agisthos.
Thank you, for that information. Good to know.
I just looked up the LHY SW-6 switch. Looks to be a very good product. I like the fact that you can use optic fiber with it. With my Lumin I found that to be a big plus over Ethernet cable.
ozzy
|
antigrunge2,
The SmoothLan works very well. I think those of us with the EthereRegen may find it a little tricky to get the best out of it since it does seem to interact with it.
Give it a try with your setup and post your results.
ozzy
|
antigrunge2,
Have you actually used the SmoothLan?
ozzy
|
Thanks for that info.
Now that may open up a new can of worms. And perhaps deserves its own thread.
ozzy
|
jimboman,
I am using the EtherRegen. Perhaps I should try different FMC’s. The ones I bought a few years back were the Finisar, can’t remember the model number, but they were about $100 each.
ozzy
|
No, they do look similar though.
ozzy
|
What FMC are you now using?
ozzy
|
Thanks guys.
As much as I liked what it did for the depth of the soundstage the treble does seem to be a little subdued.
ozzy
|
Question:
Do any of you think the treble is diminished with the SmoothLan?
ozzy
|
Since my apple TV is also connected to my Ether Regen, the SmoothLan has improved that picture quality too!
And...
I actually have it connected right before the Apple TV, and I have found that with this placement that the audio quality is also the best, Perhaps the Apple TV injects a lot of noise?
ozzy
|
I actually found that the iFi iPower Low Noise Power supply was better (sound quality wise) than the Linear power supply used in the AfterDark power supply.
ozzy
|
jimboman,
I have only used 2 types of SFP modules, and both worked.
I thought they were universal.
ozzy
|
tksteingraber,
I just sent you a PM.
ozzy
|
So, placing the SmoothLan before the EtherRegen does reflect some interaction and reduces some of the sound quality as noted by tksteingraber.
Today I am of the opinion that one SmoothLan unit located at my Apple TV seems to be the best for sound quality. agisthos, you are right on.
Even if I place it at EthereRegen output, again it seems to reduce some of the treble. Hard to notice at first but I can now tell it clearly. Both issues are more related to an EtherRegen conflict.
And with 2 of them, though the sound stage is deeper, I still feel that the treble is still affected.
Looks like I will have a unit for sale.
P.S Sorry about the different font sizes it seems to be impossible to correct.
ozzy
|
For what it's worth. I have no problem with 4K downloads on my Apple TV, the picture is actually quite a bit better and HR Quboz audio streaming.
ozzy
|
tksteingraber,
"After several days of listening and testing the SL in front of my EtherRegen switch and after my ER switch I definitely prefer it installed after the ER right before my network streamer. It sounder veiled, less detailed and less dynamic installed in front of the ER. The SL has found its home. Really does improve the SQ."
I also now concur with your findings. After the EthererRgen is better.
Thank you for pointing that out.
ozzy
|
Thanks maxwave,
I guess time will tell if it is an improvement in sound quality.
ozzy
|
maxwave,
From my understanding the EtherRegen production was stopped due to the inability to get parts for that design.
So, I wonder if the EtherRegen 2 version will be an actual improvement in sound or just different parts?
benzman,
I know I thought it sounded even better the next day too.
ozzy
|
tksteingraber
I'm not sure anymore which way is before or after the EtherRegen. My set up has the etherenet cable going into the EtherRegen and then I am using the fiber optic out from the other side of the EthereRegen to my Lumin X1.
For my arrangement, I definitely prefer the SmoothLan going into the EtherRegen.
ozzy
|
Ok I got it. Thanks!
That Aussie guy is a little long winded.
ozzy
|
maxwave,
I am having a problem finding that video again. That link seems to be a dead end.
Can you provide another link?
ozzy
|
Thank you knockknock12, it really is a very important add on. And the price of admission is not too steep.
There seems to be many from the USA buying them. Having them in stock now seems to be the only problem because of the demand.
I probably should be getting a commission! LOL.
ozzy
|
Thanks for that link. Using 2 SmoothLan's
Since I am using Fiber optic cable out from the EtherRegen directly into my Lumin X1, my connections are different. I have tried running 2 SmoothLan back-to-back out of my modem into the EtherRegen with the Fiber optic cable out to the Lumin X1. Even though there is additional improvement sonically, I think 2 of them is reducing the image air.
I also have an ethernet cable out from the EtherRegen that is running to my Apple TV, so, I placed the 2nd SmoothLan before that Apple TV.
