Melco Audiophile NAS

[Gandharva]

(20-09-2018 12:39)simoncn Wrote:  

(18-09-2018 05:43)masseur_ichi Wrote:  My goal is to pair my Melco N1Z with a Chord Qutest Dac, controlling the Melco through an app, while keeping them off the internet and the main router. I understand that it may be possible to do so using two different methods: (1) with a direct CAT cable to a travel router or (2) connect Melco with a CAT cable to a power Ethernet adapter (plug into a receptacle); connect router to another power Ethernet adapter (plus into a receptacle); the two power Ethernet adapters establish protocol themselves through electrical wires.

1. If I were to pursue method 1, can I use a Netgear N300 Wireless router WNR2000v4 (which is what I have)? A major Melco dealer recommends a TP-Link AC750 Travel Router for connecting the Melco to a network music server. Should I get the TP-Link instead?

2. If I pursue method 2, can I use a Zyxel Pass-Thru Ethernet Adapter AV1000 1000 Mbps Powerline 2-port Gigabit 2-Pack?

3. Of the two methods, which is likely to be better in terms of ease of use and SQ?

4. Also, do I need any hardware other than the Melco, Chord Qutest, and connecting device to use a controlling app like Minimserver?

I would appreciate your thoughts and guidance in this matter. Please note I am brand new to the world of computer audio and know very little, possibly even less.

With method 2, there could be electrical noise passing down the Ethernet cable from the "downstream" powerline adapter to the Melco. These devices can be noisy and the sound quality might be worse than using an Ethernet cable to connect the Melco directly to your router. The only way to find out is to try it.

With method 1, you are creating a second wireless network just for the Melco/MinimServer and your UPnP control point. Depending on what device and software you are using as your UPnP control point, this might be inconvenient as this device wouldn't have internet access or be able to access devices on your your main network.

An alternative is to use a variation of method 2 with an optical cable providing the isolation instead of the powerline adapters. It would be a good idea to use a linear power supply for the "downstream" optical-to-Ethernet adapter to minimise electrical noise. I am doing this and the results have been good for me.

I use the TP-LINK portable router. It works well but I struggle to hear any real difference in sound quality against the normal router. As Simon suggests, if can be a nuisance not having Internet access.