@nonoise No offense. I still have over 3500 cd's and about that many vinyl album lying all over my house, entire closets used for storage. I continue to maintain vinyl setup, enjoy the unique pleasures of physical media.

 Finisar 1475 are in and getting a little burn in (LOL) before I give them a serious listen and compare to the FCBGSD1CO3. 

I am using Seiko, Glass Fiber FO cable. 0.5 meters. 

Entire chain is highly optimized, modem, switches Supra CAT 8 and Galvanic Isolators. Fiber right up to the house. No Wi-Wi all FO and Ethernet.  

Not sure all aware, but Sonore offers upgraded Finisar on both Sonore and Small Green Computer websites, haven't determined part number.

 

@jerryg123 Cool, so we'll have two more impressions of these, mine still burning in silently, still no drop outs I can detect.

I own those upraded Finisar offered by Sonore, i was not impressed at all and therefore do not use them anymore they are far behind 1475 and 1318.

I would be tempted to try out the Startech SFP1000ZXST if anyone has compared them please share.

@sns

Well, it has been a week since implementing the WIFI tweak. Thanks again sns, BRILLIANT! And once again I declared that I am done optimizing my network system. The sound is truly "there" and have I have spent the week listening 97.5% to Qobuz.

Well again, how good is it actually? Time for a test:

Last year I discovered Estavo Dudamel conducting the complete (4) Charles Ives symphonies recorded by DG and streamed on Qobuz 24/96. The interpretations and sound were truly top grade. So good that I purchased the CDs for my library. So let’s do an A/B.

My CD transport is an Esoteric DV 50 with coaxial to my Benchmark DAC3B which is not a bad setup. I started the CD and gave it a few seconds head start on the stream. When I heard a passage that I found might be revealing, I switched sources and got an immediate echo of the passage. I COULD NOT DISCERN ANY DIFFERENCE AS I COURSED THROUGH THE FOUR MOVEMENTS. That was impressive to me. Case closed.

Of course I was soon on my hands and knees squinting at the power supplies supplied by my ISP for the ONT and ATT router. "12v lps"? they both proclaimed.

Let’s see, LPS :

1. Linear Power Supply?

2.Long Playing Records?

3. Limited Power Supply!

I learn something every day. How could replacing these sound any better than what my test revealed? I have followed the rabbit down the hole this far. Am I going to stop now? I give myself three days to a week before I cave to the tune of another $500 for the two power supplies.

@singingg Cool, Charles Ives was part of last weeks listening session, Ives is genius! I've never heard of router with built in lps, assuming they are indeed lps, doubt they're quality lps.

 

Network upgrades can seem never ending at times. With the insertion of the Finisar 1475 I'm done with the network, even my OCD side can't think of a single thing I can upgrade at this point, this assumes 1475 works out. The only single nit I can think of is better clock and further noise suppression via a fantasy router.

@sns

LPS = number 3 in this case. Limited Power Source

Best Wi-Fi tweak was from my son. He said dad get that freaking router out of your listening room, out it went.

LPS is critical and I replaced every WW in my listening room. Todays experiment will be removing two boxes in my chain.  Replacing one SPF Box and my Ethernet Switch with this: $149.00 and if it doesn't work out then out it goes!

Zyxel Multi-Gig 12-Port Unmanaged Switch with 2-Port 2.5G and 2-Port 10G SFP+ Desktop/Wallmount, 5-Years Warranty [XGS1010-12]

 

@singingg Just start out with the iFi Power X. I just got 3 of them for all my 12v network hardware. I have an Uptone JS-2 and Farad Super 3 for some other gear but want to limit $ expenditure for now so stuck with the iFi.

@agisthos  Thanks. I have three iFi Power X in my system at this point, one each for my two phono preamps and one for my ethernet switch. I am in love with their performance. It was my plan to use another for the ONT. However, the router needs three amp supply, so I am looking at iFi iPower Elite Power Supply. $410  for the pair plus PC  which I already have.

Don't recall if I mentioned previously, but for gear left on 24/7 I always get lps that can supply more amps than component requires,runs cooler, ensures reliability, longevity. LPS I have on router and NAS have been going 24/7 for years, had one single problem with IEC plastic connector in one getting brittle, a pin became loose, replaced with better quality, no issues since.

