Powerline Adaptors

Posted by: Mr Paws on 18 November 2013

Hi Guys,Being fairly new to streaming I'm curious to know what you guys think about the use of Powerline Adaptors?

I currently use two TP Link Adaptors to my newly acquired Unitiqute.

I do use a P'Line from my PC to NAS for transferring files.

The NAS is located upstairs mainly because its a tad noisy.

Would a better sound be achieved with a single run of CaT5/6 ?

cheers..

Posted on: 18 November 2013 by Simon-in-Suffolk

Mr Paws, subjectively yes. Some people, myself included, can hear intermod distortion from RF pollution - usually its a deadening of the sound - and Powerline Adapters cause phenomenal RF pollution. However if you are not sensitive to such things and can hear no difference - then go ahead they might just work for you.

Be advised however, that Ethernet over the mains can provide inconsistent performance depending on which appliances are switched on. Further I am aware of a colleague who since installing Powerline Adapters has had several failures on SMPS at his home. Could be a coincidence however..

I have to be honest I am not a fan - but have tried to be balanced in my response.

Simon

Posted on: 18 November 2013 by charlesphoto

We had power line ethernet when I bought my first Naim, a Nait 5i and CD5i. Sounded terrible and at first asked myself what I had just spent too much money on (used even). Turned up with no music playing it sounded like radio interference, and the sound was practically garbled with music playing. Dramatic change disabling the power line (and then later adding a dedicated 20 amp spur outlet with cryo plug). Of course your experience may be different. Trust your ears.

Posted on: 18 November 2013 by joerand

@charlesphoto,

May I ask the make and model of your cryo outlets?

Posted on: 19 November 2013 by Mr Paws

Thanks for your replies guys.

I think I'll bring my NAS down from upstairs and connect it directly to the Qute and I'll report back soon.

Cheers...

Posted on: 19 November 2013 by charlesphoto

Oh, man, I wish I could remember. It's essentially some guy who does hospital grade outlets himself (U.S.). Relatively inexpensive around $30-35. I'm sure a bit of poking around audiogon you could come up with it. This was three years ago so always a a possibility he's not doing it anymore.

Originally Posted by joerand:

@charlesphoto,

May I ask the make and model of your cryo outlets?

Posted on: 19 November 2013 by charlesphoto

Okay, found it. Not sure if we are allowed to post links, but it's the Porter Port.

Posted on: 19 November 2013 by MangoMonkey

Be interesting to hear what they sound like in comparison to what AVOptions does - Cryo'ed Hubbel. Probably the same thing, but with some extra peace of mind.

Posted on: 19 November 2013 by charlesphoto

The Porters are cryo'd Hubbels that are special order nickel. Probably the same (or better) as AVoptions - minus the premium Naim price.

Posted on: 20 November 2013 by Mr Paws

Power Lines now removed and Baby Naim is sounding smoother and more dynamic now.

Just to refer to others on this thread have been having a chat about Mains Spur / Cryo stuff my music system has a dedicated mains feed but is wired to my consumer unit but I do intend on fitting a dedicated mains outlet when time an redecorating arrives.

Thanks Guys..