Network Bridge

[jimtranr]

I'm looking down the line to replace my bedroom system's laptop "server" with a dedicated streamer/server (think Aurender, Lumin, etc.) that requires an Ethernet connection. Since, under current conditions, running Ethernet cable to the bedroom from the cable router poses a host of logistical/esthetic issues--Saint Mrs. is patient, but this would likely prove to be (no pun) a bridge too far--can anyone here recommend a wireless-to-Ethernet network bridge setup that minimizes performance compromise and provides operational reliability without breaking my oh-so-fragile penny jar? I envision that in a transmitter-to-receiver configuration, the receiver could be installed within about a 1.5=meter Ethernet cable run to the streamer/server.

Thanks in advance.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by jimtranr

I'm looking down the line to replace my bedroom system's laptop "server" with a dedicated streamer/server (think Aurender, Lumin, etc.) that requires an Ethernet connection. Since, under current conditions, running Ethernet cable to the bedroom from the cable router poses a host of logistical/esthetic issues--Saint Mrs. is patient, but this would likely prove to be (no pun) a bridge too far--can anyone here recommend a wireless-to-Ethernet network bridge setup that minimizes performance compromise and provides operational reliability without breaking my oh-so-fragile penny jar? I envision that in a transmitter-to-receiver configuration, the receiver could be installed within about a 1.5=meter Ethernet cable run to the streamer/server.

Thanks in advance.

Jim,
I think what'll you need is a wireless router (not a network bridge) that also has Ethernet RJ45 jacks (so you can connect to your downstream "streamer" via Ethernet from the router in your bedroom).

This is not what, AFAIK,what is known as a "network bridge", at least in the way we think of it for audio applications. For our applications, a network bridge is device that connects via Ethernet to a network or Ethernet switch via Ethernet cable and then "downstream" to a DAC, usually using USB, as shown...


Regarding your applications for wireless to RJ45: there's a number of possible solutions, including Eero: https://shorturl.at/dgiLV

and Asus: https://shorturl.at/hKMX6

Once that's done and dusted, think about whether you want to implement a "network bridge" (e.g UltraRendu or SOtM) or a "streamer" (e.g. Lumin, Aurender).

I have experience with both the SOtM network bridge and the Lumin U2, so if you are considering those, feel free to reach out. Also had the Aurender N20 in for review, and it's excellent, but it's pretty pricey. Personally, I'd recommend the Lumin U2 streamer because you could also use it with fiber optical connection from your music server computer if you want to, which has a number of notable (in my experience) advantages over using copper Ethernet.

Here's an example with respect to my setup: My Akasa NUC Roon Core code named Alita (as in Alita, Battle Angel) connects via Ethernet cable to EtheREGEN in the remote server room (RSR) . I run optical out from my EtherREGEN in the RSR directly into my Lumin P1 in the listening room via optical. You can do exactly the same thing with a Lumin U2 (in your case it would likely be in the same room).


Another nice feature of the Lumin U2 is it also uses a linear power supply internally.

Also, regarding replacing your laptop with a proper "music server" computer, my suggestion would be to consider something like the SonicTransporter from SGC, or this, which I consider to be a better value, from Adam (aka "Elberoth": https://www.audiogon.com/listings/li...-servers-docks

Feel free to post any other questions or reach out directly via PM. I have lot of experience for these types of set-ups.

Cheers, Jim

[jimtranr]

Thanks, Stephen. Just what I needed...and then some. Much appreciated.

Yeah, "network bridge" was a poor choice of terms. "Wireless repeater" or something along those lines would have been more on target. What I'm looking for is a device that enables communication between controlling app and music server where the server requires an Ethernet connection and my Comcast/Xfinity router lives several walls and a lower floor away.

The U2 would pulverize my penny jar. The Aurender N150 defines my upper limit (and even that might be a stretch), so it, the U2 Mini, and anything comparable within that range are my subjects of interest. Streaming's not a consideration at this point (neither is ROON), as I'm loaded with rips and downloads (which, BTW, are getting a lot more air time with Altaira in the house), so the aim here is to get a "cleaner" front end than the laptop.

Again, thanks for the info.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by jimtranr

The U2 would pulverize my penny jar. The Aurender N150 defines my upper limit (and even that might be a stretch), so it, the U2 Mini, and anything comparable within that range are my subjects of interest. Streaming's not a consideration at this point (neither is ROON), as I'm loaded with rips and downloads (which, BTW, are getting a lot more air time with Altaira in the house), so the aim here is to get a "cleaner" front end than the laptop.

Check out Hifi Rose offerings. Not sure about price comparisons.

[jimtranr]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Check out Hifi Rose offerings. Not sure about price comparisons.

Thanks, Glenn. I'll double-check, but I believe the one that's in the price-range sweet spot includes an internal DAC...which I don't need.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by jimtranr

Thanks, Glenn. I'll double-check, but I believe the one that's in the price-range sweet spot includes an internal DAC...which I don't need.

My recommendation would be to go for the U2 Mini. You can use Lumin's app for streaming, which I find to sound better than Roon, BTW. Also Peter Lie, who manages and provides Lumin's software/firmware updates, provides absolutely superb customer support. Lumin regularly updates their software/firmware and you can use the U2 Mini with number of music server computers running software including MinimSoftware, as well as support for Plex, TIDAL, Qobuz, and TuneIn Radio.

Also, in my experience, the LEEDH digital volume control is the finest volume control I've ever heard. I use it with my P1; I set my Inspiration's volume to unity gain, and fine-tune the final output with the P1's LEEDH.

Here's a link to the specs and features: https://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-u2-mini.html

Cheers.

[jimtranr]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

My recommendation would be to go for the U2 Mini. You can use Lumin's app for streaming, which I find to sound better than Roon, BTW....

Also, in my experience, the LEEDH digital volume control is the finest volume control I've ever heard. I use it with my P1; I set my Inspiration's volume to unity gain, and fine-tune the final output with the P1's LEEDH.

Here's a link to the specs and features: https://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-u2-mini.html

Cheers.

Thanks, Stephen. Very helpful--as always.

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

You can use Lumin's app for streaming, which I find to sound better than Roon.

Interesting. My understanding is/was that Roon had no 'sound' of its own and only controlled the metadata, etc.

[Masterlu]

Jim… Lumin dealer here.

[jimtranr]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Jim… Lumin dealer here.

"The Tempting is strong with this one."