@singingg : you mentioned ONT. do you have Verizon FIOS?

@thyname I have ATT

My EtherRegen is starting to fail on me now after 2 years. I was using this as an FMC. I think this is the 3rd FMC that has failed on me. So, from now on I am going to use simplicity for streaming. A network switch with SPF into a Sonore OpticaRendu or directly into my Lumin X1.

I had lined up a buyer for my Lumin X1 because the streamer in it was not better than my Sonore OpticaRendu (X1 streaming was disappointing). However, just before I sold it, I was getting failures in the streaming. So, I cancelled the sale and started to see what was going on.

It was the super-hot EtherRegen that was at fault. When I took the eR out and went direct fibre from my Ubiquiti network switch, the streaming sounded so much better. Now I could hear why the Lumin X1 was so highly regarded as both a DAC and streamer. The streamer is now as good as the OpticalRendu so I am going to sell 2 of my oR’s and use the SPDIF and USB stream out of the X1.

The lesson learned for me with streaming is to use the KISS principle. I think I got lucky with that eR failure.

 

I have just placed an ADOT FMC in front of my EtherRegen. It feeds into the ER's SFP socket, with Ethernet out of the ER's B port

The effect has been transformative, as significant as the original introduction of the ER - maybe even more so. It seems clear to me that the quality of the ER's input doors matter, though this might be a symptom of the Netgear switch which feeds the whole system. 

I did also try feeding the FMC from the ER but it didn't sound great. 

Really, the only 'quality' FMC out there is the OpticalRendu, quality voltage regulation, filtering, clocking. Runs warm, not hot so reliability should be good, hot is enemy of longevity, I'd send back any component that runs hot 24/7, won't last. I do recall conversation about running Uptone and other network devices from lower voltage lps, lets say device can run on anything from 7v-12v, run on 7v for cooler running,  max reliability. But then I also recall some claiming these devices sound best when running max voltages. I've run network devices on a variety of voltages, can't say I've heard any noticeable difference in SQ.

 

So, first listening session with Finisar 1475 in OpticalModule, OpticalRendu, also AfterDark Ref 2m optical cable. First of all absolutely no glitches, drop outs, nothing out of ordinary. On to SQ, sorry if I sound like I'm blathering, but I can only say, WOW! Talk about revealing/resolving/transparency, this set far surpassed my expectations! The lowest level details are now resolved, and the higher level info in mix is more nuanced in that performers have become even more real, breath for singers, technique for all the other instrument, things like use of bow on violins, fingering on guitars, it all becomes more real. Sound stage has even greater precision, size, more organized and individualized performers, greater image dimensionality, each performer within a bubble of 3D air, so natural integration with rest of performers, in other words, no cookie cutter images which is something I've heard with some other network upgrades tried in past. Some think precisely drawn images is a good thing, and symptomatic of best quality clocking. I totally disagree, live performers don't have tightly drawn images, don't want my system reproducing hifi pyrotechnics, I'll take natural sound stage and images any day. Bottom line this level of resolution/transparency is both addicting and revelatory!

 

Now I come to another important aspect of performance I desire from my source, whether analog or digital, this being timing and/or flow. Analog does this well, digital has a harder time, jitter being the culprit. First few listening hours felt things a bit uptight, not terrible, but not what I had been experiencing with stock transceivers. Also things felt a little closed in, not quite as much spaciousness as before. Over the hours spaciousness was first to come back, by last couple hours greater sense of ease imparted. Presume this burn in issue, symptoms typical of lack of burn in. 24 hours, beginning of session, 30 by end. Final judgment awaits with more burn in, also still in final stages of Duelund Cast coupling capacitors burn in in 300B amps.

 

Bottom line on these upgrades. This is far more than incremental improvement, rather its meaningful, profound, one of the greatest improvements I've experienced from network upgrades, could turn out to be number one. I also have to take into account this result after having fully optimized every single link in streaming chain, already had extreme level of resolution/transparency, thus, this change magnified by what had come before. Now, on a possible downside, I could see this upgrade as possibly too revealing for systems with ANY prior defect. If one has some undesired coloration this will expose it without mercy. Keep in mind, I'm not fully burned in so I may detect more forgiving nature in time, but I expect this more forgiving nature will come from the flow/timing thing. I don't expect there's any flavor with this upgrade, no warmth added, just purely revealing, not unforgiving, not forgiving, just is.

