Can someone (owner) confirm: if you buy the Muon Filter only, I understand it comes with one attached (captive) eithernet cable. Is that ethernet cable downstream (output side of Muon, to the streamer) or upstream? In other words, if buying the Muon filter only (not the system), my own / existing Ethernet cable will be on the input or output side of Muon? Thanks!
Network Acoustics Muon ethernet filtering system - Improving streaming sound quality
Network Acoustics recently rolled out a new top tier ethernet filtering system named Muon. It betters their already highly effective ENO offering which I purchased some 18 months ago. I posted about the ENO filtering system back then and you can read it at the link located at the bottom of this member review.
Everything I said about the ENO filtering system also applies to the new Muon system. However, the Muon system offers even better sound quality by removing a greater amount of electronic and RFI/EMI noise. The Muon filter is a passive device so their is no need for a power supply or power cord. That’s great!
Like many of my fellow Agoners, I have come to depend on Qobuz and Tidal streaming for my music playback. I have not used any physical media in over 5 years, but also realize today’s servers/streamers can all benefit from digital noise blocking systems such as the Muon. From high end audio switches to high quality ethernet cables I have learned they can all improve the sound quality of our streaming front ends. I have tried going the fiber optic route and used other products such as the EtherRegen and while they do improve sound quality I find the MUON system more musically engaging and compelling. Here is my current digital front end:
(Netgear NighHawk modem/router powered by an LPS > Network Acoustics ENO ethernet cable> English Electric 8Switch powered by an LPS > Network Acoustics MUON ethernet cable > MUON ethernet filter > Innuos Zenith III > Tchernov Ultimate USB cable -Mojo Audio Evo dac)
The MUON system is made up of the MUON filter and Muon ethernet cable. You can buy these separately, but you’ll receive a nice discount by buying both as a system package. Here is a link to the Network Acoustics Website:
https://www.networkacoustics.com
I purchased the MUON system and have been enjoying it for several months now. I feel it betters the ENO range in several important sonic ways. The noise floor is further reduced revealing more inner detail of instrument and voice. This increased inner detail reveals subtleties previously lost. In the end my music sounds more real and less reproduced. For me, improving realism is everything!
With streaming it seems more difficult to obtain a nice 3D presentation as compared to a high end CD spinner. Sometimes streaming can sound relatively flat compared to CD playback. I found the Muon filter system delivered a more immersive experience due in large part to improving the 3D performance.
For me the Muon filter is well worth the asking price as it made my listening sessions even more enjoyable. The rest of my system includes a Circle Labs A200 integrated amp, Fyne F704 speakers with upgraded crossovers and internal wire, and both Hijiri & Tchernov cabling.
Showing 5 responses by thyname
Yes, markings in the unit are clear for this, as well as the user manual instructions. Rob had also confirmed to me before the purchase. To be fair, and that’s just my theory, this decision MAY also be a marketing move to “nudge” people to buy the System instead of just the Filter. Often people prefer to use the same cable on both ends, same company and tier. Myself included, so this move worked in making me buy the system instead of saving money and just buying the Filter 🤦♂️🤷♂️. Just my theory. All said, the 1.5 meter Ethernet cable that came with my system seems substantial and very, very well made! Eventually, over the next several weeks I will experiment with reversing the connection to my Innuos ZENith MK3, but for now I am enjoying my music with it as is. @lalitk I just sent you a picture of the user manual for Muon PRO with the Tempus reference in the last page… As for this:
… Or perhaps In addition to your Switch? Downstream from it
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I got the the Muon PRO streaming System this past Friday. I am so impressed, I couldn’t help but post an update here. I am totally aware some break in is required, but it totally transformed my listening experience right of the box. I am personally a big believer in first impressions: if something makes a positive difference brand new out of the box, it will work great down the road, and if I am struggling to hear any differences at the beginning, I will continue to struggle hearing them, and likely it will not work. That’s just me. Yes, sometimes things improve with burn in, change, progress with continuous playback, but not to the extent of reversing my initial impressions entirely.
My streaming chain is: Verizon FIOS router G3100 (gigabit service) in the living room upstairs— downstairs where the audio system is the Verizon E3200 Extender via MoCA —- Ediscreation Silent Switch OCXO Extreme version —- Muon PRO (the captive leg to the Switch, 1.5 Meter Muon PRO Ethernet cable to Innuos ZENith MK3 —- USB out to DAC.
I have been interested for years now on Network Acoustics products, since the beginning with ENO, but never got around to try anything, until now. I have been communicating with Rob Osbourn of NA all this time, extremely patient guy who never pushes anything to you. Extremely pleased with his technical knowledge as well, including his generosity with his time writing emails to me. @lalitk : it is interesting to read a reference to a Network Acoustics “tempus” Ethernet Switch in the inserts/ material that came with my Muon PRO System. Not sure if this is new, or some type of previous Switch NA had, but it was there.
By the way, extremely fast free FedEx Express shipping. It literally took two days to arrive at my doorstep here in East Coast US from UK.
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@mitch2 :
That’s correct. I had never owned or tried any Network Acoustics products before. The Muon PRO System is my very first NA product. I had inquired and researched the previous versions (I.e ENO), but had not pulled the trigger. And yes, I had confirmed and proved to myself everything in my chain is gigabit compatible and capable, prior to purchase of PRO, although I personally do not believe going from 100 MBPS to Gigabit makes much difference for audio at all. I could be wrong in my beliefs of course…
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@mitch2 : nothing in your two links indicates the existence (or lack thereof) of gigabit Ethernet inputs in your Mojo server. You will have to ask the company. Needless to say, everything in your chain (internet speed, router, switches, cables) must also be gigabit rated. If just one is not compatible with Gigabit speeds, the entire chain will not |