Ethernet Input DACs

[Wombat]

Are there any budget-level ones?

 

[Vincent Kars]

Depends on the definition of Ethernet Input.
If you mean DLNA, the answer is yes
If you mean real time audio over IP (AES67 style) the answer is no.

 

[Fitzcaraldo215]

Are there any budget-level ones?

The obvious question is what is wrong with asynch USB that a more complex and expensive Ethernet implementation would cure?

 

[Old Listener]

The obvious question is what is wrong with asynch USB that a more complex and expensive Ethernet implementation would cure?

USB audio is sooo last year!

High-end audio needs a fresh supply of buzzwords and threats to audio perfection to justify continually swapping gear.

 

[Vincent Kars]

I do wonder if USB in isochronous mode using asynchronous synchronization with either UAC1 or UAC2 is less complex than AES67.

The advantage of Ethernet of course is that one get rid of the 5m length limitation and as it is Ethernet, galvanic isolated by design.

 

[amirm]

The Teac NT series is the most common one I have seen. The problem with it for my use is that it doesn't support Roon.

The cheapest way to get there is to use an external streamer based on Raspberry Pi driving an ordinary DAC over USB.

 

[Soniclife]

The cheapest way to get there is to use an external streamer based on Raspberry Pi driving an ordinary DAC over USB.

Was going to say the same. The advantage of the pi is it can do almost any protocol or app.

 

[gvl]

Some DACs use RJ45 for I2S, but that doesn't make them Ethernet inputs, I suppose...

 

[beeface]

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...1212_0050_amphe_dante_rj45_audio_adapter.html

Power over Ethernet required

 

[astr0b0y]

The problem with it for my use is that it doesn't support Roon.

Latest 505 model apparently is Roon ready although the manual doesn't go into any detail on it. If it is indeed supported by Roon over ethernet it would be one of the least expensive ethernet DACs. They supply Mac ASIO drivers too which is atypical of almost all manufacturers. Must be to support native DSD rather than sending via DoP.

 

[amirm]

Latest 505 model apparently is Roon ready although the manual doesn't go into any detail on it.

That would be excellent if true.

 

[Wombat]

I do wonder if USB in isochronous mode using asynchronous synchronization with either UAC1 or UAC2 is less complex than AES67.

The advantage of Ethernet of course is that one get rid of the 5m length limitation and as it is Ethernet, galvanic isolated by design.

Correct. Cable run distance is 9m.

Apparently, the Google Chromecast Audio can be connected to Ethernet via a simple kit. I'll try that first and compare to wifi.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2418159 - see first post.

https://www.amazon.com.au/UGREEN-Network-Adapter-Chromecast-Ethernet/dp/B0773NKLTD

 

[astr0b0y]

Oppo's 203 and 205 are also ethernet enabled DACs that are Roon ready.

What software are you planning to use to send data to the DAC over ethernet?

 

[Wombat]

Oppo's 203 and 205 are also ethernet enabled DACs that are Roon ready.

What software are you planning to use to send data to the DAC over ethernet?

Oppo isn't 'budget' for me. Initially, I am looking to stream internet music to my analogue stereo system, e.g. radio stations and spotify. HQ later, maybe.

 

[astr0b0y]

Why not just stick with wi-fi?

 

[maxxevv]

Oppo isn't 'budget' for me. Initially, I am looking to stream internet music to my analogue stereo system, e.g. radio stations and spotify. HQ later, maybe.

I have on order a BT 5.0 receiver which has optical and co-axial output to DAC. I should have it in a week or so. Those are possible alternatives for wireless streaming if its 'general listening'. Suspect there will be some quality compromises when it comes to high data rate stuff such as DSD files though.

 

[Wombat]

Why not just stick with wi-fi?

I have read that the Chromecast Audio sounds better with Ethernet.
When I get around to it I,ll check it out - exterior house renovations taking priority ahead of the approaching winter(Southern Hemisphere).

Maybe Amir can check this out when he reviews the Chromecast Audio.

 

[maxxevv]

Oh... I never knew there was an audio version of Chromecast! With a Optical connection too... that's interesting to say the least!

Thanks !

 

[Wombat]

FWIW: Where I read about the 'superior' performance of Chromecast Audio via Ethernet.

https://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/chromecast-audio-observations

also, see post #4 by 'master' re his set-up experience: https://www.computeraudiophile.com/forums/topic/27746-ethernet-input-dacs/

 

[top443]

I don't see any reason for Ethernet to be better than wifi. It uses TCP/IP so the link level protocol should be transparent. The same bits are hitting the dac.