 

@thieliste has more experience with various transceivers, perhaps he can offer advice for those who may suspect 1475 may be excessively revealing for their current setup, perhaps the 1318 is better fit. I can only say these modules are like having an entirely new streamer, seems much of OpticalRendu performance hinges on these transceivers!

Hi @sns

Just a point regarding the EtherRegen running hot. I’m no electrical engineer, and it’s 3 decades since I completed my physics, but I would expect the higher voltage to generate less heat.

If we assume power requirements to be constant, then a lower voltage means a higher current.

Power = I * I * R

I run my ER on 12V, and it’s only slightly warm. My cheapo point and click thermometer bought for Covid etc reads at 38C (we don’t do Fahrenheit over here :-). I know it’s on a different scale, but electricity is transformed to high voltage for transfer over distance to minimize heat loss.

@lollipopguild You may be correct, I just seem to recall reading somewhere these devices throw off the unneeded voltage as heat.

 

I just should also contextualize my impressions of the 1475 as not being used exclusively as network device in my setup, use in streamer may impact sound differently vs use in network only devices. I also have the AffterDark optical cable which undoubtedly has it's own impact.

If I have a modem that has two ports (1G, 2.5G), can I run an Ethernet cable from one port to a wi-fi router and a second Ethernet cable from the other port directly into my streamer? Will the streamer work properly if it is connected directly to the modem?

I've read that the ER will run cooler with 12v over on the AS website. I use a Paul Hynes SR4T LPS now and it is a lot better than the stock wall wart.

I use an AC Infinity fan to cool the ER when it is warmer in the house. I unplugged it a few weeks ago because it was not needed now. I discovered this trick over on the AS website as well - they can be bought on Amazon.

@cowhorn Unless your ISP service has capability of offering more than one IP address you can't do this. For most of us we have only one address assigned as 192.168.1.1, can't have two routers assigned this address.

 

I had forgotten about the fan thing, use them underneath my 845SET amp chassis, 845 tubes are space heaters. Still, seems to me any component that runs hot enough to impact reliability is not correctly engineered. I no longer settle for this as there are plenty of good network devices that don't have this heat issue.

Thank you. I understand now.

FYI, for anyone shopping for the Finisar SFP modules. The ones sold by Sonore and Small Green Computer are the Finisar FTLF8519P3BNL. It took some doing to get the actual part number from them, but to their credit when asked, they made no claims about improved sound quality from upgrading to these Finisar SFP modules. Hope that helps anyone considering trying these.  

Head on over to CDW 1475 are outstanding. 

Another newbie question...

I have read in this thread about optimizing one's router or having an "optimized router". I assume this means supplying a good LPS to the router, using quality cables, and turning off the wi-fi function inside the router.

Is there anything else that goes into router optimization?

@cowhorn You pretty much got it. I used to experiment with various rfi shielding materials placed around the router, but with wifi off makes much less sense, not sure it was doing anything other than retaining rfi in router in any case. Also nice to have router that's ping test capable, I know it can be done with computer as stated in some previous post, but for most of us with dedicated music streamers this not possible. The ping test allows one to determine quality of ISP. One may want to upgrade or change ISP if ping test results poor. Much depends on geographic distance to ISP servers, closer is better. Finally, router close to modem, modem and router close to audio system.

 

Now if some router manufacturer would come out with router with optimized clocking, LPS and wifi off does job of noise suppression.

Again, thanks.

Finisar FTLX1475D3BCL - SFP+ Transceiver Module - 10 GigE.

To truly reap the full benefits for this transceiver one must have FMC that is designed for use with SFP+ transceivers. Yes noise and jitter will be reduced using a standard 1.25g Fiber Media Converter (TP Link, 1Gtek, Sonore optical module deluxe). 

I will be installing the two of the FS P/N: UMC-1S1T, to determine if they will truly be viable in my digital ecosystem. This type of FMC will also be beneficial I believe if you are using the FCBG110SD1C01, this is truly as nice a sounding transceiver as the 1475 in a 1.25g FMC also. 110SD1C1 is a better value as it comes with the Corning BIF FO cable. 

 

100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10GBase-T to 10GBase-X SFP+ Unmanaged Fiber Media Converter - FS

My error. I was beeching about the EtherRegen getting hot and likely failing. The cause was not the eR. It was ROON + Lumin X1 + eR.

