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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
car123's avatar
car123
96 posts
 

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.

sns
3,203 posts
 

When doing the cheap fiber mod, using  stock wall warts isn't extracting full value of mod. LPS on second fmc is next step, I found lps on first fmc also helps just a bit.

With ethernet solutions, cable quality matters.

mre28m5's avatar
mre28m5
36 posts
 

I added the OEO pieces per@tksteingraber a couple weeks ago. Plug ‘n play. The audible improvement was quite noticeable... well worth the investment. A couple days ago I found that I had an old IFi 5volt $50 wall wart hiding in a desk drawer. I replaced the stock wall wart on the OEO device closest to my DAC with the IFi unit. As@sns predicted, a further improvement was immediately noticeable. Crystal clear mids and noticeably blacker background. I’m tempted to buy another 5v supply.

Thanks for doing the R&D. I’m enjoying Qobuz now more than ever.

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
612 posts
 

@mre28m5 Glad you had a positive outcome!

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,920 posts
 

I’m going to revive this thread…

I ordered a Pack of 2 Gigabit Ethernet Multi-Mode LC Fiber Media Converter (SFP SX Transceivers Included), up to 550M, MMF, 10/100/1000Base-Tx to 1000Base-SX with LC to LC Fiber Cable Multimode Fiber Patch Cable, AllChinaFiber Duplex Fiber Optic Cable 62.5/125 OFNR (6FT, OM1, Orange) as well as Monoprice 0.5’ Ethernet cable to try this tweak out. 
Connected it first with my Supra Cat 8 cable out of my eero access point into the first module and the Monoprice from the second module into my Lumin U1 Mini. Allowed the system to warm up. Had a listen and didn’t like it. The new chain imparted a slightly artificial sound, air and details were missing. Overall sounded pretty dry. However I noticed slightly better definition of instruments within the soundstage and better focus. I then returned to the original configuration with the Supra directly from eero into Lumin, it came back to life but that focus was lost. 
Not giving up on it, I changed the config and ran the the Monoprice Ethernet cable from eero into the first module, fiber optic between first and second module and the the Supra Cat 8 from the second module into the Lumin. And I must say, that hit the nail on the head! Everything is in better focus now, better layering in the soundstage, sibilants sound more natural, the imaging is better defined. Bass has more texture, overall images are just more solid with blacker background. 
Now, these changes are subtle but noticeable. It just sounds more natural. Going back will be tough. This is the upside. Now the downside is - more clutter: more wires, each unit has its own power supply, just adds to already a spider web of wires. Have to figure out how to manage/hide these wires. 
Overall I’m pleased with this tweak!

@romney80 - thanks for posting this cheap and effective tweak!

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