Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming Sooloos - Issues with Network

Hi all,

Can I use a straight through cable to connect a Sooloos Ensemble directly to a ID input on a 508 CD player or do I need to use a X-over cable.

Lately I've been having issues with this working as it keeps cutting out when paying from the library.

When I run this through one of the single ended audio out it has no issues so think it is network related.

The fault is intermittent and when browsing the media collection I can see the ID as a output choice but then I see it vanish and then re-appear.

I've moved the Ensemble to the hifi rack to get it closer but it is still using a switch so wanted to eliminate this as the issue.

Thanks

Do you mean Ensemble network direct into IDxx of an 808CD?

If so, possibly, but not sure how you will control the Ensemble other than pre selecting a playlist then using MSR to start/stop/skip. Plus of course no internet for rip or internet radio. But if you are just testing, then might work.

The possibly bit is that for a direct network connection you really should be using a crossover cable (most patch leads are straight) but some (notibly GB connections in some kit) can use a straight connection automatically. If the Ensemble does not show up as a GB connection then you will almost definately need a crossover cable.

Easiest things is to get a crossover cable, although maybe not the easiest this time of year...

Or just an inexpensive basic switch (of known good brand) and use standard patch leads.

Many Thanks Ian
This was the plan, I created a playlist then I was going to start it playing then hit pause on the remote.

In the end I used a second switch but the problem still persists so still non the wiser about what is causing the problem as it could be the Ensemble or the ID41 input on the CD player

So it looks like I may need to speak to a dealer to see if I can 'loan' a MS200 or MS600 and setup the QNAP.

This maybe a stupid question, but where is the "Core" in your system?
Is it on Ensemble?

This subject is not described well in the Meridian literature that I can access on Duncan's Info site.

Hector

No Meridian endpoint uses a GB connection. They are all 100-lan or whatever it's called. Only Cores would go GB, not sure which do exactly.

But I'm still slightly puzzled how this test would really help. Too complicated in itself to rule things out without ruling new things in...

Why don't you start again and explain exactly what your kit is and what your problem is.

Ensemble is a core and store hence uncertainty whether it is GB or 10/100 which in general dictates whether NIC supports auto MDI/MDIX crossover support. You will know instantly whether neither end supports it.

Sounds like the test did not reveal anything new. It's a perfectly valid soak test, absolutely minimilist network rules out anything network related except that built into the 2 NIC's concerned. Had a crossover cable been available, or one end supported auto MDI/MDIX, it could have reconfigured on the fly and if quick enough, potentially without music interruption - hardly complex and pretty standard practice in IT when testing networks.

So after the test, there is definately an intermittent issue with ensemble and/or ID4x. Pretty conclusive if you ask me.

Yes the Core is the Ensemble

But I've identified the issue as the ID41 card so I'll contact Meridian to see what to do next (see next posts as I'll post an update).

It removed the network from the equation (perhaps more complicated than most and yes unnecessarily so)
Yes and I'm sure it is the ID41 (took a while but I got there)

It keeps disappearing from the Control:PC software causing the software to stop playing tracks intermittently while it relists the available outputs. This is why initially I though it was the old Ensemble playing up as this started when using the Control:PC software on my main computer.

And perhaps I did use this as an excuse to get a new QNAP to use as a possible core to replace the Ensemble.

So I'll have to contact Meridian to see what the possible solutions are unless But I'm going to see if I can convince my local dealer to 'lend me' a MS200 to confirm for certain.

Thanks

I have a complicated Internetwork.

Have you run Sooloos Configuration v31 in your PC/Laptop?

Are all the Ensemble endpoints and ID41 present? You mentioned that you have a complex network. Do you have a fixed IP address to Ensemble and ID41?

Your system at the moment has only one available core and that is the Ensemble. One problem that I had with my old Ensemble in the past was when its internal battery died (it created all sorts of problems). It might be a good idea to replace the internal battery of the Ensemble first (or ask your dealer to do that), then give a static IP to the ID41 and the Ensemble with Sooloos Configuration v31 reboot Ensemble/ID41 and try again.

Of course moving to a QNAP is the best solution since you'll have another core (faster than the existing one), more space than the Ensemble supports and space for backups.

Regards George

Yes

Battery is on order but if I turn off the ID41 the issue stops and the Control:PC on the PC works with out issue

TBH I've had no issues with the Ensemble and I'm not even close to using half the 1TB drive so space isn't an issue (have about 30TB of available storage if I can be bothered to turn it all on) but yes I understand your point and I do think that this will be the 'end' solution once the ID41 issue is resolved.

Regards