I have put back the eR but this time I am using the Lumin app and not using fibre, just Ethernet. This is a baseline test, and I will add fibre later. The eR is working perfectly now. No stoppages in play. It actually sounds pretty good via Ethernet too.

So, I was wrong. The eR works fine it is a ROON and Lumin issue.

Since I am a ROON user I think I will NOT use the eR with the Lumin X1 and use the eR with ROON and the OpticalRendu (done this for year+)

 

 

@jerryg123 I'd like to see direct face off with this type FMC vs OpticalModule. OM does have both optimized power supply and clocking. I'd also like to see a data base of optical devices these transceivers work or not work with.

I know over at WBF a few people have complained of connectivity and dropouts with the SFP + being used with the OM and the Sotom. When the replaced with a 1g sfp everything is fine. So it may be a spotty issue or they have missed matched modules. I will report back my findings once my new FMC arrive. Maybe slowed a bit by the weather down here in Dallas, I can play hockey on my driveway today. 
 

I doubt very much that hardware compatibility issue, like to see what ISP they're using. With 500mb speed, actually typically around 550 at router absolutely no issues. At some point I may decide to experiment with 1gb, see what that brings to table.

@lalitk , @charles1dad 

I'm completely in agreement.  The original recording and/or remastering is far more important than the resolution. 

A great example is Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by Neil Young.  Qobuz has two versions of it:  a CD-res 2009 remaster, and a 192/24 original.  To my ears the former is far better.

Sns, I would love to see a visual flow chart of your current recommended setup for delivering a digital signal to your streamer.

I have discovered a new performance gain on the router, at least I think it has not been mentioned previously.

Change LAN port speed from Auto/1000M/1GB to 100M Half-Duplex.

This investigation resulted from me moving from a consumer TP-Link Archer wifi-router to a (wifi-less) TP-Link Omada ER605 VPN router. The ’upgrade’ resulted in a decrease in performance. It added a slight (very slight) amount of noise to everything. Audible in music, audible in streamed movie soundtrack content, and visible in movie visual content. This was disappointing to say the least considering the Omada should be better hardware, not worse (or at least the same as before).

So I started playing. First idea was perhaps the 5 LAN ports run by 3 banks of circuit chips were sharing the NAS and streamer on one chip bank causing issues. So I swapped connections around and nothing changed.

Then I looked into port speed configuration, changing the LAN ports from Auto-Negotiation to 1000M Full Duplex. Nothing changed.

Then I changed port configuration to 100M Half-Duplex. Immediate and noticeable improvement. Almost as big as isolating the wi-fi as discussed previously. Now this Omada router has pulled ahead of the generic Archer router. In fact now my system sounds the best it ever has, just from this software setting in the router admin console.

I do not know how this is all possible. Maybe the chips that run the LAN ports at full Gigabit speeds increase noise the higher they go, and setting them to 100M (1/10th the speed of Gigabit) reduces that noise.

But a word of caution - there is also a choice to run a LAN port either at 100M Half-Duplex or 100M Full-Duplex. Maybe its not the speed reduction from 1000 to 100, but the fact there is now a choice of ’Full-Duplex vs Half-Duplex’ at the 100M speed level. I tried to compare the 100M Full-Duplex option and it crashed my network so was unable to eliminate that as being a potential factor.

To be clear, this is me running everything through the router. Maybe putting an audiophile switch between the router and my audio streamer will resolve any issue around LAN port speeds, making it all a null issue. But for now it helps to investigate these things. I note that Nordost and a few other manufacturers of recent switches have specific ports for 100M, claiming the lower speed port is lower noise and better for the audio streamer connection. Well I certainly experienced that here, and it wasn’t just audio, video content improved as well.

@agisthos Just for curiosities sake I looked for ability to assign these setting to ports, didn't see this in my Netgear router. Regardless, I hear better SQ with 500mb vs 300, 1gb may soon be tried. But then I'm running JCAT Net XE in my streamer, this pretty much mirrors what any audiophile switch does.

