netbook (asset server/spotify) + ndx + ndac

I can't see the benefit of directly wiring the laptop to the NDX. Just run it via your normal router and wired home network then the NDX doesn't rely on the wifi from the laptop (can you use the laptop as an access point in this fashion anyway ? ) for its gateway to the internet. It won't make any difference to sound quality.

James

PS - and welcome to the forum 

wifi router in another room. was going to run a wire,

however the compromise of single wire local enet for upnp server files

& wifi connection for internet radio & spotify seems to work well for me.

was using airport express and enet switch to acheive the same result so less equipment at hifi rack.

Now have no need for airport express,  enet switch box, its extra power supply and 2-off extra enet cables near the hifi, as the NDX can get the internet connection by sharing the netbook wifi connection.

The asset server has a local wired enet connection to ndx via single lead.

Anybody else running spotify & Asset on PC with enet connection to NDX via Asset UPNP server?

Previously I used a Halide design bridge USB to SPDIF lead.

Forgot to mention

am using the netbook as a permanent UPNP server.

So left powered with lid closed next to NDX.

Use other PC's for other duties & wifi UPNP  control points.

Very rarely now loose the connection between NDX & server.

Can now have spotify & asset running continusly on the Netbook.

Can leave Spotify running a selection of preferred music.

Can switch between my FLAC ripped files, internet radio  & spotify selection at will via my hand remote.

Spotify seems to benefit from ethernet connection to NDX rather than USB to SPDIF conversion route.

That seems to rather defeat the purpose of the NDX if you've got the laptop right next to it. If there is no need to have the computer next to the hi-fi then take advantage of this and move it elsewhere. I've never had any trouble with my NDX losing connection with my server and this is with a more conventional hard wired network setup ( NDX, Server and NAS) on a separate switch with a single connection to the router for Internet / wireless control point (iPhone / iPad) access. 

Will get the NDX wired direct to modem/wifi router switch at some point.

However for now this seems my best compromise.

The wifi signal is working well for spotify & internet radio.

The flac files have a better wired connection.

24/192 did not work well across wifi.

The direct local LAN connection appears to sound better than when using a switch.

Have not done proper comparison. But the sound appears to have stepped up a notch since using this configuration.

Am also happy to get Spotify using the enet connection to NDX.

There is a pleasing consistancy of sound now using all streamed sources.

Yes I agree it may defeat the pupose of the NDX having the Netbook next to it.

However, with this configuration the overall sound is much better than I have acheived previously.

+1 although I'm sure the Mrs would love a netbook next to my hi fi in the lounge

No trouble either with conventional hard wired set up as per James N -  for me this is optimum

Agreed.  Just get the Naim DAC with the best PS you can afford.

+1 on running Asset on WHS. (Windows Home Server). It just works. It's headless and sits silently, efficiently month after month with no human intervention required at all. If you can use a micro PC withit as well, even better...

Btw, to anyone hearing SQ changes with using different switch port devices, you are almost certainly hearing the effects of common mode RFI intermodulation distortion. You might want to therefore put some ferrite chokes clamped on your Ethernet patch leads close by your NDX and switch, this might remove some of these SQ differences. Also keep your patch leads clear from mains leads and interconnects.

Simon

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What benefits would i get if i switch from win 7 to windows home server?

Will try the ferrite chokes when I eventiually need to re-introduce the local enet  switch.