2. digital
  3. 177790-7401

Ethernet - Analog/Digital Signal Clean Up

Curiosity got the better of me recently and I tried a pretty cheap tweak where I used two Fiber Optic converters between the eero access point and my Lumin U1 Mini streamer. Converted from copper Ethernet to fiber optic then back to copper and then into streamer using my Supra Cat8. 

I was pleasantly surprised with the improvements this change had brought into my system and now I am wondering if I can do better. One other aspect of the current configuration that I don’t like is the clutter - each unit comes with it’s own power supply and add to that a fiber optic cable. I already have a spider web of wires and am not looking to add to that. 

Objective is to have as much noise, RFI and EMI removed before it reaches the streamer. 

Seeking opinions on the following units from those who had tried them in their systems:

  1. English Electric Network Switch 8 (Silent Angel is pretty much the same thing)
  2. Uptone EtherREGEN (currently out of stock)
  3. Network Acoustics Eno (box or streaming system)

 

What is your experience with these units?

Anything else to add to the above list? 

 

Thanks in advance!

audphile1

Showing 1 response by fastfreight

fastfreight
958 posts
 

Great topic thanks @audiphile1!  So many great responses resonate with my experience.  A few comments from my own personal experience:

!) Streaming DAC or separate streamer?  Well I thought my streaming Tambaqui was the sh** and so I do not need a streamer.  Tried an Auralic Aries G2.1 and noticeable improvement!  Maybe this means the streamer in my Tambaqui was not up to snuff, but it was clearly noticeable.

2) Upgrading switch or adding switch:  I have a switch in my office and need one. It servers to distribute from my modem to my Nucleus+ and to two audio feeds.  So I need a switch.  I upgraded to a Bonn 8 and I think it improved things.

3) EtherRegen:  This was an early upgrade for me, and I inserted it just before my streaming DAC (or now) just before my streamer.  I look at the ER as a filter or cleaner, and the option to use the A side to feed something else is convenient, but I do not feel that it is to replace a switch but to clean or filter.  It made a noticeable improvement. It does get very warm.  I added three small heat sinks cheap from Amazon to the top and it helps.

4) Acoustic Research Muon Filter System:  Big improvement..  I now have one in both of my systems.  As stated above, it does not necessarily need an ER in front of it, and any switch is reported to be a good thing in front of it.  The Muon improvement was bigger than the ER.  I still like the EtherRegen in front of the Muon.  Fortunately I was late to the ENO game and started with the Muon. If I did not already have the ER when I got the Muon I probably would not have purchased the ER.  Between the heat AND the need to plug it in (I do use their wall wart here) it would be the first thing I eliminated.  But I took it out and missed it!  So it will stay in at least one system.

5) Fibre:  Have not done it.  I have heard pros and cons, and I just use Supra cables.  This is a least more simple and avoids other power needs.

6) Power supplies:  Linear power supplies vs wall warts make a big difference. My main switch and Nucleus + are both powered from one HDPLEX LPS.  Both are in a separate room on separate circuits from my audio equipment.

7) Power supply of streamer:  Look at the expensive streamers- they all have very upgraded power supplies ie Innuos Statement etc.  I went all in here - Custom Sean Jacobs Power Supply for my Auralic Streamer. I  took it on advice and went for it.  This has been a HUGE upgrade.  I suppose I could have bought a 20k streamer but just went at it differently.  Having an amazing and separate streamer does give me the easy opportunity to try different DACS.

8) Next Level:  I have ordered the JCAT M12 switch, 4 cables and two of their connectors for my ethernet runs to my audio systems.  JCAT (Marcin) first recommended I put it just before my streamer.  But as discussed above, I do not need a switch there.  So I will put the M12 switch where I need a switch, in my computer room between my modem and my Nucleus and two audio runs.  Like the Bonn 8 it will replace, I will power it from my HDPlex LPS.  I certainly hope it is amazing!

 

By adding many things it is difficult to tell what is worth it and what has been surpassed.  Probably in the future streamers or streaming DACS will do ALL OF THIS and maybe some already do.  But, by making the up front improvements (Upgraded switch and LPS for switch and Nucleus in my office), it does keep clutter out of the audio setup.  I have a standard Salamander Synergy four shelf rack in my office to neatly handle the computer front front end, which also includes a RAID hard drive for my ripped CD's and high resolution files.  So Modem, Nucleus+, Switch, Raid hard drive, HDPlex LPS and an iFi Powerbar for it  all live in my office.

All these things are tricky to insert, remove, evaluate etc.  It is certainly nice when you just hear it right away.  I usually have.  I am not a fan of taking things in and out, but have done it enough to decide what I like.  And I have been stubborn.  Each time I say this is it...well we know about that.

I do wonder this - with all the discussion about what DAC is best at what price point, how much is influenced by the onboard streamer?  I think a lot! And of course by the streamer's power supply.  BTW my Sean Jacobs Power supply for my Auralic Streamer uses K-S Realization power cable..noticeable again!

I guess you can tell that I believe everything matters!  

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