@audphile1 I'll mention this for umpteenth time, when using usb dac,optimization is absolute key!. Vast majority of servers have rather poor usb rendering, reason for all these usb filters, renderers, other thingies. Right off, I'd say this is your weakest link, even beyond needing lps for the FMC's.
Very difficult to get beyond clutter when optimizing streaming networks. The only means to get beyond this is with the very top tier servers with optimized INTERNAL usb, network ports, or whatever output port one prefers, these also have built in top tier lps so no need for external lps. Another means to simplified system is slightly lesser server with top tier streamer/dac, server still must provide top tier network out port to retain simplicity. With all the streamer functions built into dac, one can bypass all the usb or any other preferred port issues. Get rid of all port issues, half the battle of clutter has been taken care of, only ethernet optimization remains.
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Sorry, wasn't totally clear, I meant streaming dac. Separate streamer and dac is another option, not clutter free, however.
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I was planning on trying the Muon as next streaming experiment, the following review gives me pause.https://youtu.be/CCLFJgwf21o
This for placement between router and server, already tried fiber and audiophile switch without success, preference is router powered by lps direct to server.
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I too like the Sonore products. If going optical route with usb dac, Sonore OpticalRendu is sublime. Powered by Uptone JS-2 easily one the best network and usb rendering upgrades I've made.
Whether one chooses to go optical or ethernet, only optimization allows one to hear full potential of either. Some amount of clutter is necessary with streaming, plenty of positive experiences with add on devices attest to that.
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@jjss49 I found fiber post server via FMC and OpticalRendu powered by Uptone JS2 to be of great benefit. In fact I've tried many devices POST server that have been of benefit. It's just I've not found switches or fiber PRE server to be of any benefit.
What I did find to be of benefit PRE server:
1. lengthening coax to bring modem close to my setup, together with high quality ethernet cable modem to router
2. lps on router (router very close to my setup as well, connected via high quality ethernet cable to server).
3. experimenting with Shakti Stone I had laying around on top of modem.
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Streaming can be very confusing, some report great sonic benefits from some particular device, others not. I too have not heard any benefit from the around $1k switch or fiber in front of my server. So now I've been considering Muon filter, but now I see this review,https://youtu.be/Elo6cQ1UW1I
This review gives me pause, seems my assumptions this filter may work in all setups may not be correct.
Per @lalitk, apparent we all need to try these devices for ourselves in the context of our unique setups to determine value. And per @mitch2 , if I cannot hear it in my system it provides no value to me.
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You'd think a high quality switch would lend lower noise floor to network vs router. If I could do without wifi I'd go with switch, but adding switch to router has not worked out well for me. KISS at work here?
Conundrum is theoretical advantages of adding more filters,etc which adds to complexity, vs most direct route.
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Lps on modem is interesting! My present modem supplied by cable company, has internal power supply. perhaps I should look into new modem with external power supply. Powering router with lps was very worthwhile upgrade, I could see this as nice. upgrade.
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@mitch2 I can't recall all your pre server configurations, but you sure have a lot going on pre server! My experience has always been post server far more important than pre, and simpler has been proven best up to this point.
I'm actually at impasse on network upgrades at this point, no more switches, filters or more fiber for me. At this point all these additions only tilt my sound into analytical side of neutral, certainly there have been the smallest gains in lowered noise floor, but at the cost of a less analog, spacious, natural presentation.
Per usual, YMM, I'm done with any pretense of being able to objectively judge other streaming setups!
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I have some interesting experiments coming up. Have Netgear CM500 modem on way, DOCSIS 3.0 vs. crap Intel chip modems, also external power supply so I can lps it.
Mikrotik CCR-1036-8G-2S+ enterprise scale router, will replace Netgear router/wifi, has built in dual lps, and two fiber modules, also pass 1gb internet speed.
Based on some knowledgable people at whatsbestforum these should provide nice performance boost.
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I thought the Mojo dac usb inputs didn't require usb power, if usb board within dac not self powered could make difference. If that case, I'd try another input on Mojo dac, means not optimized for usb.
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@mitch2 Not surprised by your findings. So now I've really upped my game, have custom build ATX board based music server on way, built to exacting standards, this along with JCAT SE Net card, JCAT Optimo S ATX Lps. Will initially use as streamer connected to present OpticalRendu, eventually do rendering via JCAT or Pink Faun usb, I2S, or AES/EBU cards.
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So my new streamer certainly changes things again. No more fiber and no separate server/streamer. Present setup: Netgear CM500, Broadcom chip modem, lps powered vs Arris Intel chip, internal switching power supply (this was nice upgrade prior to new streamer). Netgear Nighthawk router with lps directly to new streamer with JCAT Net Card XE (built into streamer), atx motherboard streamer powered by JCAT Optimo S ATX lps (three rails provide 23amps continuous, up to 30amp short term), most amazingly motherboard usb direct into dac. Never believed motherboard usb/rendering was viable vs. dedicated and optimized usb rendering. So, now my simplest streaming setup ever, and at least two floors lowered noise, really one of the greatest increases in resolution I've experienced in many, many years in audio.
At this point, simpler is better, new streamer is extremely versatile so still have many things to try with network and rendering. My experience just goes to show how unique every setup is, what may work in one setup may not in another.
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