 

@rfagon My flow chart is somewhat different due to JCAT net in my streamer, otherwise pretty typical.Spectrum ISP 500mb>via coax to Spectrum supplied modem (lps and Broadcom chip, telephony disconnected)>Netgear router via short run of Audioquest Vodka LAN cable, LPS>NAS, streamer and wifi router-NAS powered via LPS, streamer has JCAT NET XE card-this filters and clocks network, also dedicated lps, doesn't use streamer motherboard power. All LAN cables AQ Vodka.

 

The above would be end of network for vast majority of streamers. Now I use two streamer setup, first is used as server-maintains music software library and processes one of three music player,(this is Roon core in case of Roon), second is usb renderer and roon or Stylus music player endpoints. I use optical conversion between first and second streamer, this via ethernet out via same JCAT Net XE, has two LAN ports>OpticalModule powered by LPS, this via  AQ Vodka>OpticalRendu via AfterDark Ref optical cable, OR powered by LPS,>DAC via AQ Diamond usb cable. All LPS go to my BPT 3.5Sig power conditioner.

@sns Your change of 300 to 500mb is something different, that is the incoming internet speed of your ISP.

In my example the internet WAN port speed was still kept unchanged at 1 Gigabit. It’s all the other 4 LAN ports that were reduced in speed, the ones connecting to the NAS, the audio streamer, the wireless access point etc

A router like the Omada ER605 has the ability to configure this port by port.

 

@agisthos I understand that, simply can't find this ability to assign speed to individual ports. I have pretty good knowledge of Netgear interface, even in advanced settings don't see this ability. In any case, the only reason I could imagine this works for you is less processing required for lower speed, resulting in lower noise generated. Also, possible better integration with other network devices is cause? I mentioned the incoming speed as it directly influences output speed, in my case higher output speed sounds better. I can get 1gig service, perhaps outcome may change?

 

In regard to those using FMC devices or fiber ISP. Another 20 hours on 1475 transceivers and AfterDark reference optical cable. Again, may sound like excess exuberance, but these things are the real deal!  Easily heard upgrade in resolution and transparency, meaningful in that I now can far more easily hear venue in which each recording and/or performer performed in. In other words feels like I'm bringing the recording venue into my listening room, this indivdualization never so clearly heard in past. This sense of extracting max info at a microscopic level is unknown to me, Beyond resolution and transparency,  most natural and musical presentation ever heard with digital, less reflectivity in cable and superior jitter suppression in 1475 means more natural flow/timing. Present sound quality now competes or exceeds any system heard previously, and this based on listening to probably thousands of audiophile systems over now nearly fifty years. In any case I have no more streaming upgrades planned or desired, barring unforeseen innovations I'm done.

 

Keep in mind my use of 1475 is for network device AND streamer, used in purely network devices may result in less dramatic outcome. Also, I'd not blame 1475 for any lack of musicality or coloration, this is colorless device. Less than satisfactory results would be due to 1475 uncovering flaws elsewhere in system. Ignoring colorations, jitter performance is objectively better with 1475, this should always be good thing.

The 10G FMC using the 1475 have made a marked improvement in my streaming over the 1g FMC. More detail, definition, better sound stage and every other cliché audiophile description you can think of. 10G cage with a 10G transceiver is  a game changer oops more cliches….

@jerryg123 

I am getting ready to pull the trigger on this combo. I am in a little over my head. Would you please give look and relay any advice? Will this get me to where I want to go? Many thanks!

Zyxel Multi-Gig 12-Port Unmanaged Switch with 2-Port 2.5G and 2-Port 10G SFP+ Desktop/Wallmount, 5-Years Warranty [XGS1010-12]

FCBG110SD1C01

https://www.qsfptek.com/product/99867.html

Just a quick note to @thieliste . I took your recommendation of the Finisar 1321. Got a very good price used on eBay. They've definitely improved upon the SFPs which came with my optical kit, and now feeds my EtherRegen.

 

@lollipopguild It's actually 1421P1BTL but it's not the best one.

You should get 1318P3BTL, it's the one i'm using very close to 1475 highly resolving.

If you want more musical, creamier than go for Finisar 1324P2BTL or Cisco 10G.

For Finisar always get the BTL versions the other ones are not as good.

@thieliste Ha!  I've just noticed my typo.  It was actually the FTLF1318P3BTL I bought.

However, I do value tone and sweet midrange over detail, so will keep my eye out for used 1324P2BTL. 

Thanks again.

