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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
mikhailark
337 posts
 

If you could explain how Ethernet protocol benefits from it? Conversion is performed hundreds of time when data travels to you - optical, electrical, satellite, etc. Makes no difference. There is no 'stream' from server to you.

sfpeloton
10 posts
 

@jimboman Congrats on the Bricasti M3, that is what I also have and I like it a lot. As I mentioned previously, I run an ethernet cable directly from the OM into the Mdx network card on the M3. Is that how you are also using your OM? For me the OM sounded better than the Etherregen, but it seems like for your system/network, the results were less significant. Yes, checking the boxes seems to be what happens sometimes and at least now you know you have that part sorted.

Hope you enjoy your Bricasti!

jimboman OP
102 posts
 

@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
10 posts
 

Got it. Your OM is on the upstream side of the fiber whereas mine is on the downstream side and feeds directly into my DAC. That probably explains some of the differences we are observing. Your Lumin probably does a very good job of feeding a clean signal to the M3.  

jimboman OP
102 posts
 

@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.

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