The passive ENO filter from Network Acoustics is very effective in reducing noise and for clutter free application. All other solutions while maybe effective adds substantial clutter. As @sns pointed out, streaming DAC is one way to avoid multiple connection points thus limiting exposure to potential noise entering connecting devices in your signal chain. In any case, Ethernet optimization is now a necessary evil if you’re interested in exploring full potential of streaming.
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:
- English Electric Network Switch 8 (Silent Angel is pretty much the same thing)
- Uptone EtherREGEN (currently out of stock)
- 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!
Showing 7 responses by lalitk
As with anything else in Audio, the quality of switch and implementation matters, not to mention the upstream components (like streamer, DAC and so on). I do not know what is your exact setup but I’m using a very high quality switch in my system and it has made a profound improvement in the SQ of my digital front end. |
“I cannot hear it in my system then it provides no value to me.” I couldn’t agree with you anymore. There are so many variables in play when it comes to digital streaming. No two setups are alike, so experimenting from plethora of options in switches, filters and other tweaks is the only way to know what works or doesn’t work in your system. In my experience, I found ENO filter to be way better on its own in terms of performance upgrade (again in my system) than many other options currently available in ENO’s price range. |
There are so many ways to optimize the Ethernet before signal reaches your streamer/server. I believe in keeping fewer devices in the signal chain as each ‘break’ in signal chain introduces new set of problems related to noise and change in overall tonality not to mention complexities from multiple devices. It’s all about striking a fine balance. Alternatively, if all else fails or make negligible audible difference then it’s time to leave it alone or upgrade your streamer/server. Atleast that’s been my experience with my DAC/Streamer and Ethernet switch upgrades. |
“As the quality of your components goes up the need to have all these filtering and regenerating devices goes away. ” That’s been my findings as well. And Congratulations on embracing the future of streaming, today. The network attached high quality DAC is the way to go. |