@singingg I am not sure where it is you want to go…but these are far superior 10G FMC converters and with the this Finisar transceiver being SFP+ it will get close IMHO.  

 

Just received the LHY SW-8 yesterday and started listening with it in the system, so far there’s nothing glaringly different in terms of sound quality (which was great already) in terms of a short-ish initial impression.

 

Will do some A/B testing tonight of streamer straight to router vs. LHY in between to evaluate further.

@christianb5s4 

Will be interested to hear what you hear.

I'd give it a week before I started doing critical listening or comparing in your system. I'm assuming the switch needs to burn in and settle first to get the best sound. Good luck.

I’ve given it more listening, and did some A/B testing along with comparing songs I know by heart that I have local and streaming versions (songs with same quality) to compare and jump back and forth with.

 

Streaming (Qobuz) is definitely closer to the local equivalent now with the LHY than before. On streaming alone, it feels there’s a slight improvement in detail and bass is a bit cleaner. Overall sounds more natural and fluid. Just initial impressions. It certainly hasn’t hurt or degraded anything that I can say for certain.

I got my LHY SW-8 yesterday.  Plugged it in around noon.  It does not get real warm.  My laser thermometer shows 88F on top in a 72F room.  Listened to it from 8-11 PM but fell asleep.  Initial impression for me is a bit quieter background and slightly better bass.  Too soon to tell really.  I am streaming Qobuz with ROON.  I also have  optical in the chain prior to the SW-8.  I did A/B a CD vs 44.1/16 streaming.  Before the CD edged out the streaming.  Now I’m not sure I could tell the difference.

Next to the SW-8 is the power supply for my ROON server.  I also use a LPS for the FMC.

My current list of favorites that I like to stream are:

Live at Grand Central, Carly Simon.  This album gave me goosebumps last night with the SW-8 in place.  The ambience of Grand Central Station comes through with a feeling like being there.  The bass drums come through with great power.  Was never a big Carly Simon fan but this album captivates me.

Dream a Little Dream of Me, Laura Fygi on her Bewitched album.  Terrific and relaxing- was planning to buy the CD but now with the SW-8, I'll wait.

If You Could Read my Mind, Gordon Lightfoot.  In hi-res and sounds terrific.

You Want it Darker, Leonard Cohen.  Several great songs by the Cohen. This one with the choir at the beginning sounds amazing.

Lost without You, Freya Ridings.  Emotional song, bought the CD after streaming it.

I Put a Spell on You, Chantal Chamberland.  Larger than life sound but I never tire of hearing this song.  It's in hi res format.  Sounded the same with the SW-8 to me.

Roger Waters Lockdown Sessions.  Marvelous.  Just marvelous.

Down in the Hole, John Campbell.  Goosebump generating wall rattling music.  Must be played loud to appreciate.

The list goes on but these are just a few.

 

This is an update of previous posts on this thread. I hope you are up to it. Please bear with me.

Let me share my journey tweaking my streaming network that I built around a Small Green Computer bundle. Back when I initially set up this configuration I modeled it exactly after Michael Lavorgna’s, now of Twittering Machines. It was stated that wired ethernet contains a multitude of music destroying noises that must be dealt with. Who was I to argue. At the time I didn’t even know what an ethernet switch was (a free- lance musician and private music teacher leading a sheltered existence) :

FO through wall > ONT > ethernet cat 8 > router > cat 8 > $15 switch > cat 8 > i5 Transporter.

Same switch > cat 8 > FMC > Fiber optic > FMC > cat 8 > ultraRendu with LPS > Pangea Audio Premier SE MKII USB Cable to Benchmark DAC3B.

I had completely solved all power problems in my system to achieve a superior black background. The above still had grunge :

1. I added a LPS with a Y adapter to power both FMC = better

2. I added a LPS to the Transporter = better

3. I replaced the LPS power chords with Pangea Audio AC-14SE MkII = better

4. I wrapped my fiber optical cable in bubble wrap. It seems they are sensitive to vibrations. = better

5. I replaced the 3 post switch cat 8 ethernet cables with Pangea Premier SE = way way way better, but STILL some remaining niggly grunge!

I had not bought into the $700-$2000+ ethernet switch mania. I had bought my $15 plastic covered switch from Home Depot. I did try a more expensive switch and sent it back because I could hear no improvement. I rewired post switch and removed the FMCs. LISTENED. Then I added the FMCs back in. They were definitely improving the sound, by a lot!

