Stack Audio-SmoothLAN Network Filter- WOW!

Thanks @ozzy 

I guess one never knows until one knows.  :-)

I think I'm going to do a few tests here on my network, and await a few more folks' responses once they get the SL in their system, before deciding whether to take the plunge.

Thanks again for your insights.  Much appreciated.

Best, JAMES.

Thanks @ozzy 

I reached out to Stack.  We'll see what they recommend.  I'm going to continue following this thread, for any further user experiences.  Many thanks.

Best, JAMES.

@ozzy At first, I didn't think the SL affected the EQ, but after living with the device awhile, I'd say that it is possible that it does diminish the treble slightly.

I'll listen more with that in mind.

Best, JAMES.

Hi @ozzy 

Very interesting reading, hearing your experience/endorsement of the SmoothLAN.  I'd love to try one, but I'm not sure how I can implement it in my setup.  My Cisco ethernet switch has a dedicated fibre output, which goes straight into my Lumin U2 fibre input, and I'm loathe to break that connection strategy.

Also, as others have mentioned, I'm leery of putting the SmoothLAN before my Cisco switch, given the 100Mbps data rate.  My switch also feeds my computer ethernet network (1Gbps copper), and I need high speed internet access for work.

Has anyone tried the SmoothLAN on a similarly configured system yet?

Best, JAMES.

Hi all:

Here's the response from Josh at Stack:

Thank you for your questions regarding our SmoothLAN network filter!

Using the SmoothLAN in front of your Cisco switch could potentially create a data bottleneck for your other computer devices connected to the switch.

The SmoothLAN is designed to handle data speeds up to 100Mbps. This is significantly lower than the 1Gbps speed of your copper Ethernet connections and your 500Mbps internet connection. If you place the SmoothLAN in front of the Cisco switch, all data traffic—including that for your other computer devices—would be limited to the maximum speed the SmoothLAN can handle, which is 100Mbps.

2. Impact on Remote Work: Given that you require high-speed internet access for remote work, using the SmoothLAN in front of the switch would reduce your internet speed from 500Mbps to 100Mbps. This reduction would affect your ability to work efficiently, particularly for tasks that require high bandwidth.

 

3. Optimal Use: The SmoothLAN is specifically designed to improve the audio quality by reducing noise and interference for music streamers. It is most effective when used directly in the audio path, such as between the network input and your Hi-Fi system. Placing it in front of your switch would not optimize its intended purpose and would also degrade network performance for other devices.

 

To avoid a data bottleneck while still benefiting from the SmoothLAN for your Lumin U2 streamer, consider the following setup:

1. Dedicated Path for Audio: Connect the Cisco switch directly to your network and then use the optical fiber output port to feed your Lumin U2 streamer. This ensures that your audio streaming benefits from the fiber connection without being limited by the SmoothLAN’s 100Mbps speed.

2. Use SmoothLAN in Audio Path: Place the SmoothLAN in the Ethernet path leading to your Lumin U2 streamer if you have any copper Ethernet connections in your audio setup. This will help eliminate noise and interference without affecting the rest of your network.

By following this setup, you can maintain high-speed internet access for your other devices and still enjoy the benefits of the SmoothLAN for your Hi-Fi system.

Many Thanks,

Josh Stephenson

@maxwave 

My apologies (again!), I think I misspoke...by 'optical' cable, I mean 'fibre optic' cable.  It is a standard dual fibre optic cable that runs from the Cisco to the Lumin U2 (via SFP modules).  Does that make more sense?

And, yes, it is a 30' run from the switch (in another room) to the streamer.  Fibre optic cable can be run in long lengths with no signal loss.  And, of course, they are not sensitive to electronic/magnetic fields.

Best, JAMES.

Hi @maxwave 

Actually, it may be me who has my terms mixed up...I think you're correct in that there is an SFP in both the Cisco switch, and the Lumin U2.  Both devices have the port that 'houses' the SFP.  Does that make sense?

At any rate, I run a 30' length of dual optical cable to get the internet into the streamer.  Gives the system galvanic isolation.  And it's sounding pretty sweet.   :-)

Best, JAMES.

