to my DAK.  the other day I tried bypassing the Airplay with a LAN from my router to the Airport. May have have improved the sound, but within a few minutes the router would switch from wired to WiFi and then all WiFi would cease to my other computers, TV , light bulbs, and thermostats.  My question is would a music server do the same thing?  I have a TP Link Deco 6e main router, with 2 Deco 6e as mesh WiFi. I have a basic system with older Sonus Fabers on Stands and a Jolida tube hybrid.

Thanks

bremner1
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,497 posts
 

So what would be your long term investment level for a component. $1K ? $2K? $3K?... an integrated amp counts for two so 1/2 cost. 

There are large differences in streamer sound quality... but given sufficiently good and resolving other components. Typically speakers cost more than an electronic component. Not a hard rule... just it generally works that way. My systems have nearly always settled around 25% speakers, 20% Streamer, 20% DAC, 20% Preamp, 20% amp. 

bremner1 OP
14 posts
 

Thanks.  Those percentages make sense.  Speakers and new amp are in the future. I'm leaning to $1K per component and 2-4K on speakers. 

 

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,497 posts
 

Cool. Then, I'd recommend getting the speakers before the new amp. Let the speakers brake in and fully get to know them before striking out to get the amp. Then you can get an amp which complements the speakers... and enjoy the new speakers for a while. 

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