2. amps-preamps
  3. 178965-155632

Is optical mostly a waste of time versus Ethernet?

The only value I see with a fiber optical cable is if you have a long long run.

All the noise coming into an optical fiber is preserved and comes out the other side. I guess there is a value in not creating more noise while it is traveling through the optical cable. But if it's a short run of two Feet then is it really worth it.  Seems a well shielded Ethernet cable would do just as fine without all the hassle of converting to optical which is a pain in the ass.

I always thought there was value with optical but it seems they're really may not be. Maybe I'm wrong.  It seems a switch likely produces a lot of noise and inserting an audio grade switch is very prudent and going optical really doesn't solve switch noise problem.  The benefit of re-clocking offered by a decent switch to clean up the signal is worthwhile.

jumia

Showing 1 response by rajugsw

rajugsw
227 posts
 

So why fiber at all? Copper Ethernet cabling has limited range, 100ft is a safe bet, but depends on speed and cable standard. 
 

but fiber for super short runs like 5ft is crazy waste of money.

100% agree. And I work in the IT Industry. I have all standard power supplies in my rig except for my Power Amplifier (1500VA Toroidal/55,000uF of filtering). From the house Demark to my  DSL Modem/Router, maybe a 50ft. of RG59 Coax followed by another 40ft. of cheap, simple Amazon Basic shielded RJ-45 going to a cheap Netgear "Switch/Router" and it's Wal-Wart. I run 10AWG stranded AC wire inside Armoured Conduit from the Breaker Panel to the Stereo Rig. I have no/hash/hum/grunge noise in my system even when I put my ear to the Tweeter/Midrange of my Cornwall IV's.

So am I one of the "few" of lucky ones ? From the posts on this forum, I must be. 

Not having to waste my money on Ethernet Regen's, Electrical to Optical adapters, SFP modules, overpriced RJ45 switches/routers, and crazy analog power supplies in my computer chain gives me more money to spend on SACD's, legal digital downloads, and CD's. My Streamer is a Bluesound Node 2i and it's stock Power Supply as is my P.o.S. Apple M1 Mac Mini (bought it only because I've gone through 2 Win10 based PC's).

Hater's may go ahead and Hate...😂.

 

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