@melm
i must admit i have not used fmc modules just by themselves... in my setup i went to a sonore optical rendu on the receiving end... on the sending end i use an uptone etherregen unit which conveniently has an optical module slot built into it
i also used, prior to that, a quite economical trendnet unmanaged switch with a built-in optical slot in it as well, on the sending side (the trendnet is recommended by andrew gillis at small green computer, from which i bought the optical rendu) - that switch uses a 5v dc feed, so it is easy to also use a quiet lps or filtered swps just ’to be safe’, although in theory noise can exist on that end upstream of the optical conversion
TrendNet Simple Switch with SFP slot
hope that helps
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@sns @jjss49
If I shop around for a pair of FMCs that I'd like to try I see dozens of them at reasonable prices. I presume some are better than others. Is there any one you'd care to recommend?
Thanks.
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In my steaming setup, this some years ago, both WW compared to various models of AQ up to Vodka. In general WW what i'd consider analytical vs all AQ models. For me, all AQ more forgiving, with increased transparency, resolution as you go up the chain. I've now had AQ Vodka for perhaps four years now, never felt a need to try any other ethernet.
@jjss49 I agree megabuck ethernet may be extremely marginal gain, once you get to a certain level, little to be gained, below that well worth it.
Ethernet's greatest liability may be for the ability for RFI to enter through the connectors, or if not shielded well, through the cable jacket. I have Trifield Meter which measures RFI, very high levels of RFI around streaming components So noise not only enters chain from within components generating EMI, also through the air.
One other thing I believe I've never mentioned prior, I run cable modem close to my audio system. Many years ago I discovered much better sound quality running longer coax cable which allowed running better ethernet from modem to router. Bottom line, ethernet cable from modem to router or switch is important.
Also, I have Sonore OpticalModule on order, will be getting Acoustic Network Muon ethernet filter when I get back from vacation. Optimization of both ethernet and fiber continues.
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IMHO, the more I listen to my AQ Vodka Ethernet cable, I am convinced it is markedly superior to the WW Starlight CAT8, which at its price is a great value. The Vodka is more full-bodied and balanced, with dead background silence. At some point, I will try the AQ Diamond vs. the WW Platinum Starlight, but don't want to make myself even crazier just now over Ethernet cables. Neal
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https://www.audiotrends.com.au/wireworld-starlight-8-twinax-ethernet-cable.html?cable_length=754
"The Starlight CAT8 is very different sounding Ethernet cable when compared to my AudioQuest Diamond or Vodka Ethernet cables. The Starlight CAT8 is more extended sounding at the high and low end. This cable has a bit of midrange presence that I liked and didn’t find to be annoying in terms of brightness. The retrieval of high-end detail is outstanding. The midbass of the Starlight CAT8 is very controlled as is the low end. Dynamic contrasts, both micro and macro, are beautifully rendered and very easy to hear. The Audioquest Diamond and Vodka have smoothness at the high end that some, no doubt, will prefer. But I find the Starlight CAT8 to be the more revealing cable. The soundstage rendered by the Starlight CAT8 is the largest I have heard extending far beyond the lateral borders of my speakers. There is also very good depth reproduction if captured on the recording.
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Anyone here ever compare the Starlight 8 Platinum to the Vodka?
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FWIW the WW Platinum Starlight 8 (CAT 8) is substantially better than the WW Starlight 8 (CAT 8) and then some in spades.
Notwithstanding the Starlight is a player and would do any system justice, a terrific bargain.
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so i just try to be helpful and share info when a fellow member asks a question... got nothing to do with ’who is right’... you look, you decide
if the info shared ain’t good enough for ya... well, hey, each of us logged in has a google search function on their device, go knock yourself out...
but saying to someone who just is sharing info, well that doesn’t prove this or that to me... man, i can’t help but feel those remarks, that posture, is self important and entitled... no one is interested in convincing you if you aren’t convinced, really couldn’t care less...
@sns
i agree that ethernet cabling is important.... it carries signal, complex signal at that... and even when using optical modules to manage noise, ethernet cables are still needed, so they’d better be well suited for the job - whether one needs to spend megabucks on the cable is different question...
also agree that quality of fmc implementation is important, especially in using clean power supplies on the clean side, so as not to re-introduce noise
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I should add in referencing OP, ethernet cables remain of great importance even with FMC.
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Hate to say this, but not all fiber created equally, quality of FMC and what feeds it important. I've tried generic with stock switching power supplies straight into wall,no power conditioning, same feeding lithium ion battery pack, linear power supply on only one FMC, linear ps on both, different linear ps's of various voltages, a number of different power cords, all this with and without plugged into my BPT 3.5 sig transformer based power conditioner. Everything matters, I've heard rather thin, harsh sound with switching power supplies, dark with switching and linear into lithium ion. One lps with very nice power cords into BPT nice, two lps better, gives lower noise floor, most natural sound. I have order in on Sonore OpticalModuleDeluxe, should be available July, compare directly to generic, pretty poor internal power supply and clock vs. OM which has four linear power regulators and Femto clock.
