Recommended network components
Posted: 2021-09-07 13:31
While waiting for the first batch of Källa to be delivered, we've been doing a lot of tests on various networks. So I have a lot of things to report and will continually post them in this thread.
* First of all, Källa has worked flawlessly in every network we've used it in. You simply connect it, switch it on and it's ready to use. There's nothing to configure or optimize unless you really want to.
* For those who wish to optimize performance, there are a number of details that affect the musical quality. Most are not specific to Källa, but make a difference with all digital music streamers.
* Källa specific parameter that can be optimized: Setting a fixed IP.
I recommend that once Källa is switched on and has connected to the network, you find its network address by surfing to the router (opening a browser window and entering its network address) and check which devices are connected. Then you surf to the adress of Källa, to enter its web interface. Choose "Settings" and set a fixed IP adress (either reserved in the router or far outside its range of automatically generated adresses). Then restart Källa. Now it's no longer running DHCP and sounds a little better.
* Källa specific parameter that can be optimized: Choice of control point.
I recommend you choose a control point from the top of this list: https://www.lejonklou.com/forum/viewtop ... 423#p56423
* General network parameter that can be optimized: Choice of router.
All digital music streamers are affected by the choice of router. They simply all sound a little different and we haven't found any pattern that can help in the choice of router. This was first discovered many years ago using Naim and Linn streamers and it seems no consensus has been reached, partly because the network is of such general importance to our households that we choose a router that works well, has enough physical range, is fast enough, etc. This forum might prove helpful for those who wish to optimize this parameter.
* General network parameter that can be optimized: Using a switch.
The use of a network switch between the router and the digital music streamer is usually beneficial to the musical performance of the streamer. All switches sound a little different and a very popular model is the Netgear GS-108T. It should be powered from a separate strip or mains outlet than the HiFi system. Powering the router and a NAS from the same strip as the switch works fine. We have found that in most networks, the same arrangement is beneficial also for Källa. In a few cases the switch hasn't provided an improvement to Källa's musical performance, but we are unsure of exactly when this is the case (it might have to do with which and how many other units are connected to the router). So the recommendation is to use a separately powered GS-108T and simply compare this with connecting Källa directly to the router. It's likely you'll keep the switch.
We have evaluated a couple of WiFi-to-Ethernet devices, which could replace the switch. Källa would then connect to this device with a cable and the device connects to the router through WiFi. This arrangement is likely to perform worse in most networks than the use of a switch.
* General network parameter that can be optimized: Ethernet cables.
Källa is affected by the model and length of Ethernet cables in exactly the same way as other digital music streamers are. The discussions and evaluations of these cables are found in other threads on this forum. The best Ethernet cable I have is an old and very inexpensive 3 m long Microconnect (no longer available). Blue Jeans CAT6a in ~2.5 m length are really good and there are a few expensive cables that perform well. As always in the cable business: Never make any assumptions, there is zero correlation between price and musical performance, always judge by comparing and using the Tune Method.
* First of all, Källa has worked flawlessly in every network we've used it in. You simply connect it, switch it on and it's ready to use. There's nothing to configure or optimize unless you really want to.
* For those who wish to optimize performance, there are a number of details that affect the musical quality. Most are not specific to Källa, but make a difference with all digital music streamers.
* Källa specific parameter that can be optimized: Setting a fixed IP.
I recommend that once Källa is switched on and has connected to the network, you find its network address by surfing to the router (opening a browser window and entering its network address) and check which devices are connected. Then you surf to the adress of Källa, to enter its web interface. Choose "Settings" and set a fixed IP adress (either reserved in the router or far outside its range of automatically generated adresses). Then restart Källa. Now it's no longer running DHCP and sounds a little better.
* Källa specific parameter that can be optimized: Choice of control point.
I recommend you choose a control point from the top of this list: https://www.lejonklou.com/forum/viewtop ... 423#p56423
* General network parameter that can be optimized: Choice of router.
All digital music streamers are affected by the choice of router. They simply all sound a little different and we haven't found any pattern that can help in the choice of router. This was first discovered many years ago using Naim and Linn streamers and it seems no consensus has been reached, partly because the network is of such general importance to our households that we choose a router that works well, has enough physical range, is fast enough, etc. This forum might prove helpful for those who wish to optimize this parameter.
* General network parameter that can be optimized: Using a switch.
The use of a network switch between the router and the digital music streamer is usually beneficial to the musical performance of the streamer. All switches sound a little different and a very popular model is the Netgear GS-108T. It should be powered from a separate strip or mains outlet than the HiFi system. Powering the router and a NAS from the same strip as the switch works fine. We have found that in most networks, the same arrangement is beneficial also for Källa. In a few cases the switch hasn't provided an improvement to Källa's musical performance, but we are unsure of exactly when this is the case (it might have to do with which and how many other units are connected to the router). So the recommendation is to use a separately powered GS-108T and simply compare this with connecting Källa directly to the router. It's likely you'll keep the switch.
We have evaluated a couple of WiFi-to-Ethernet devices, which could replace the switch. Källa would then connect to this device with a cable and the device connects to the router through WiFi. This arrangement is likely to perform worse in most networks than the use of a switch.
* General network parameter that can be optimized: Ethernet cables.
Källa is affected by the model and length of Ethernet cables in exactly the same way as other digital music streamers are. The discussions and evaluations of these cables are found in other threads on this forum. The best Ethernet cable I have is an old and very inexpensive 3 m long Microconnect (no longer available). Blue Jeans CAT6a in ~2.5 m length are really good and there are a few expensive cables that perform well. As always in the cable business: Never make any assumptions, there is zero correlation between price and musical performance, always judge by comparing and using the Tune Method.