Will this avoid using PLA?

A PLA is a form of wired connection (as opposed to wireless, i.e. WiFi).

I believe you are suggesting

Router

  >

Switch

  >

PLA

  >>

PLA

  >

Switch

  >          +     >

UnitiQute + NAS

Yes that's a wired connection and the switch will keep the NAS > UnitiQute music traffic away from the PLA link (but internet radio and internet streaming will still use the PLA link)

It will reduce any tendency you have to drop-outs caused by the PLA infrastructure, but there will still be the possible issues concerning RFI and RF emissions from PLAs.  It's impossible to say whether you actually have any issues of this type yourself, as the significance varies dramatically form location to location.

Thanks for the reply. It would go;

Router

>

PLA

>

PLA

>

Switch>

>

UnitiQute + NAS

Hopefully it would be better, although I don't have any problems with the PLAs, the general opinion seems to be that a wired connection id better.

Once again thanks for the help.

Hi rn,

Yes, theoretically, that is a slightly better configuration - provided your NAS is quiet enough (mine is, but some are noisy, particularly older ones).  The main advantage is that the switch separates the music traffic from the PLA link.

If you're not getting drop-outs at the moment, then I think any gains will actually be minor, but try it.  No expenditure is required and you may find it sounds better - you certainly don't loose anything by trying it.

@rn that would work, and should work well as far as the LAN, NAS and the streamer is concerned. There should be not to much traffic over the PLA connection which is good, although you might need to watch DHCP, presumably on your router, might be problematic from time to time.

You are right to consider this.. the PLA actually is a broadband wifi type connection using the mains wiring as kind of RF antenna/ wave guide. It shares some of the properties/compromises of conventional wifi.

Simon

Thanks again for the advice. I'll try this later in the week and post how the setup works.

m

FWIW I have a similar set-up using Devolo AV200 adaptors, TP-LINK desktop switch, QNAP NAS in close proximity to my streamer, etc, and it works fine for me.

I wouldn't disagree an ethernet wired connection is preferable but sometimes if an easy, more cost effective, option is available then I'm for it.

Dave

I changed the setup today and it all went ok, everything on the network sees the new location.  I thought I could hear an increase in sound quality but then again I did run a NAP 90 on one channel till I realised one speaker wasn't working. Thanks again for the advice.

To quote the doors on the Heart of Gold (Hitchiker's guide: Infinite Improbability Drive Ship)

"Pleased to be of Service".

Hey rn

I can't help but notice your avatar.  Are you by any chance the owner of a black newfie?

Best regards, FT (owner of a brown one...)