PLC is first line?

[Mohmm]

As a new owner, I am learning the nuances of networking these things with Dialogue. Is it true that the "preferred" connection that Phantom will seek first is PLC?! I have always thought data over house electrical wiring was a relatively poor quality way to handle data - sort of the poor mans Ethernet? I would think WiFi would be higher quality transmission. Is it the stability of wired connection and avoiding interference the goal? I presume if they are wired with Ethernet - at least one leg it would be superior to PLC? And if so, which leg? My problem is that I do not have a cable, nor Ethernet port near my Phantom position. Am I giving up quality relying upon PLC?
Thanks
Scott

As I understand the communication business between Phantoms and Dialog, they use first PLC (or alternatively also Bluetooth) for establishing a connection and for getting ready for streaming.

The streaming is then done via the options that you define. In my case I have all three items wired and part of my LAN. So I can tell the player (MacMini/Roon/Dirac) respectively dialog to send the data by wire, bluetooth or fiberoptic cable. Note that you must configure both Phantoms and Dialog to accept the option that you prefer.

In my case I send a fiberoptic cable to the Dialog, disable Airplay and Bluetooth in both Phantoms and check if they show their ethernet connection. Dialog then receives the music by optical and streams to the Phantoms by ethernet. This allows also for HiRez, which would be downsampled if you used Airplay via Bluetooth (or ethernet).

Conclusion for your problem: try to connect them to your LAN. If not, use the Bluetooth option. PLC is only for initial communication.

Enjoy.

Hi, Mohmm

Do you use a mobile device to control your library on the Mac Mini's Roon?

Thanks.

The MacMini is headless (if urgent I can connect a TV via HDMI, though) and controlled by Screen Sharing from my MacBook or Roon from my iPad.

[Mohmm]

Conclusion for your problem: try to connect them to your LAN. If not, use the Bluetooth option. PLC is only for initial communication.

This is not correct. If you have the Dialog in one socket connected to the router, and two phantoms in other sockets and that is all you have, then PLC will be used for the music transmission between Dialog and Phantoms. In most cases this works very well indeed. If you connect via optical to one phantom, then the other phantom will receive the left or right side of the stereo pair via PLC.

Well, that's what Devialet Support told me a few months ago. Sorry if it's not quite correct.

In my case I hope to avoid PLC by using the mentioned setup.

[K4680]

@jonstatt
Hello, with a phase coupler it does not matter which phases the PLC devices are!

Supports powerline file transfers up to 650 Mbps
Powerline signal on all network phases: L1, L2, L3
Stable powerline signal throughout the house to the electricity meter
Also suitable for intercom systems with communication via mains
For DIN rail mounting in distribution box


As an an example:

[snbeall]

A bit over my head, but isn't something like this integrated into the Phantoms and Dialogue?

[K4680]

Hello, no !!
A passive phase coupler is a device that can transfer powerline signals from one current phase to another.
• Transmits PLC signals over three phases in a three-phase network.
• Powerline adapters connected to different phases can now communicate with each other.
• Fits on a DIN rail.
• Easy installation.
• Bandwidth of the coupling frequency is specially designed for HomePlug or HomePlugAV compatible Powerline adapters.
• Low attenuation of the wanted signal.
• Compatible with Powerline devices from others
Manufacturers.
• Suitable for max. 440V alternating voltage (three-phase current) at 50 / 60Hz.

[snbeall]

My orientation/education is more biological than electrical. To reveal my ignorance, is typical US 110 volt three phase and or applicable?

[streamy]

That is exactly my current scenario - Dialogue ethernet connected to cable modem/router and plugged into power - all in the utility closet where my central home starwired cable/cat5 hub distribution is located. The Phantoms are plugged in the greatroom which is close, but not necessarily on the same circuit (doubtful). Spark says that both Phantoms are PLC connected when working however. I do have problems with one of the Phantoms dropping - especially while streaming Apple Music via Airplay for some reason, but on occasion with Tidal.

So I'm trying to figure out how to get the Dialogue closer to the Phantoms with the hope of getting them all on the same circuit - or better yet on the same power/protector strip (side question: can a single power strip and plug really handle the current draw of two Phantoms at volume 70????!!)

I have no cable outlet or Ethernet in the vicinity of the Phantoms, so not sure how I'd get the Dialogue it's connection to router and internet. Will an Apple Airport wireless Ethernet Bridge work in this situation (although I may admittedly be misunderstanding the Ethernet Bridging principle here). Other suggestions??

I measured with a power meter the consumption of the Gold Phantoms during loud playing (volume 65). One Phantom drew about 300-380 Watts RMS. So you will be fine when setting up a 5.0 or even a 7.0 home cinema system using Phantoms, all connected to the same power strip.

[Jean-Marie]

My orientation/education is more biological than electrical. To reveal my ignorance, is typical US 110 volt three phase and or applicable?

To my knowledge, most US 110V installs will be single phase. 

Jean-Marie

[K4680]

My orientation/education is more biological than electrical. To reveal my ignorance, is typical US 110 volt three phase and or applicable?

To my knowledge, most US 110V installs will be single phase. 

Jean-Marie

Hello, not everywhere! A split-phase electric power is a power supply system commonly used in North America for single-family households and small businesses (up to about 100 kW). It is the AC version of Edison's now historic three-wire DC system. Since there is voltage on two conductors, it is often mistakenly referred to as a "two-phase current system". In fact, however, the same single-phase alternating current is transmitted on both conductors.

[snbeall]

So... still unclear to me... would your proposed phase coupler be applicable and helpful in my new (2006) construction urban multi-unit flat US 110 volt system?