Maximizing AQ with Networked AVR's and Lossless Files

[Van G]

I'm looking at a upgrading AVR to one of the current mid-upper networked AVR's from Denon, Pioneer, or Yamaha but I'm trying to understand the path of a lossless audio file when I'm using a tablet across wifi to control the music library.

My assumption is that I want to get the lossless file to the AVR digitally (untouched) so the better dac's can do their work.

Are all digital storage and paths created equal?

My scenario:
I will be able to connect all devices to a gigaswitch, and remote connectivity is 802.1n. The current devices are: AVR, PS3, PC

Connected via HDMI to the AVR are PS3, Bev Sat HDPVR

All my equipment is in a media closet (basement) in our HT room. I will be putting one or two sets of stereo speakers on the main floor for the second zone

My question:

I want to be able to use a tablet to control the AVR and music library. I've seen the manufacturer appz for iPad's and web control but I don't know which solution is best for using music library?

If I use iTunes, for example, off of an iPad and it is connected to the files on the PC via DNLA, when I play a track -> what path does that file take to get to my speakers?

Bottom line question is how do I get the best AQ out of the AVR when controlling music library through tablet but still have a 'rich' experience (browsing album art, animated scroll, blah blah blah)?

Can it be done with what I have an software?
USB connected drive to AVR?
Do I have to spend money on hardware like Sonos?

Van G

 

[highfigh]

I'm looking at a upgrading AVR to one of the current mid-upper networked AVR's from Denon, Pioneer, or Yamaha but I'm trying to understand the path of a lossless audio file when I'm using a tablet across wifi to control the music library.

My assumption is that I want to get the lossless file to the AVR digitally (untouched) so the better dac's can do their work.

Are all digital storage and paths created equal?

My scenario:
I will be able to connect all devices to a gigaswitch, and remote connectivity is 802.1n. The current devices are: AVR, PS3, PC

Connected via HDMI to the AVR are PS3, Bev Sat HDPVR

All my equipment is in a media closet (basement) in our HT room. I will be putting one or two sets of stereo speakers on the main floor for the second zone

My question:

I want to be able to use a tablet to control the AVR and music library. I've seen the manufacturer appz for iPad's and web control but I don't know which solution is best for using music library?

If I use iTunes, for example, off of an iPad and it is connected to the files on the PC via DNLA, when I play a track -> what path does that file take to get to my speakers?

Bottom line question is how do I get the best AQ out of the AVR when controlling music library through tablet but still have a 'rich' experience (browsing album art, animated scroll, blah blah blah)?

Can it be done with what I have an software?
USB connected drive to AVR?
Do I have to spend money on hardware like Sonos?

Van G

I don't deal with Pioneer or Yamaha, but I sell Denon and starting with the AVR-3311CI/AVR-991, the receiver has an ethernet port and you can control it from your browser. You can control Zone 2 separately from the Main zone and you can save each to your browser's Favorites/Bookmarks list. You can also save the receiver's setup configuration to a file on a compute that's connected through the receiver's IP address. They have USB ports, RS-232 (for two way control), using a URC PSX2 and if you have a NAS, you can use that as your server, with the right software. If you put iTunes or some other music server software/application, you can control the music AND the receiver from your browser. The setup for iTunes will require you to select the format (AAC, .wav, etc).

I have a Denon AVR-990 and recently installed a Panasonic DMP-BD65K BD player, which streams Pandora, NetFlix, etc. I'm surprised by the sound quality.

If you want to control iTunes using the iPad, go to the APP store and download Remote, then join the network with the iPad, looking for your iTunes account. Once you find that, you'll be able to control it with the iPad and it's a free app.

 

[Van G]

Thanks highfigh. I'll check out the URC gear.

If the iTunes library resides on a network connected drive (could be USB plugged into router or AVR, PC drive on network) and you are controlling that library with the iPad for zone whatever, what path does the file take to the AVR before going analog to amplifier? Would the lossless file go untouched to the AVR for conversion?

What source would the AVR be set to/using?

 

[highfigh]

Thanks highfigh. I'll check out the URC gear.

