@sns will a $1k+ switch improve the sound over being switch free? Any added benefit? The price on good ones seems to have no limits.
Cheapest way to enhance SQ with digital streaming
I could not stop but post my observations on remarkable SQ improvement with just a small change. I have been using digital streaming predominantly and have tried many things (cables, conditioner, room treatment). Everything does matter and they all did improve the quality without doubt and are definite investment. But after going through some reviews of fiber optic for Ethernet and their noise reducing properties compared to copper cables, I thought of giving a try. I connected Ethernet cable from router/Ethernet switch to media converter and fiber optic from this media converter (need SFP module) to second media converter (with another SFP module). Then regular Ethernet cable went from this second media converter to server/streamer. Basically the idea is to add fiber optic cable between the router and streamer, which will reduce the noise. But, wow, the difference was huge and amazing. Not sure how to explain the improvement, but the SQ was more fluid, melodious, fast, clean and separation of instruments were clear. The total cost for this was less than 150 (on Amazon). Apparently, as the fiber optic cable conductors are made of glass, they carry less noise compared to copper and also cost very cheap. Compared to money spent on other component in my system (have spent quite a lot), this is the most cost efficient and gave more improvement in the SQ. I am still amazed by this and very happy with what I heard. I feel negligent not to share with my fellow audiophiles, who are trying to get the best out and improve their system, sometime spending quite a bit for small difference. I guess, since the cost of trying this is so cheap (please don’t make me feel guilty for telling 150$ 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.
Showing 21 responses by tksteingraber
@romney80 I gave your suggestion a go…Thank you sooo much for sharing this asylum tip. It is insane how these 2 Fiber converters and the Fiber cable improve the sound quality in my system. If I told someone for $80 if you buy these 3 gadgets your system will be transformed they would lock me up. I don’t know if it just my system, since it’s not real hi end, but I am blown away with what I am hearing. I did not think this was possible or that my speakers had this in them. I no longer feel a need to upgrade my DAC or buy a dedicated streaming. (for a few days anyway;) I am using a Macbook pro with Amarra software and Tidal Hi Res Input set up: basic ethernet cable into Linkysis mesh node>fiber converter>fiber cable>fiber converter>Basic ethernet cable into ethernet to usb converter into mac. Cheers! |
@car123 i set mine into a mesh node into a Mac (not a dedicated streamer) and it worked wonders. $80 … Worth a go! Cheers! |
@docknow my Macbook Pro does not have an ethernet port built in. You have to use either usb or thunderbolt port with a converter/adapter. This worked fine
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@kingofgix try this easy set up for only $80 on amazon. Jaw dropping improvement for me. The other suggestions listed are even better but cost a lot more and more involved. Maybe down the line I will head there… Purchase these: 2 of these between your router and Innuos: Gigabit Ethernet Multi-Mode LC Fiber Media Converter With this fiber cable between the 2 fiber converter boxes: So it would look like this. Router>ethernet cable to first black converter box>optical fiber cable to the second black converter box>ethernet cable from second converter box to Innuos>Usb from Innuos to system |
@car123 I couldn’t find many LPS options on Amazon so ordered a generic from China. At $50 we’ll see how it works out. One unit will power two FMC’s and looks credible. |
@car123 sorry to hear you didn’t get improved results as others have. It made a noticeable difference for me. It might be your Aurender cleans up the signal prior to sending it on to the DAC where my MacBook Pro doesn’t and needs the assistance. Don’t know the electronics science just a guess. I plan to add LPS to the FCC’s in the near future as well to see if any more gain can be enjoyed. |
@sns agree this may not get results for all depending on how well your system is already performing. For me it was a definite improvement way above it’s $85 price point. I do have LPS on order to see what they can do. After that, any suggestions on what is the best way to convert to fiber after the streamer at reasonable cost? Did find a similar FMC set (2) converting USB 2.0 to fiber at $300. Not sure how much more it will gain. It is sounding really nice now. Sonore looks nice but pricey...maybe down the road if I upgrade my system. Thanks to all for this enlightening bargain tweak. |
@sns Thank you for your great explanation. Very easy to follow and makes clear sense of it all. Still learning a lot about streaming music. Appreciate your efforts. My current set up is: Router-FMC-fiber optic-FMC-Macbook pro with AQ jitterbug-asynchronous DAC. Adding the fiber made a big difference and it sounds very good. I was inquiring if fiber could be added between the Mac and DAC. Seems that my next step down the road would be to replace the Mac with a dedicated streamer with fiber input like the opticalrendu. |
@soix thanks for your input. Yep realize the JB is not a DAC just a jitter filter. I was just listing it was on my MAC. The dash above is the connection change. The JB has worked for me much better than iFI purifier and does make the Mac sound better with blind tests. (Nothing like adding the FMC’s and fiber cable) I can see how the JB wouldn’t help out in other set ups. Agree the next step up will be a dedicated streamer down the road. Right now pretty darn happy with my Mac with Amarra. |
@mantis007 this is the fmc to usb converter i was referring to…wouldn’t allow me to message. Hopefully this will post.
