Before upgrading to Bridge II, I want to ask anyone who has been using it with a router on a *single Windows computer if there have been any problems, technical or sonic. I’ve been told that it works well with Macs, but after my less than satisfactory technical experience (instability) with ethernet between DS/Bridge I and a router, I want to double check first. Since abandoning Bridge I, I’ve used a nice USB setup with the DS, which has not only been stable, but a sonic improvement as well. If via ethernet I could simplify things and get better sound in the bargain, that would be great.
About ethernet cables: With the Bridge I and my then router (Windows 8/8.1 desktop), I found they made a noticeable sound difference. In order, the quality was Audioquest Vodka > Meicord > Blue Jeans > Monoprice > OEM. So now Paul and some others say the cable no longer makes a difference with Bridge II, and Paul has explained why in his blog. But me being a touch obsessive, I note they’re all using MACs. So I better ask: Windows too? Thanks,
I have been using a dedicated windows Netbook with a router>Ethernet>BridgeII with no network problems. I used to have “instability” issues until I replaced my router. Originally, I assumed that the weak link was the Netbook, so I removed all nonessential programs and all startups, but the issue was the router. I purchased a Netgear Nighthawk router for $200.00 at Best Buy. Since then, I have had no network issues (I do continue to experience an occasional JRiver server glitch, but for the most part JRiver is stable).
Note: I do still experience a glitch with BridgeII that has been reported when switching between different resolutions, especially with 24/192 files.
Thanks, timequest. I assume you’re talking about the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 version. I’ve upgraded routers to an Archer AC1750/C8 since my Bridge I experience. I use JPlay with a few players - Bug Head, Album Player 2, Kazoo/Minimserver and foobar - so JRiver is not an issue. But that switching between resolutions does worry me a bit because I had problem with the Bridge I UPnP connection dropping out switching between albums, be they CDs or file compilations. Most all of what I have is in the 24/44.1 to 24/96 range.
rogerdn said
Yes I had disconnects too with B1 and my old router, changing to an Apple Express fixed it and B11 has been stable too.
Thanks for the suggestion. I do have an iPad Mini 2, but looking at it from the Windows desktop standpoint (single user, cable modem + router)...
Are you using the Express as the router for a Windows machine? Did you by chance hook up an HDD or SSD to it directly? I ask because all my music files are on one SSD and I’ve heard that one can hook up it up directly to a router’s USB port (with a case of course), but I’ve never done that and don’t know how it would work. Anything else to know? I see Airport Extremes in good used shape are going used on Amazon for a little bit more than the Express. I currently use a TP-Link Archer AC1750/C8 router, which is an upgrade from the Linksys E1200 that was around when I tried Bridge I.
Correction, my router is actually an A Extreme, (I have an Express in another room got names mixed). Yes I use it with a win 7 laptop no issues. No direct connection, I have a Synology NAS for my library and use an IPad for controlling. I can’t answer the SSD access question for sure but if your computer is a Windows, I’m not aware of an app for it, but the iPad one is very user friendly and stable. Not sure why you would rather not use your iPad.
rogerdn said
Correction, my router is actually an A Extreme, (I have an Express in another room got names mixed). Yes I use it with a win 7 laptop no issues. No direct connection, I have a Synology NAS for my library and use an IPad for controlling. I can't answer the SSD access question for sure but if your computer is a Windows, I'm not aware of an app for it, but the iPad one is very user friendly and stable. Not sure why you would rather not use your iPad.
Because if I'm sitting at a desktop, no need to use a Mini, plus I've got only so many hands... My reading just now at Amazon and Apple's sites is that there's an Airport Utility for PCs that allow the latter's use with the Extreme and Express.
highstream said
My reading just now at Amazon and Apple's sites is that there's an Airport Utility for PCs that allow the latter's use with the Extreme and Express.
I use this successfully on my Win7 laptop with my Airport Extreme. In fact I used this to enable bridge mode so it would be a switch as well as to do other things (control wifi, guest network, etc.).
magister, How would it be different with a single user Windows desktop running off a cable modem with a router in between it and the computer? Right now, my TP-Link router is used for a laptop and iPad Mini around the house, but music is primarily listened to via the desktop. Second question: running via the Extreme and the Apple Utility, how does that affect your choice of audio players, if at all? Third question: any idea how all this would work if the music SSD were cabled to the router directly? Thanks,
Note: I do still experience a glitch with BridgeII that has been reported when switching between different resolutions, especially with 24/192 files.
Ben, have you tried selecting “Ignore Transport Events” and “Disable SetNext Support” (right click on the Bridge in JRMC Now Playing and go to the last item on the list and check both items)? That fixed the skipping issue for a lot of us.