If the iTunes library resides on a network connected drive (could be USB plugged into router or AVR, PC drive on network) and you are controlling that library with the iPad for zone whatever, what path does the file take to the AVR before going analog to amplifier? Would the lossless file go untouched to the AVR for conversion?

What source would the AVR be set to/using?

It goes over ethernet, so it would be in the digital domain. If you want, you could always use an Apple Express to go into the AVR's optical input. That's a really easy way to send iTunes to a receiver.

ParadigmDog had a Denon receiver with his NAS connected to his router, IIRC. Do a search for this in the archives and you should find more info.

 

[jinjuku]

I don't deal with Pioneer or Yamaha, but I sell Denon and starting with the AVR-3311CI/AVR-991, the receiver has an ethernet port and you can control it from your browser.

Yep, doing that with my Denon 4308ci... About time audio manufacturers stepped up and into the 21st century.

 

[highfigh]

Yep, doing that with my Denon 4308ci... About time audio manufacturers stepped up and into the 21st century.

With the low cost of a NIC, I can't see why just about everything doesn't have one. If a $39 Apex DVD player had one 5 years ago, there's no reason a $500 receiver shouldn't. Once the apps are done, it should be trotted out in every media outlet possible. I set up that Pana DMP-BD65K last weekend and I'm really digging Pandora. I used it a few times on my computer but the sound quality is good enough that I'd rather just stream it through the system. I have been putting off buying a NAS for media because I don't buy movies, or rent them very often. I have a ReQuest music server, so I don't really need it for that and since none of my customers have asked about it, I haven't had any urgency. I think I'll get one just to play with it, though. That, and my desktop computer's HD is so small that when I loaded iTunes and synched it with the server, I only had 990MB of space left.

 

[Van G]

I was a Pandora junkie right up until they drew the line between Canada and the US! Some other alternatives have come up so all is not lost.

I've learned that what I'm trying to do is deliver 'bit perfect,' and that not all digital paths are created equal..... Lord help me

Did an initial search for ParadigmDog and could not track down the username but I'll dig a little deeper.

USB NAS, USB drive connected to AVR, or files off PC would be ideal if I can get the audio quality.

Airport Express or Apple TV connected to AVR (HDMI) will deliver 'bit perfect' to the AVR? I've also read the Sonos ZP-90 via HDMI will do the same ($$$) but am searching for real world reviews.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Did an initial search for ParadigmDog and could not track down the username but I'll dig a little deeper.

ParadigmDawg

btw: Try last.fm

 

[Van G]

I did find ParadigmDawg and I'm sorting through his posts to find the USB connected NAS solution highfigh talked about. Cheers!

 

[Van G]

Still working on this and have a new batch of questions:

Assuming I build out a Win 7 box as MS (Asus A8N-E mobo, Atlhon X2 cpu, 6GB Ram, Radeon 3400 gpu which has HDMI, and various drives to form a RAID array for storage):

- Can I get a bit perfect from the Win 7 box to the AVR, including multi-channel and higher resolution files, through the HDMI port on the Radeon card?

- If I'm using a tablet, for example iPad & iTunes, is it possible to use the library on the Win 7 box and have it travel the 'bit perfect path' discussed above? Sort of like the tablet is a virtual client on the Win 7 box and only sends controls.

 

[digicidal]

Although I have yet to try it (although I will in the next couple of days and report back to you in this thread) the newer Denon receivers not only support playing and controlling a connected iPod through the USB interface but are also supposed to allow direct play off an external HD or flash drive.

Although I'm sure the interface will be absolute crap in comparison to my Album Player touchscreen - if it works decently it would allow me to maintain a separate 2ch setup in another room and still have access to some 'casual listening' selections in the theater room (livingroom).

According to the Denon manual (I have the 4310CI) it should be able to read and play FLAC, WAV, and WMA-Pro as lossless formats and of course MP3s and AAC as lossy formats.

 

[Van G]

digicidal, thanks for the reply.

A couple of the networked AVR's do this but the control of the library is very basic. Basic control of the AVR functions through App or over IP works but you don't get a nice GUI when cruising album art or other media.

Currently I'm looking at either a MacMini/iPad/iTunes/Pure Music or Win 7/PC/tablet/JRiver solution and just connect one of these media servers to the AVR.