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Have had very nice SQ improvement adding the generic FMC set between my router and macbook pro. Tried adding a second usb 2.0 fmc set between the macbook pro and my DAC and I did not like the result. Crystal clear and extremely detailed but took away the richness. Fullness and bass were reduced. Sounded too crisp and hollow for lack of better woods. Will be returning the set. Just wanted to share that I guess you can get a little too much of a good thing. Rendu down the road is probably in play but really do like the way it sounds now. https://www.amazon.com/Transwan-Optical-Application-Backward-Intercom/dp/B07BR5BM71 |
@sns Yes I tried removing the FMC set between the router and macbook and had the same poor result listed above using the usb FMC set only between the macbook and DAC. Back to just using the original FMC setup which sounds great! |
@mre28m5 Glad you had a positive outcome! |
Good to hear another success story. The 2 generic FMC’s with fiber optic cable made a significant improvement on my system as well. I tried adding an iFi ipower LPS plug to my FMC’s and it made no sonic improvement over the stock wall plug. Ended up being a return. Scratching my head as to why? Anyone else have no improvement using a LPS on FMC’s?
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@sns Thanks for input. Ordered the higher quality LPS to give it a try. On a separate topic I thought I would give battery power a try for kicks. I already had a Solar back up power outlet (a 24 volt set up) with a pure sine-wave inverter. I ran a 14ga 25 ft extension cord from the outlet to my system and connected all components. Wow....background got quieter, volume appeared louder, could hear all the separate instruments, vocals, noises much clearer and stage expanded. What a change for no added expense. Prior to this my system did not have noise issues and running on regular ac power does sound warmer/softer in a good way. Just different. I think I am glad I gave it a go. Ughhh...Now I have to figure out how to hard wire the battery power in with romex and a electrical box. |
@sns ok my LPS (paid under $100) arrived today and I must say the higher quality LPS moved the needle right out of the box. The bass is a bit heavy but I will give it some time to break in. Anyway it’s a keeper. Similar improvements, to a lesser degree, than what the battery power gave me that I mentioned above. Contrary I would not recommend the Ifi ipower LPS wall plug...it did nothing for my system. Amazing how an LPS can make quite a noticeable improvement on a FMC. Thanks for the suggestion to give it another go. |
I second this Lps. I bought it for my pair of FMC’s and it made a very noticeable improvement. Prior to this Lps, I tried the ifi ipower wall plug Lps and it made no noticeable improvement in my system. Fyi- This identical Lps unit can be bought under a different brand on Aliexpress for $62. BRZHIFI SUPER 3.5A Dual Output Low Noise 25W DC Linear Regulated Power Supply 5V 9V 12V |
@romanesq no I purchased the Bengzi transformer which is the same as the Amazon one. Couldn’t find out any info on what is better about the Talema transformer for the extra $. Looking at pics of the inside of both LPS models they are mirror copies. Amazon is much faster at shipping and easier with returns. Both sound the same. |