Advice on Optical Ethernet Conversion

Hey @mitch2 

Thanks for the detailed reply. I happen to have the exact switch you linked to.

In your experience, are you saying that you didn’t notice an SQ improvement/difference in using the opticalModule vs running the Trendnet switch direct via fibre?

Best, JAMES

@sns 

Thanks for taking time to run through your setup/process. Valuable information!

I’m leaning toward the opticalModule as the FMC, plugged directly into my 
Lumin U2.  I do have a Stack Audio SmoothLAN, which I would experiment adding to the chain before the OM.  Not sure if it would add to the SQ or be redundant with the OM..?

Best, JAMES

Hi @sns 

Great information, many thanks.

I'm going to try running two optical 'moats', first one from the modem to a TrendNet 4-port switch w SFP going to my Cisco Catalyst 2960 via fibre//2 10Gtek SMCs.

The second one would be a Stack Audio SmoothLAN from the Cisco, feeding an FMC (perhaps the opticalModule?), and this would go via fibre cable to the Lumin, with two 1318 Finisar SMCs.

Then I could run my computer LAN by connecting a TP Link switch to the TrendNet (via RJ45), or from the Cisco.

* Would it be best to plug in the wifi into the TrendNet, even though it will be a hub that feeds the audio system LAN?  Or should it be connected to the downstream computer LAN TP-Link switch?

Any advice/comments welcome.

Best, JAMES.

Thanks for your comment, @sfpeloton 

I meant to circle back to say I ended up purchasing the OpticalModule Deluxe with a SGC linear power supply.  In testing it with the cheaper FMC, I would say the audible difference was marginal, but the overall quality seemed more refined.  And, it seems that part of this hobby is checking off boxes: so even if it's not a dramatic improvement, you know you've got that area of your system covered with a quality piece.

I also took @sns advice, and added LPS to my router and have split my network into computer side and audio only.

Finally, I just acquired a Bricasti M3 to replace my Benchmark DAC3 -- and that is proving to be a meaningful upgrade.  Really enjoying the music more now.

Best, JAMES.

@sfpeloton 

I’m loving the M3.  It’s a significant improvement to my system. Very musical and articulate.

I run the OM via fibre direct into a Lumin U2, then to the Bricasti via Lumin’s dedicated USB port.  My M3 doesn’t have the Ethernet option.

im looking forward to experimenting further with DSD upsampling, just to see how the M3 DSD sounds versus USB.  Fun!

Best, JAMES

@sfpeloton 

Yes, the Lumin/Bricasti seems to be a lovely pairing.  Really enjoying it.

Took a look at your system page - nice stuff!  For DSD playback, did you have to set Roon to play DSD over DoP?  I tried sending native DSD via upsampling on the Lumin, but the Bricasti wouldn't play it back.  I'm thinking it's because my M3 doesn't have the MDx upgrade board in it (yet).  Going to reach out to support to see if I can get it working.

Speaking of box-checking, curious about your experience with the Mundorf cable.  That's from your LPS to the OM?  Did you feel it improved the SQ?  If so, can you describe the improvement?  Thanks.

Best, JAMES.

@sfpeloton 

Thanks for the detailed response regarding your LPS adventures.

I've got a cheap 'n cheerful Topping LPS powering two switches: a TP Link for the computer network/wifi stuff, and a TrendNet switch for the audio side.

After experiment with a host of configurations for creating a fibre moat, I ended up using the fibre output from the TrendNet switch into the fibre on my old Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch.  Then copper ethernet out from the Cisco (via a SmoothLAN which may be overkill) into the OM deluxe, which then sends fibre via 2 1318 Finisar SMCs.  Phew!

Kind of a double moat, but it seems to sound the most musical and open of all the combos I tried.  Not sure @sns would agree with my selection, but I bet he'd applaud my efforts, haha!

@mitch2  Sure is a crazy hobby, ain't it!

Best, JAMES.

Also forgot to mention, don't have an LPS on the fibre modem...had issues with a previous modem that died after 6 months, with an LPS attached.  I like my fibre internet, and don't wanna risk messing it up!

@sns Would you have information about the Mundorf silver/gold DC cables?  I see there are various gauges/types available.  You DIY-ed the cables, correct?

I would be ordering from Parts Connexion in Canada.

Thanks,

JAMES.