Hi @maxwave 

Thanks for your post.  In my setup, the Cisco switch has built-in fibre output, and the Lumin U2 has built-in fibre input, so I don't think I would add 2 convertors to the chain in order to use the SmoothLAN.

That said, today I upgraded from coax to fibre internet, and it seems that SQ on my system has improved.  Feels like there's more dynamic range, more body to the sound, and more musicality.

So, I'm really enjoying the upgrade bonus!

(SYSTEM:  Lumin U2 (via WireWorld Platinum Starlight 8 USB) to Benchmark DAC 3 HGC, to Benchmark HPA4 preamp (via Cardas Golden Ref XLR), to Benchmark AHB2 amplifier (via Neotech XLR), to ATC SCM40 passive towers (via Kimber Cable 8 bi-wire cables).

Power for amp is 20A dedicated line, with Cardas outlet, and Cardas Clear Beyond power cord.  I use and AQ Tornado HC cord to PS Audio Duet to power the source/preamp/streamer.

Best, JAMES.

Hi @ozzy 

Yes, my internet modem/router does have an extra ethernet port available, only thing is, part of the reason I bought the Cisco switch was because it has a fibre port — allowing me to use the fibre port on the Lumin U2 without any other external devices in the chain.

While it’s true that I could run a separate audio copper run (and hookup a SmoothLAN in the process), it would defeat the benefit (assuming there is one) of utilizing the fibre input on the Lumin.

And at this point, it would be an experiment, (and maybe not one I need undertake…) given that I’m really enjoying the current setup. Of course, one never knows until one tries, haha…

Oh the joys of audiophilia!

Best, JAMES

Hey @ozzy 

That's an interesting idea, one that I had not considered.  Might be worth trying as an experiment.

One question for you -- before you tried the SmoothLAN, were you happy with your network Audio SQ?  Or did you feel there was something missing, thus prompting the move to the SmoothLAN?  At this moment in my journey, I'm liking the setup I have quite well, and wonder if I need to experiment any more -- or just enjoy the music?

I realize that statement is probably antithetical to the audiophile raison d'être, haha!

Best, JAMES.

@ozzy 

Funny, just looked in my 'tickle trunk' of cast-off gear, and found/remembered that I still have a MarkerTek Gigabit Media Converter (converts RJ45 to fibre // used it before I got the Cisco switch).  So I could proceed as you suggested, and use the converter with the SmoothLAN, and still go fibre straight to the Lumin.

Hmmm.  Very tempting!

Best, JAMES.

Okay, I'm encouraged by the accounts of @ozzy ​​​​@jaymark, and have figured out a couple different ways to use the SmoothLAN in my network (thanks Ozzy) -- so I've placed my order!

Will report back when it is installed.

Cheers!

JAMES.

Hey @ozzy

My SmoothLAN arrived and I did a first listening session.

My quick impressions: more punch, better instrument separation, and increased feeling that the music is outside the speakers.  In particular, pianos seem to have more 'weight', like going from a baby grand, to a 9' grand piano.  Same for drums.  Vocals are generally cleaner, more articulate.

The interesting thing is, the SL doesn't seem to hype/tilt the frequency response of my system; it neither adds/subtracts/shifts the balance...it just seems to make the music feel more 'full'.  More 'in the room'.  Very enjoyable.

I'm waiting for a second ethernet switch, so I can separate my computer network from my audio rig, and once that's in place, I'll give the SL a run-in period.

Looking forward to more listening.  The SmoothLAN is definitely a solid improvement to my enjoyment of my system.  Again, many thanks!

Best, JAMES.

Hey @ozzy (and others):

Upgraded my SFP modules to 1318 Finisar, but they don’t seem to work with my (older) Cisco WS-C2960G-8TC-L Gigabit Ethernet Switch (which works fine with cheap 10Gtek modules from Amazon).

I thought SFPs would be standardized, but I may have been mistaken. Does anyone have any guidance to share?

Thanks in advance.

