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I think the local storage of the SalkStreamer with control over WiFi/Ethernet power line is a good solution since the music playback is local and not travelling over the power line.Todd
I have exchanged a few emails with Jim on the SalkStreamer but have not purchased yet. I did install a power line Ethernet adapter to test out the throughput into my basement listening room from my second story router locatation. I ran Roon locally from my MacBookPro directly into my DAC with Roon GUI over WiFi/Ethernet power line. This worked really well.I think the local storage of the SalkStreamer with control over WiFi/Ethernet power line is a good solution since the music playback is local and not travelling over the power line.Todd
Agreed. I've been stewing over the Salkstreamer. I have the same issue - would need to use a Ethernet power line adapter.......keep the conversation going!
FWIW - I'm quite happy using wifi to connect airport express to splayer via Ethernet. Dramatic reduction in noise from Amarra on Mac with direct USB connection to DAC. And no tearing apart the house to lay new Ethernet cable. Would be curious to hear if there is a dramatic improvement in sound quality by running Ethernet direct (but afraid of the work required to get it done )Good luck!Pete
I'd expect that just sending control commands from my iPad wouldn't be an issue for Ethernet power line adaptor. I'm also wondering how reliable it would be for moving or ripping music files to the Salkstream from the computer (different room, different floor) as well as streaming music via AirPlay from my iPad/iPhone.
The only problem I have had is the unit sometimes will generate a bit a noise if too close to interconnects or other equipment. A quick reset solves the issue, or if I just shift things around to give it more room.
Yes, keep it going!Right now I'm still leaning towards installing an Ethernet cable for piece of mind. If I do that, then the question is do I go with CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT6a? If cable length matters, it will be about 70ft.So many questions! Edit: I see there is CAT7 cable now. I'm guessing this would really be overkill.Edit2: And I see there are shielded and up shielded cables......which would I need? I have a headache now.
I can't run the cable inside the walls (it'll run "on wall" and along baseboards). Would this negate the need for extra shielding since it won't be running alongside power lines?
Jim said CAT5e would be fine, but I hear you about future proofing a bit. Our current router, Netgear N300 WNR 2000 v2 purchased years ago, doesn't offer gigabit speeds as far as could tell (I had a hard time finding LAN speed specs on it). But certainly if we replace it so time with a new on it would offer gigabit LAN speed.
The price difference between CAT5e and CAT6 isn't enough to worry about. I plan to order from Bluejeans cable. I know they are more expensive than what you find on Amazon, but I like that they assemble and test every cable to assure its up to spec (BJs says many cheap cables don't meet the spec they are rated for). I've been happy with the quality of cables I've bought from them in the past.
Everyone seems to agree that running a cable is the best option for performance and reliability. Also, it seems the effectiveness and reliability of power line adaptors really depends on each house's unique setup. So as of now, my plan is to try to install an Ethernet cable if possible and consider using a power line adaptor as plan B should I have too much trouble installing a cable.
Saturn, is there some structural problem with running cables in wall? Renting perhaps? As someone who has fished many a thing inside existing walls floors and ceilings, it can be done without huge investment, even if you pay someone else.
Do you NEED it? Probably not, just like our systems don't NEED power conditioning, isolation devices, etc. If the cost isn't an issue, and it doesn't cause the cable to be too stiff to get it where it needs to go, your call either way.I just looked up the manual for your router, and you're right in that your wired ports only go up to 100Mbps, so Cat6 wouldn't get you any speed improvement, and at 70ft you're just about at the edge of what Cat5e is "officially" rated at to be able to push 1Gbps (anecdotally, some people can get more, others start having issues), so again if Cat6 is negligible price-wise, I'd go that way just to be on the safe side for when a new, faster router gets put in.Great!Cool. Again, don't sweat it; your situation looks pretty straight forward. Not much different than running a long interconnect along a wall between a preamp and amp. Just make sure if you're going around and through a doorway or two that you don't pinch the wire in the door, and try not to tack the cable down into a hard 90 degree turn along the run if you can avoid it - give it a more gentle curve around the bends if you can. Also, check to see if BJC has different color options for the outer jacket of the cable; it comes in a lot of colors depending on vendor, but the most common color used is a bright blue. If you are running it along the baseboard, if they've got a less obtrusive color available (black maybe?) it may look better and you'll be happier looking at the end result when your done.Don't worry, man. You've got this.
The layout of the house is the issue. The router/computer/etc is upstairs in a spare bedroom. The AV system is in the living room/dining room combo downstairs; 3 walls are exterior walls, concrete slap floor, and cathedral ceiling (no access from above).The spare bedroom upstairs does share an interior wall with the dining room section, so I plan to come through that wall, down along a corner, then along the baseboard to the other side of the room to reach the AV rack. The shared wall is above the right door opening in this pic
Assuming I'm understanding the problem, what about running inside wall to right of doorway between rooms, RJ45 receptacles at same height off floor as elec. receptacles both rooms. Then run patch cables from recep to router in spare room and recep to streamer in living area? I guess I'm just thinking about the cable running down the corner and across doorway opening. Even in our old house that just wouldn't be something I could live with, but that's me.FWIW, I was a wireless near-hater until I installed a better network system which has performed flawlessly...enough to make me think about prior position on hard wiring.
