Big issue with my fiber optics internet for Qobuz streaming


 

I just switched from cable to fiber optics for internet. Both download and upload speeds have been upgraded to over 600 Mbps, so speed should not be an issue at all. It came with a modem (AT&T BGW320 model), which handles the fiber-to-Ethernet conversion and also serves as a router.

For TV, video streaming, and cell phone access, the experience has been great—better than ever. However, when I stream Qobuz hi-res music, particularly 24/192, it continuously pauses, drops out, and/or skips tracks from time to time. Sometimes even lower-resolution music has similar issues.

I called AT&T support, and the technician performed a detailed diagnosis and reset from his end but found nothing he could address or offer to resolve the issue. He suggested raising the issue with Qobuz.

What could be the reason? Have you encountered such an issue? How did you resolve it?

lanx0003

If you happen to use Roon and have ANY wireless activity in your home related to using it- like controlling it from your phone or Ipad or laptop and if as part of your new fiber system the provider has installed various Wi Fi devices- like an Eero router and additional Eero devices that wirelessly extend wi fi in your home then the problem is almost related to the Eero system and its constant steering of signals across two or three bands it employs. So, your phone may be trying to talk to your Roon device via a 2.3g band while the roon device is operating on your 5g band. I've had years of this frustration and eventually went to wired use trying to get all devices on a hard wired network. Still, at times when streaming I'll have freezing / hangups. 

I'm not currently streaming using QUOBUZ, but I can attest to AT&T being generally awful. Luckily, AT&T doesn't offer fiber in my area.

I switched to T-Mobile fiber and couldn't be happier. 2 Gig on ethernet and 900 mbps on WIFI. Far better WIFI coverage in my challenging MCM, aluminum clad house. I do stream Hi Rez files on Amazon through the the provided NOKIA  server/router without issue. I know I'm not utilizing ultimate quality like QOBUZ or Tidal, but the T-Mobile system is fantastic.

This is probably a handshaking issue between Qobuz Connect and your streamer.  I have high speed reliable internet and use a ethernet cat 6a cable from router to high end streamer (Simaudio 891), and I still have this same problem.  Perhaps Qobuz can fix it.  Meanwhile, I have given up on Qobuz for now and gone back to Roon which does not have this problem.  

I have the same ATT modem/router combination that you have.  As has been suggested by others, I used IP Passthrough to take the load off the ATT device for assigning IP addresses, and other router tasks.  My router duties are performed by a Synology router instead.  Having gone this route I have had zero issues with Qobuz streaming in any quality level to my system.  So hopefully you find the same to be true.  

Also, I did not turn off the WiFi broadcasting from the ATT router, but don't have anything connected to it.  I was cautioned by ATT tech to leave some way to get into the router directly for software updates, or for the occassional need to get into the ATT device's settings (which I had to do to set up some port forwarding rules for JRiver and Roon).  I am sure everyone's setup is a bit different but this is how I dealt with it.  

Finally, I make a habit of rebooting the ATT gateway once a week, just to refresh the connection with their servers.  This solved a few other random disconnect issues I had.  I do that via the ATT app and it takes five minutes and of course distrupts network traffic while that is going on, but it's usually done early in the AM or very late at night.

@lanx0003 

I am sorry that you are having troubles with your new set up. I would start with what Audphile1 suggested then my first call would be to Qobuz to rule out server issues on their side. The storms we have had of late has affected s lot of things. I recently switched to eero and upgraded the copper where ever possible. I'm sorry I dont have a silver bullet abswer for you but I feel your pain. Upgrades should be just that; but often it can create other problems. 

Peace