Wifi repeater/extender vs Powerline adapter

[TommyC]

Newbie to network streaming. Trying to get ethernet to my audio room, which is quite a distance from the modem/router. Which option results in better sound quality for streaming Qobuz/Tidal and NAS? Ethernet via wifi repeater/extender or powerline adapter?

 

[audio.bill]

Wifi repeaters/extenders can create some network issues, you'd be better off getting an access point like the one recommended by Upscale Audio for their streamers which require an ethernet connection like Lumins. From their site:

Add quality Wi-Fi to any Lumin with this product from Amazon. In-store tested and capable of handling even DSD 512 flawlessly! TP-Link Wireless N300 2T2R Access Point on Amazon​

Powerline adapters can work, but go against the audiophile objective of limiting high frequency noise in your power. As such you may make the network connection but they can compromise the sound quality of your audio components from the added powerline noise.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Another option might be available if you have cableTV coax installed in the relevant places. See MoCA.

 

[audiobomber]

Wifi repeaters/extenders can create some network issues, you'd be better off getting an access point like the one recommended by Upscale Audio for their streamers which require an ethernet connection like Lumins. From their site:

Add quality Wi-Fi to any Lumin with this product from Amazon. In-store tested and capable of handling even DSD 512 flawlessly! TP-Link Wireless N300 2T2R Access Point on Amazon​

Powerline adapters can work, but go against the audiophile objective of limiting high frequency noise in your power. As such you may make the network connection but they can compromise the sound quality of your audio components from the added powerline noise.

I agree with all of that, and I really like the exterior power supply on that extender. A PSU upgrade will provide a boost in sound quality.

I know the OP didn't ask this but, IME, copper beats wi-fi, and fiber optic beats copper.

 

[TommyC]

Access point option looks good. Is there a model with 2 Ethernet ports? I’ll need one for the Apple TV, another for the streamer. Additionally, when I was doing research on access points, it’s quite confusing. Some routers/extenders can also be put into access point mode?

Unfortunately the room doesn’t have a cable TV coax port.

For the fibre optic option, how does that work? Do I need some kind of fibre media converter? Streaming is not straight forward like putting in a disc and you’re done.

 

[audio.bill]

Access point option looks good. Is there a model with 2 Ethernet ports?

I'm not aware of an access point with multiple Ethernet outputs but they may exist, otherwise adding a switch would be an option.

 

[dminches]

The ASUS mesh access points have 4 ethernet ports.

Obviously running wired ethernet into your room would be the best option.

 

[RDSChicago]

I use a Powernet Adapter into a Cisco switch leftover from my Lumin X1 with 2 Ethernet cables into my Dutch & Dutch 8Cs and have never had a noise issue.