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Advice on Optical Ethernet Conversion

Hello:

I'm looking for a high-quality convertor for Ethernet to Fibre, for streaming Qobuz to my Lumin U2's fibre input.  I've got two Finisar 1318 SMCs and am running a 40' fibre run.

Specifically, I'm looking at the Sonore opticalModule, the Uptone EtherRegen (version 2 forthcoming, ideally) or the SOtm sNH-10G switch.

All real-world experience with any of these is welcome.  I'd like to know what perceived SQ benefits were realized, ideally.  Personal experience/anecdotes would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance,

JAMES.

jimboman
sns
3,203 posts
 

I've tried myriad streaming setups, present OpticalRendu, OpticalModule, OR powered by JCAT Optimo ATX, OM by Uptone JS2, AfterDark optical cable, Mundorf silver/gold DC cables, Finisar 1475 in both. Optimizing every single little thing in streaming well worth it. I've run OR without OM (generic FMC), lesser power supplies, lesser DC and optical cables and other Finisar FMC. Anyone of these upgrades results in greater resolving powers, transparency, taken together they add up to substantial upgrade.

 

Various switches I've tried have not provided upgrade in sound quality vs. my present gaming router powered by linear power supply with wifi disabled.

 

OM with Finisar 1475, another 1475 in Lumin would be nice start. The 1475 alone is quite an upgrade over lesser Finisar in realm of transparency, resolving capability. Some claim it too revealing, if that case you have issues elsewhere in streaming setup.

 

 

mitch2
3,968 posts
 

SGC currently has sale pricing on the opticalModule.

You can also simply use this switch near your router and output the 40 feet of fiber.

I own both and currently only use the switch to run 45 ft. of fiber into my Signature Rendu SE Optical. I have not heard one sound better than the other. I do use LPS on all peripherals, including modem, router, switches and converters.

jimboman OP
91 posts
 

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

jimboman OP
91 posts
 

@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

mitch2
3,968 posts
 

Yes, same result with either the switch or opticleModule, especially when feeding the Signature Rendu SE Optical.

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