JAMES

Hi @greg_f ​​​​@ozzy 

Thanks for the detailed replies. Much appreciated.

greg_f, where can I find the SFP thread you mentioned?  By ‘CA’, do you mean Canuck Audiomart?

My Cisco switch is an old Catalyst 2960 (which had been recommended in these forums as a low-cost high-quality switch), so that may be contributing to the compatibility issue.

Best, JAMES

Thanks @bill_k 

That’s super-helpful.

Best, JAMES

Thanks @greg_f  I really appreciate the info and support.

The CA thread is a good resource, although probably more technical than I need.  My goal is to try a better SFP module to see if it will improve the fibre feed to my Lumin U2.  I'd read that Finisar modules were recommended by many on this site.

I'll reach out to Cisco to see if I can get the specs for my Catalyst 2960 switch, and see what modules might be compatible -- and which might offer a SQ improvement.

Many thanks,

JAMES.

Thanks @greg_f .  I am using the Finisar 1318 you suggested.

I tried bypassing my Cisco Catalyst 2960 with a cheap Mokertek FMC I had lying around, and the Finisar modules work (including one in the Lumin U2)!  This confirms that the compatibility issue was with the Cisco switch.

I find the sound quality to be just a touch more 'full', particularly in the low bass region, with the Finisar modules.  It's a subtle difference, but for the cost, worthwhile IMHO.

With that in mind, I'm wondering what people are recommending for FMCs with good SQ?  @ozzy @audphile1 @tksteingraber @maxwave  (and others) care to chime in?

Best, JAMES.

Thanks for the quick replies.  Much appreciated.

@greg_f  I'm on Bell Fibe 500Mbps, then using a cheap TP-Link router to split the ethernet signal - one trunk going into the SmoothLAN, then into the Cisco 2960, then out via fiber port to Lumin (effectively using the Cisco as a FMC) - and the other trunk feeds a newer Cisco switch that has all my 'dirty' computer network on it (wifi, LAN, etc).

Now that I might stick with a dedicated FMC instead of the Cisco 2960, I would probably use the 2960 to replace the cheap TP-Link switch.

I wondered about the Sonore FMC, although it's hard to tell exactly what separates it from a generic FMC.  Guess the usual audiophile caveat applies -- gotta try it to find out!

@tksteingraber Thanks for the perspective.  What LPS are you using?

The experiment continues!

Best, JAMES.

Hey @ozzy hey @tksteingraber 

Did a bit of quick testing, pulling the SL out of the chain...and I gotta say, while there was a tad more treble, I did miss what the SL brings to the soundstage, and the musicality of my system.  Just gives more weight to the music.  More engagement.  A little more outside the speakers.

That said, I have been experimenting with trying to find a Ethernet/Fibre convertor to replace my old Cisco 2960 switch, and tonight's testing reminded me that, like all things in audiophilia, component synergy plays a big part.  How does this relate to the SL/treble question?

While I was using a cheap FMC box (albeit with a good LPS), I did think the SL softened the treble a bit.  But when I replace that FMC with a different one, the presentation was a bit brighter again (perhaps taking a touch of slam with it...not sure).  But the exercise reminded me that it really is a matter of finding balance between all the links in the chain -- at least, a balance that sounds good to my ears.

With that in mind, I'm going to live with the new FMC awhile, and see if it stays in the system.  And, I'm going to live with it while I do more research into 'the best FMC', haha.  Of course, the obsession continues!

Best, JAMES.

@ozzy 

So, the 'cheap' one ($20 USD) I mentioned was a Mokertech box from Amazon.

The one I'm using now, that seems brighter, is a TrendNet 4port switch with an SFP port.  I chose it based on the recommendation of Small Green Computer's website, which recommended the TrendNet brand switches for their fast packet handling.  It's not expensive -- $60 USD.

The big question for me is, whether it's worth trying the Sonore Mini FMC ($110 USD) or to pony up for the $600 USD opticalModule Deluxe.

Have to do some research on FMCs to see what the consensus might be.  What's your take/experience?

Best, JAMES.