Best wired solution for multiple zones

[darascal]

I really enjoy being able to play the same music off my Mini in my living room & bedroom simultaneously. I'm currently doing so via Airport Express in my bedroom, but I'm growing frustrated with its lack of reliability. And I assume it is a weak link in my sq chain. Is there a good wired solution for this and retain high sound quality?

 

I believe I would need about a 50' run of whatever cable/wire. Is ethernet the way to go? How would this be achieved? I assume a second computer in the bedroom is required?

 

Clueless & curious,

Rascal

 

[Audio_ELF]

Have you tried Wiring the Airport Express - a lot of people with problems have found using wired connection solves them.

 

Eloise

 

[darascal]

No, haven't tried this, but how do you mean - ethernet from Extreme or from Mini to Express? Would any type of ethernet cable suffice, or is special attention to cable quality required? Any suggestions?

 

Thanks, Eliose

Rascal

 

[Audio_ELF]

If possible, I'd run one ethernet cable from your MacMini to the Airport Extreme (router) and a second from MacMini to Airport Express (player). Standard cat5 cables

 

If you can only manage one cable, then MacMini to Airport Express is best option.

 

Eloise

 

[DavidL]

that wiring by ethernet from computer to an Airport Extreme turned a flaky wireless network into one that is 100% reliable. [My wireless transmission is picked up by an Apple TV 15m away - this is hardwired (optically) to my DAC.)]

 

David

 

[DaveWA]

I just ran some cat5 connecting my time capsule router to my mini in the living room. A whole set of problems were eliminated. No more losing the mini from the network requiring a restart, much quicker response when using screen sharing, and now coverflow works when previously it didn't. I was ready to buy a sonos before I spent ten bucks on some cat5 and now am happy.

 

Dave

 

[darascal]

Thanks y'all. Wiring mini to extreme will be easiest first step. Though I'm not quite clear on how that will improve express drop-outs. Does wireless signal go from mini to extreme to express?

 

Seems wiring from mini to express would give me a pretty faultless connection. If I had that, I'm not clear what the mini-to-extreme wiring will give me, audio-wise. Except maybe guaranteeing no interference while playing internet radio. AFAIK, I'm only using internet on the mini for Pandora & software updates.

 

Thanks so much for the input. I'll try these steps. But won't the Express still be limiting my SQ? Should I think eventually about removing it from the chain, or will it make little difference? How would I replace then Express' functionality - ethernet to a computer & somehow computer out to the dac? Airfoil Speakers or some such thing. Overkill?

 

Thanks,

Rascal

 

[Audio_ELF]

You ask if your AirPort Express is the limiting factor in Sound Quality - well that all depends what equipment you are connecting it to and how you are connecting it.

 

Depending on exactly how you have your Wireless networking devices connected - you may find that your networking signals go ...

 

MacMini --> AirPort Extreme --> AirPort Express

 

Multiple wireless signals will always have the potential to degrade the SQ due to dropouts, etc. If you have to use wireless, try to only use one computer - AirPort Express. You didn't say - but are the files stored on your computer or via network from NAS?

 

I wouldn't rush to replace the AirPort Express as there is little which has the potential for better sound (greater than 16/44.1) without spending a lot of money. Sonos may give superior results because of it's wireless mesh technology - but the sound quality will be similar.

 

Eloise

 

[darascal]

Thanks Eliose,

 

What I meant that, assuming I switch my current wireless setup to a wired one (let's say mini wired to express & mini wired to extreme), won't the extreme still limit sound quality? (Not sure why this would be the case, but I've heard of it referred to as more of a mid-fi piece of gear.)

 

My files are stored on an external HD connected via firewire to the mini (though I'll probably replace the HD w/ a Drobo sometime). The express is connected via optical to a MF V-DAC. For now I'm sticking to 16/44.1 files and focusing on upgrading my hardware. But if there's no better alternative to the express sq-wise, guess I'll be content to stick with it and focus on upgrading my amp & speakers.

 

Thanks again,

Rascal