Anyone using PC to AVR over Wifi?

[SimplyEpic]

Hello all.
I am starting to look at different ways to use my Marantz SR6014 and have over 24gb of music on my PC that I would like to be able to access as well as in the future some home created tracks of my own. Is anyone using their PC to AVR over Wifi? Just wondering on any experiences or anything I may need to consider.

 

[MalVeauX]

Hi,

I stream movies, music and even games (steam remote play) over my wifi network from one PC to another PC with an AVR on the receiving PC end where the audio is.

To get the best connection, use a 5G capable WiFi router and your network cards (NIC) need to be 5G capable too to be able to get the best, strongest connection that isn't conflicting with literally all other electronics out there. It made all the difference when I rebuilt my in home network.

The PC with the AVR recieving everything is as if it were local content. The key element with WiFi is ensuring the throughput is consistent and high and no latency issues (rare) so that you can stream high bit rate material without it choking somewhere. Otherwise, no different than playing local content. Same quality.

Very best,

 

[slipperybidness]

I think using a PC in this manner is overkill/overly complicated for a modern AVR and/or a modern streaming device!

Example--Denon HEOS works great! My Denons (AVR4400, AVR3300) are on my home network (1 is hard wired, 1 is Wifi), and I have 256Gb SD card in my phone. So, I can simply choose the AVR with my HEOS app, start a playlist, and BAM! audio is on my Denon over WiFi, no PC needed!

If you really want/need a local device, I would be inclined to look to a Raspberry Pi solution, rather than a full-blown PC! RPI is not plug and play, but tutorials are readily available and there are plenty of advantages to that option.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I’ve had great success in apple’s ecosystem going from bedroom PC to LR AVR, and iPhones to and from BR and LR as well.
If you’re not into that, I get it. Not sure of anything more streamlined though. Looks like the others have some good advice too.

 

[SimplyEpic]

Thanks for the input. I think I may look at upgrading my router which is about 4 years old. Both of my PC's were made within the last 6 months and have either Ethernet 2.5gb or the new Wifi 6 to connect and contain local content and plenty of processing power/memory. I originally built them for music editing and production as a hobby which I have just been getting started which is why I ask. I would like to broadcast music that I create to the stereo to see how it sounds as well as for personal enjoyment.

 

[little wing]

I have a PC on the second floor of my home with about 95GBs of WAV files. The PC is connected to my network with a wireless connection. The modem and router are behind my entertainment system so I am able to connect my receiver (Yamaha 3060) with hard wire (ethernet cable). It works great. The sound is basically indistinguishable from actually playing the CD. I too think streaming from one PC to another is not necessary (with my setup anyway). I've learned over the years, the simpler the better.. Again, at least in my experience.

 

[lovinthehd]

Been doing that for quite a while, using Foobar2000 to a variety of devices on my wifi network (all wireless).

 

[Trebdp83]

I had a WD router with 2tb of storage for the My Cloud feature built into it. It was not a great router and I rarely used the My Cloud feature. So, I picked up a new router and switched to storage mode on the WD. I have all of the ripped CD's from my iTunes in it. The receiver and storage device are ethernet connected to the network and I use the Onkyo remote control app on my phone to select music. So, I do not need to bother with the computer or any of the Apple TV's. I only need to power up the receiver If I want to hear some music. I just open the Onkyo app in my phone, tap the power icon, select the NET input icon, select my storage device and then get to my music selections. I can also sit in front of the receiver and do this with the actual remote control but it is not as quick about it as the phone is and I'm usually in another room when I think to turn it on. The receiver's built in network apps sound great. I'm glad for it because I like to simplify things as much as it is possible to do so.