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:
What is your experience with these units?
Anything else to add to the above list?
Thanks in advance!
@fthompson251 , I discussed my setup with the Network Acoustics guys before purchasing the Eno. The advice I got was to put any switch (doesn't have to be a fancy audiophile one) between your wifi router and the Eno. The switch should have a decent power supply. I have a TP-LINK TL-SG105S with an iFi iPower X 5V. As a noise removal step, it's only about £120, so quite the bargain. |
I'm currently playing about with all this - trying to get the best out of my Zenith Mk3. I've tried the Sotm ISOCAT7, basic fibre setup and NA Eno. Of the three the Eno is my favourite, though it's only a day old so hope to hear further improvement. Like others, I felt the fibre option sounded dynamic and detailed yet brittle. Impressive in the short term, but wearying to live with. I'm happy where I am now with: Netgear Orbi satellite (wifi backhaul) => AQ carbon => TP-Link 5-port switch with iFi iPower X => Eno streaming system => Zenith Mk3 So, unsure whether to sell off the Sotm. Does anyone think I'll get any benefit from putting it between the Orbi and the TP-link switch, or perhaps between the switch and the Eno?
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@sns thanks for the link. He’s not exactly raving (he if can rave) about the Muon. But, he does admit it to being better than the Eno, which he was very enthusiastic about. So I guess it’s a question of trying it out. Its impact will be dependent on the streamer mostly, I guess. I don’t have one of those rinky, dinky Grimm streamers, just a "common-or-garden" Zenith Mk3. I’ve decided to "what the heck!", and get one as well and try side-by-side with my new Eno. If I don’t I’ll always be wondering, so now’s the time to do it while my Eno is in its 30-day return period. |
Following the experience of someone on here (I forget who), I have tried the Eno connected directly from my Orbi satellite into the Zenith - ditching the TP-Link switch (with ifi power supply). And yes, very much so, the SQ was far better. Richer, more analogue, more dynamics, better rhythm. Just one note of worry, though. With this configuration, several tracks just suddenly stopped - suggesting intermittent internet connection (streaming hires from Qobuz). In fact, tracks stopping is more common than not. The Zenith's web interface also struggles to download details of Qobuz playlists, for example I’ve rebooted the Orbi and the Zenith but the issue returns. But very worrying, but also frustrating as the sound quality is just where I want it. Has anyone else experienced this? |