While optical is the only network solution with 100% galvanic isolation, meaning noise proceeding it cannot be passed on, noise generated from within the last FMC in line can be passed on. On paper, substituting OM for last in line generic should result in lower noise floor, less jitter, equals higher resolving, more natural sound.
Also, FMC in itself cannot improve on any noise and it's deleterious effects created by streaming components PRIOR to FMC, Which is to say, every single link in chain critical for best streaming performance.
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Yeah but it’s still using fiber to kill noise — same principle.
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In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is. (Yogi Berra)
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Hopefully picking up my custom length WW Platinum Starlight Ethernet cables today.
One will go from my Ediscreation Extreme Fiber Box II to my streamer/server. The WW Starlight has been a stellar performer and I would recommend it to anyone, I'm only changing because I'm curious as to what the Platinum will do.
I have mentioned the Ediscreation several times, it's essentially the same as the video posted above but everything is in one box, using very high quality components.
I will be experimenting with higher quality Ethernet cables feeding the Ediscreation, because noise may be removed but signal integrity is paramount.
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As for the popularity of the Sonore Optical Rendu, it is an Ethernet-to-USB convertor and not just an inserted optical link.
Yeah but it’s still using fiber to kill noise — same principle.
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@kr4 Always nice to see you posting. Don't let our argumentative friends faze you, just accept they are always right.
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OK, OK. I'll drop out now. I was just looking for a different type of discussion.
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I just watched the video that jjss49 posted, and it seems pretty clear to me from the explanation the guy gives how this works, and why it should be better. The optical conversion prevents electrical noise from crossing where an electrical conductor would let noise pass.
There are probably other ways to get electrical noise out, like filters using capacitors resistors inductors but if you just watch the video and listen to what is said the explanation is right there.
What the hell is the complaining about?
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jjss49 posted the video in response to "And how is FMC better than ethernet cable?" It did not deal with the question of how FMC is better than ethernet cable; it merely showed how to do it.
As for the popularity of the Sonore Optical Rendu, it is an Ethernet-to-USB convertor and not just an inserted optical link.
And, yes, the question would better have been answered by user comments.
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This video is a "how to" but does not demonstrate or prove that inserting the FMC link does anything useful.
Not sure anything needs to be “proven” here. If you listen to people who’ve incorporated the Sonore Optical Rendu (among others) into their streaming chain they seem pretty universally thrilled with the results. I’ll take that over proof or measurements any day.
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This video is a "how to" but does not demonstrate or prove that inserting the FMC link does anything useful. The speaker refers to "analog noise" but does not demonstrate or prove that such noise, which may exist, has any audible or measureable effect on the output of the DAC.
this is a hobby pursuing well reproduced music... no one is interested in proving anything to you, you are free believe what you want... the video is to inform the op
if anyone really wants to know, they should try it for themselves (as i and others here have)
what you put into the hobby determines what you get out of it
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This video is a "how to" but does not demonstrate or prove that inserting the FMC link does anything useful. The speaker refers to "analog noise" but does not demonstrate or prove that such noise, which may exist, has any audible or measureable effect on the output of the DAC.
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And how is FMC better than ethernet cable?
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And how is FMC better than ethernet cable?
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Fiber Media Converters, converts ethernet to fiber optical.
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How much of an influence have you noticed from tbe cable before the fmc?
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@nglazer Your experience mirrors mine in AQ Vodka vs WW Starlight ethernet. Still, I prefer optical over any ethernet, although still using AQ Vodka prior to FMC points.
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I purchased a used AQ Vodka Ethernet and compared it with my then current (no pun intended) Wireworld Starlight 8. The Vodka clearly was the winner in my rig. More full-bodied and deeper, more taut bass, better natural vocals, and the piano test definitely tipped the Vodka in its favor. Starlight 8 sounded relatively thin. It is excellent for the price, but Vodka is a notch above.
Want to try the EtherRegen device when I am familiar with the Vodka.
Higher priced Tidal, PS Audio DSD w/Bridge II, to VTL 7.5iii preamp to Krell FPB 300 cx (recapped) to Magico A3's. Musically, life is sweet. Neal
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The WW Starlight 8 (Red one) is a wonderful cable and it punches way above it's price. I'm very happy with it but I'll upgrade to Platinum because this cable is so darn good. I have an AQ Diamond to demo but I haven't bothered yet because I like this cable so much.
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Thank you, Dave and Troy. I understand higher cost does not always equate better quality, but the AQ Vodka is literally 2x the price of the WW Starlight 8 (not the Platinum Starlight). Are you saying you felt the WW Starlight 8 sounds better than the AQ Vodka, price disparity aside? Thank you. Neal
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neil we compared both the wireworlds are better
Dave and Troy
Audio intellect NJ
Wireworld dealers.
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