Cheapest way to enhance SQ with digital streaming


I could not stop but post my observations on remarkable SQ improvement with just a small change. I have been using digital streaming predominantly and have tried many things (cables, conditioner, room treatment). Everything does matter and they all did improve the quality without doubt and are definite investment. But after going through some reviews of fiber optic for Ethernet and their noise reducing properties compared to copper cables, I thought of giving a try. I connected Ethernet cable from router/Ethernet switch to media converter and fiber optic from this media converter (need SFP module) to second media converter (with another SFP module). Then regular Ethernet cable went from this second media converter to server/streamer. Basically the idea is to add fiber optic cable between the router and streamer, which will reduce the noise. But, wow, the difference was huge and amazing. Not sure how to explain the improvement, but the SQ was more fluid, melodious, fast, clean and separation of instruments were clear. The total cost for this was less than 150 (on Amazon). Apparently, as the fiber optic cable conductors are made of glass, they carry less noise compared to copper and also cost very cheap. Compared to money spent on other component in my system (have spent quite a lot), this is the most cost efficient and gave more improvement in the SQ. I am still amazed by this and very happy with what I heard. I feel negligent not to share with my fellow audiophiles, who are trying to get the best out and improve their system, sometime spending quite a bit for small difference. I guess, since the cost of trying this is so cheap (please don’t make me feel guilty for telling 150$ is cheap), try yourself and see the difference. On a different note, have been reading that use of Ethernet switch also does some “saucery” (I am no technical guy, but do read quite a bit of articles on audio) to reduce this noise to improve SQ and combination of fiber optic and the Ethernet switch takes SQ to different level. Will try some audiophile Ethernet switch sometime (may be uptone ethergen or Sotm snh-10g) to try out as I am very intrigued. 
romney80

Showing 6 responses by car123

Do you think this would make any difference when using a mesh network?  My aurender is wired with an ethernet cable to a mesh node and it is the only piece of equipment plugged into the node.     

tksteingraber thanks for the response.  I may give this a go, seems worth a try for $80.  Any recommendations for LPS that won't be disproportionate to the other gear?

OK, my report.  I bought the two optical gizmos and a relatively short piece of optical cable to connect the two.  Running some supra from my mesh node into the first optical gizmo and then a 1.5 meter AQ vodka out of the second and into my aurender A10 yielded to me on my initial 30 minute session no difference. 

 

Replacing the supra with the vodka straight out of the node into the aurender yielded more detail and ease, it was a worthwhile upgrade.  But, "cleaning" the digital signal out of my node by "filtering" the signal through the optical devices hasn't made a noticeable difference.  I'll keep it in the system for a while and do some A-Bs but this far its just more clutter.  

I'm using the aurender dac.  I'm using stock ps on the fmcs for the moment.  I may try lps but my suspicion of no improvement is essentially twofold--the mesh node is pretty clean and is feeding only the aurender; and the aurender caching the signal is also clean.  My system sounds excellent, I was just trying to make it that bit better. 

The system--sans non-streaming sources-- is joule la 300 ME, into pass X150.8, into quintessence shadow prototypes through siltech cables.  Electronics (except for the amp which goes straight into the wall) are plugged into an mit z center.   

I gave up on this mod.  I decided to pull the optical gizmos out and plug the A10 directly into my mesh node with vodka cable and it sounds a bit more resolving and natural than with the optical stuff, and obviously makes for less clutter.   If anyone wants to try this out, feel free to send me a message and I can box up and send you the stuff at a discount.