6. I ordered a iFi iPower X Ultra Low Noise AC/DC Power Supply for the switch. I took out the FMCs again and installed the new PS. WHAM!! The sound came into complete focus. I reinstalled the FMCs again and now a huge amount of grunge had disappeared.

7. The new Pangea Audio Premier XL MKII USB Cable came on the market, which separates out the 5v current wire from the signal wires. Because my Benchmark DAC was using the 5v current, I replaced my previous Pangea Audio Premier SE MKII USB Cable (same wire and connecters) and wiped another smear of noise from the window. This is the single biggest improvement of all these suggestions.

8. Shutting the WIFI off in my primary router and using a wireless access point to regain WIFI for the house. It has been less than 24 hours since I did this but the result seems principally in opening up the soundstage : width, depth, and clearer separation.

9. I have lived with this for two weeks and I gradually became aware of a persistent coloration that I eventually came to realize was masking the harmonic structure of the sound. Once I defined the problem there was no ignoring it. The problem had to be solved.

I started digesting the suggestions in this thread for optimizing an optical filter as I watched the $$$ mount. I remembered that Mr. Lavorgna moved on by replacing his optical filter with a GagaFOIL. I found some a thread on this very subject, and some level-headed fellow suggested removing the filter for a listen before proceeding. It was simple to connect an ethernet cable directly from my switch to the Sonore ultraRendu. I pushed play on Qobuz not knowing what to expect. Not only was the coloration banished, but the musicians exploded into the room, the result of expanded dynamic freedom . I was sitting there like a 1 year old that had seen his first Jack-in-the-Box! I stayed up late last evening listening to favorites with profound new revelations at every turn of phrase.

This morning I decided to redo the test I had done previously comparing Dudamel conducting Ives Symphony 2 : Qobuz 24/96 vs CD 16/44.1. The first time I reported that they sounded identical. Now they did not. The Qobuz sounded like a SACD being compared to a CD, which is what it should sound like when comparing different resolutions. The CD sounded like the colored generic-optical stream and the all-wired stream of Qobuz sounded much more open and revealing of detail!

My network is now simplified being all wired ethernet with no optical:

FO through wall > ONT > ethernet cat 8 > router > cat 8 > $15 switch w/iFi PS > Pangea ethernet > i5 Transporter w/LPS

Same switch > Pangea ethernet > ultraRendu with LPS > Pangea Audio Premier SE MKII USB Cable to Benchmark DAC3B.

Now I am going to jump into the weeds and try to draw some conclusions :

a. There are two ways to skin-this-ethernet-cat : All wired or conversion to all optical, both can sound equally good.

b. What was the source of this needing an optical filter to clean wired noise? : primarily WIFI proximity in router combos, the inverse square law at work. Also those dreaded SMPS did their harm. With these two noises sources eliminated wired ethernet sounds completely clean, no longer needing a filter.

c. I am sensing the optical filter could remove some, but not all of this upstream noise suggesting a confirmation of sns’s assertion of signal damage. This could and should be investigated by someone with the right equipment and expertise. What happens to the square wave when subjected to intense RFI in these router combos?

d. Wired network optimization now consists of the tried and true audiophile tweaks of quality cabling and ALL THINGS POWER. Optical network optimization needs the highest quality converters with additional LPS, transceivers and optical cable. BOTH need to use separate Wireless-Access-Point. This can be effective, but is it necessary? It sure is expensive.

e. IMHO, for those newly setting up their network, I highly recommend all Pangea digital cables, the highest model only, available with a 30 day return. Give them a listen against the mega-buck cables and see what you think.

Am I done? This post reveals that I make no changes in my system unless I have clearly defined a problem that needs a solution. I listen to music with my trained and experienced musician’s ears. Problems always surface when I get frustrated trying to parse more meaning out of the performance/sound. My system has been meticulously tweaked. When one first starts tweaking, the sonic changes are minute because there are still so many problems masking clarity. However, as you get to the end, each new tweak is a revelation/game-changer. They are harder to find but Oh-so-rewarding. If I can find anything new I’ll report back.

This was a 3 1/2 year journey. I learned a ton along the way. I hope it is helpful to someone else.