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I Need to Network

Soundork

Soundork

Super Member
Hello,

My question is: What is the best method to add networking capabilities to my non-networking DAC?

Current setup:

Internet -> Workstation USB port -> USB Cable -> USB Port of SMSL SU-8 DAC -> Receiver

I would like to eliminate the USB cable piece of the above setup and replace it with some sort of wireless solution. My first thought was that possibly a wireless USB solution exists. Does anyone have experience with such and what specific device would you recommend?

Is there a better method of adding networking capabilities than wireless USB? the unit also has optical and coaxial ports. If so, what would you recommend?

I am moving my office to another room and the new setup does not allow to run a USB cable from computer to where the DAC would be located. I also use my workstation as a CD player.

Thanks in advance.

Best

Soundork
 
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I suspect that reliable USB over WiFi extenders do not exist. If you can run a network cable to your DAC you can try a USB over Ethernet extender. If it must be Wi-Fi then you need some sort of network enabled streamer next to the DAC. I'd explore Raspberry Pi based solutions, Volumio, etc. If you have an old PC or laptop you can load Daphile on it. What is that you play apart form CDs?
 
Perhaps a streamer? The Bluesound Node 2i has WiFi connectivity and can access all the major music services, plus any network attached storage.
 
I have AudioEngine W1 works great but has been replaced by newer model. Look at their site for ideas on wireless solutions.
 
I just hopped on board the node 2i train and I gotta tell you it has elevated my listening pleasure beyond words.

First off the availability of music is mind boggling. I'm finding musicians and bands I love but was previously unaware of. That in itself is awesome. Secondly the quality of the music is utterly fantastic. My speakers have never sounded so good. I'm listening 2 channel. I disconnected the subwoofer and I couldn't be happier. Right now I'm on a The Stimulators kick. No idea who they were yesterday. Today they're my new favorite.

Master audio is bending my mind. Hifi quality is nearly as good. I can barely get over what's happening in my listening room. Off to check out some Japanese drum tunes...

Also connectivity couldn't be easier. WiFi connected right away. Bluetooth works great. No drop offs. It did an initial firmware update. Beyond that it's plug n play.
 
gvl said:
I suspect that reliable USB over WiFi extenders do not exist. If you can run a network cable to your DAC you can try a USB over Ethernet extender. If it must be Wi-Fi then you need some sort of network enabled streamer next to the DAC. I'd explore Raspberry Pi based solutions, Volumio, etc. If you have an old PC or laptop you can load Daphile on it. What is that you play apart form CDs?
Click to expand...

I'll second using a Raspberry Pi 4B based solution. I use both a TereDak streamer (digital version) and a vanilla Raspberry Pi 4B in various systems around the house with RoPieeeXL installed. The TeraDak comes with Volumio installed but I found RoPieeeXL to be more convenient as it doesn't go to sleep. Simply plug in a Raspberry compatible USB WiFi dongle to enable Wi-Fi.

I stream from Roon with both content from my NAS and Tidal.

I'm building a new UnRAID NAS shortly (8 core 16 thread CPU, 32GB RAM, 3x 4TB drives, 8 hotswap bay NAS case- parts coming cheap from China) and hope to retire my mini PC I use as a dedicated Roon Server and run it straight off the NAS.... Might as well get Plex on there too and whatever else I can think of.
 
Okra said:
I just hopped on board the node 2i train and I gotta tell you it has elevated my listening pleasure beyond words.

First off the availability of music is mind boggling. I'm finding musicians and bands I love but was previously unaware of. That in itself is awesome. Secondly the quality of the music is utterly fantastic. My speakers have never sounded so good. I'm listening 2 channel. I disconnected the subwoofer and I couldn't be happier. Right now I'm on a The Stimulators kick. No idea who they were yesterday. Today they're my new favorite.

Master audio is bending my mind. Hifi quality is nearly as good. I can barely get over what's happening in my listening room. Off to check out some Japanese drum tunes...

Also connectivity couldn't be easier. WiFi connected right away. Bluetooth works great. No drop offs. It did an initial firmware update. Beyond that it's plug n play.
Click to expand...

Yep - it's a fantastic piece of gear and a really good value, too.

In terms of internet radio, definitely give this one a shot via TuneIn: https://www.hiresaudio.online/jb-radio-2/ It proves that you can stream internet radio at an audiophile quality.

Also, give a listen to Ben Webster's Gone with the Wind (look for 24 bit remastered version). It's an astonishing, almost holographic live record. I couldn't believe I was streaming it fro Amazon HD.
 
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