Streaming problem with hi-res files

Posted by: HardBop on 02 August 2018

Hi, hopefully someone may be able to shed light on a problem. I have used chromecast audio over the last 2 years for streaming via Qobuz (16 bit) and local streaming from my PC via Plex media server. CCA is ethernet connected from router into nDac. Over this time local streaming has worked well with downloaded 16 bit and hi-re files up to 24/192 and ripped CDs.

However, over the last 2 weeks locally streamed 24/88 files and upwards have been marred by a short (typically 1 second break), which is repeated a few times over a typical track. This does not happen with 24/44.1 or 24/48 files. Clearly, it sounds as though it is an issue related to file size. I have actually downsampled a few tracks from 24/192 and 24/96 to 24/48 and they play faultlessly. 

To try and understand why this has happened I have done a factory reset with CCA, no change. The problem is also replicated on both android and IPad which I use to navigate the music. However, no problem if I play the hi-res music via Plex through the PC itself. I wondered if the router may be the culprit? Rebooted it, no different. Also contacted Talk Talk (it's a Talk Talk router) and they've indicated everything appears to be running ok. Whilst I've only had this router since March, as I said earlier, the problem has only surfaced in the last 2 weeks. Internet speed is not great (typically 5mbs download) but this hasn't really changed over the last 2 years. And this speed should be able to manage hi-res audio. In addition the house does not particularly use other devices which could effect its use.

So I'm left scratching my head. Any thoughts...and possible solutions! 

Thanks.  

Posted on: 02 August 2018 by Simon-in-Suffolk

could be a 101 issues. Try using a switch rather than the switchports on your home broadband router .. at least that will start to narrow things down. 

Posted on: 02 August 2018 by gert

Have you powered off and on the chromecast audio stick? Maybe it has a problem?

Maybe it helps if you disconnect and reconnect all LAN cables?

Is the connection between Chromacast and the DAC ok? Maybe reconnect this one, too?

Simon's idea to use a switch is good to check if the router was the problem.

Such network or whatever problems can be very frustrating. 

Posted on: 02 August 2018 by HardBop

Thanks. Pardon my ignorance but what do you mean by a "switch" rather than the "switch ports"?

Posted on: 03 August 2018 by nbpf
HardBop posted:

Hi, hopefully someone may be able to shed light on a problem. I have used chromecast audio over the last 2 years for streaming via Qobuz (16 bit) and local streaming from my PC via Plex media server. CCA is ethernet connected from router into nDac.

...

This means that your CCA is wired to the router via an ethernet adapter. Could you try connecting the CCA to the router over the wireless insted? If the issue disappears then, as Simon suggests, you should probably connect the ethernet adapter (and your PC) to the router via a switch.

Posted on: 03 August 2018 by gert
HardBop posted:

Thanks. Pardon my ignorance but what do you mean by a "switch" rather than the "switch ports"?

I am not sure which question you exactly have, but I try to answer...

A switch is a multi socket for LAN connections. So it offers multiple ports to connect multiple LAN cables. The router has such a switch build in. But if the router makes some network trouble it could be a solution to take it out of the way of the music data flow. So connect the e.g. NAS to the switch and connect the CCA to the switch. With this the data is not flowing across the router. Also connect the router to the switch so you still have internet access from the devices that are connected to the switch.

Posted on: 03 August 2018 by Beachcomber

What of the differences between a  switch and a hub?  I can imagine that might make a difference.

Posted on: 03 August 2018 by DC71

A google search for "unmanaged 4 port switch" will show what you need. Any of those will be plug and play, no setup needed.

Posted on: 03 August 2018 by ChrisSU
Beachcomber posted:

What of the differences between a  switch and a hub?  I can imagine that might make a difference.

A hub is pretty much obsolete, a switch is what you want. They send the packets of data to the correct client device very efficiently, and generally require no configuration. 

Posted on: 03 August 2018 by HardBop

Thanks for the advice, I’ll try as you all suggest.