[JLM]

As a computer user (barely and no more) please explain why someone hasn't developed a DAC that can input via ethernet.  (I'm 35 feet from my computer to the system and currently run a cheap optical line.)  I see various postings from others in the same boat, but no good solution seems to pop up.

Conversely, is there a ethernet to USB/coax/optical converter (without buying another computer)?  Sure a Mini is a good solution (especially with various tweaks), but I'd also need to buy an iPad or something to control it from (plus monitor/keyboard/mouse?), so it can get clunky and expensive.

Note that I need to use a computer to provide baffle step compensation (DEQ) for my speakers.  Note that I'm prepared to spend up to $4,000 USD for a complete source solution, so I'm beyond the Sonus/Bluesound sound quality.  Why can't better sound quality be simpler?

Maybe I just need a networked music server like a Linn (since I'm looking to update my modded Behringer DEQ2496 anyway).

TIA

[JRace]

Ethernet data transfer is different than usb or spdif, y essentially need a computer.
Kinda like asking why your mail man does not deliver netflix.

Yes, you need a media streamer. However as you use you pc for deq that would be an issue.

What is your system chain now?

[barrows]

Linn makes Ethernet DACs which are very good.  Making an Ethernet receiver to serve digital files to a DAC is not an easy task, which is the most likely reason that we do not see more Ethernet DACs on the market, but I suspect they will continue to multiply in the future.
For an Ethernet to coax (or I2S for the DACs which take it as an input, PS Audio, Wyred 4 Sound, Rockna, etc) see the Sonore Rendu and Sonore Rendu Signature Ethernet Renderers.  These are very high quality converters.  There is a Sonore Circle right here at AC.

[jtwrace]

For an Ethernet to coax (or I2S for the DACs which take it as an input, PS Audio, Wyred 4 Sound, Rockna, etc) see the Sonore Rendu and Sonore Rendu Signature Ethernet Renderers.  These are very high quality converters.  There is a Sonore Circle right here at AC.

For who you work for right?

[barrows]

For who you work for right?

I do not work for Linn, PS Audio, Rockna, or Wyred 4 Sound.  I am a part time consultant/developer with Sonore.  That does not change anything though, the OP asked about an Ethernet to coax converter, and I pointed out that a manufacturer, with a circle right here at AC makes one-this was a direct response to a question.

[Doublej]

Isn't this what Airplay and DLNA essentially do? They transmit digitally across Ethernet. The receiver then performs the D to A.

As pointed out, the challenge you may have is you want the streaming software on your computer to incorporate your equalization adjustments into the stream.  I am not sure if any will.

[barrows]

JRiver can be used as a DLNA Etherent streamer and it has equalisation adjustments.  I have not tried it, but I would assume you can use the equalisation features in JRiver when using it as a streamer.

[JohnR]

Conversely, is there a ethernet to USB/coax/optical converter (without buying another computer)?

I've seen them mentioned, so I think they do exist. (You need both ends.) However no idea of bandwidth etc or performance for audio.

There's also a thing called AVB (Audio-Video Bridge) which is for transmitting audio over Ethernet but it seems mostly in the pro world.

Short of getting into networked audio, perhaps moving the DAC closer and using a long analog cable might be an option...  ?

[srb]

JRiver can be used as a DLNA Etherent streamer and it has equalisation adjustments.  I have not tried it, but I would assume you can use the equalisation features in JRiver when using it as a streamer.

At present JRiver Media Center does not implement its DSP options for DLNA.  According to Matt, one of the developers (as of July 2014), "We're still thinking about it. No firm plans, but it's a possibility".

Steve

[iluzun]

The Logitech Transporter has ethernet in.  I own the Modwright version & ran via wireless for yrs. until the  little $10 wifi card died.   A replacement card has been hard to come by.  I now run via ethernet & Mac Mini.  Removed the non working card & antenna from the Transporter.  Less EMI/RFI.  It has never sounded better.  An Ipad w/Ipeng is an easy & slick remote.   A Modwright Transporter is still an excellent dac & an excellent way to learn the various attributes of rectifier & signal tubes.  It's a fun and versital product.  Mine won't be going anywhere....

[eparson]

I agree 100% with the Transporter as an excellent example of an Ethernet DAC.  My Modwright modified Transporter is still going strong and sounds great.....

[JLM]

Thanks for the replies (although most I don't understand).

My current system:  iMac/iTunes, 35 ft optical cable, DAC modded Behringer DEQ2496, PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Integrated (20/40 wpc tube amp, 2014 Stereophile class A), Brines Acoustics M18-F200 (single driver transmission line, 90 dB/w/m, 8 ohms, 25 - 20,000 Hz with EnABL treatments), dedicated listen/office/man cave ala Cardas shape/speaker-listener setup (room is 8 ft x 13 ft x 21 ft).  Looking to replace optical cable and Behringer.  Roughly 500 CD's ripped into ALAC ala JohnR.

I'm an old fart, a speaker guy, and an aspiring Luddite (but can't stand surface noise from vinyl).  Tried a modded Squeeze Box 2, but was too glitchy.  So am looking for an "elegant" (minimal boxes, confusion, fussiness).  Still have a nice Sony CDP and good solid state pre/power amps if I run into issues with tubes or computer.

The Linn boxes I saw blow my budget.  Wouldn't the Airport Express be sound quality limiting? (Even if all it does is convert ethernet to USB/etc.?  Seems too easy, OTOH my $100 Logitech wireless smart radio has ethernet input - but never tried it.)

Can EQ'd signals be sent to from my iMac (using say PureMusic) via ethernet to a DAC, server, renderer?

If I can use the iMac, would an iTouch/iPad be able to remotely control the music player?