I think with this connection I am getting more additional "digititis" removed and it is improving the picture quality and... there also seems to an improvement further in my audio streaming sound.
But I’m not sure how this is possible yet. Any ideas?
ozzy
|
Thanks. I am now leaning towards having 2 in line may be reducing the "air" a bit. So, I look forward to other opinions.
ozzy
|
Very Good Point. You and Josh are right!
I am using the Fiber optic cable out from my EtherRegen to my Lumin X1 that is why I use the SmoothLan before the EtherRegen. But without that scenario, yes, use the SmoothLan on the ethernet cable before the input to the source.
ozzy
|
I am using mine before.
ozzy
|
jimboman, jaymark,
Congratulations! Pretty good add on device for not too much crazy money!
I am really interested in your take once you insert the 2nd one into your system.
ozzy
|
tksteingraber,
Congratulations! You never know about delivery these days. Give it a couple of days to break in. I think it improves further.
ozzy
|
campo007,
Please do so, so I can show the wife..
agisthos,
I sent an email to Josh about using 2 in tandem or perhaps create one super unit.
tksteingraber,
I hate it when that happens, I’ve been there too many times. Hang in there, hopefully it will be worth it.
ozzy
|
Some interesting comments, perhaps starting to get off topic a bit though.
boxcarman,
I wish you could, or anyone else try a 2nd SmoothLan just to validate my own sanity. Contrary to what my wife says...
To me, adding the 2nd unit takes away all things that were digital sounding. Most impressive!
ozzy
|
I think the change to the EthereRegen 2 is because some of the original parts that were used in the original EtherRegen are no longer available.
Not sure if this means it will sound better.
ozzy
|
Well, I think it sounded better the next day, The lower midrange and bass became fuller. At least to me, but I really don’t know why.
Just wait until you get a 2nd unit...I think I can hear Ringo picking his teeth...
ozzy
|
tksteingraber,
You’re ok with the post. Sounds like you’re ready. I would be interested in your opinion on the usage of the clock. Will you be running fiber out of the EtherRegen?
antigrunge2,
$7000 for the clock! Holy Cow! I have never ventured much into the clock realm. Do you find it really helps?
ozzy
|
antigrunge2,
Can you provide a link to the Antelope clock you are using. I just did a search and the ones I looked at are really expensive.
ozzy
|
You know I bought the EtherRegen and the clock as a package deal and have never used the EtherRegen without the clock. So sorry I can neither recommend or not its use.
Perhaps see if you can try it with a return policy.
ozzy
|
Yes, I do. It is an AfterDark clock.
ozzy
|
tksteingraber,
The SmoothLan comes with a short cat 8 cable. The input comes from my modem with a short cat 8 cable connected to the first SmoothLan, then I have the output of that unit connected via another short cat 8 cable to the input of another SmoothLan. Then from that unit a short cat 8 cable is connected to my EtherRegen.
I hope that helps.
ozzy
|
So previously I posted that I just added another SmoothLan. I have 2 of them running back-to-back and then into my EtherRegen which then outputs fiber to my Lumin X1.
This is really revelatory! The sound is so pure, and the bass notes are really defined and powerful. The singers, guitars etc. are clearly defined but natural. I cannot detect anything negative.
Stack Audio should market a double version, it is that much of an improvement. I think I’ll send Josh a message.
I guess the only drawback is you gotta buy 2.
ozzy
|
Ok guys I have had the 2 SmoothLan in line now for 24 hours.
At first, I noticed the deeper soundstage, but the images seemed midrangy if that can be a word? I was concerned that it was over-kill.
I have always been a proponent of cable break in, but ethernet filter breakin in? I can just image all the ASR people rolling their eyes. But I hear a much richer soundstage today than I did yesterday.
And... I can now attest that as good as the original is, the added 2nd SmoothLan does indeed add more to the depth and realism. Perhaps not double as compared to just the one, but still significant.
ozzy
|
I just received my 2nd SmoothLan. I will be connecting these back-to-back.
Stay tuned...
ozzy
|
painter24,
I also thought that the bass was reduced somewhat initially. But after using it now for a quite a while I don't. I think it is because the soundstage and dynamics hit you so much that that is what you first notice.
BTW, I gulp..., will be getting a second SmoothLan to try them in tandem. I hope it is not over-kill, but we shall see...uhm, hear.
ozzy
|
jimboman.
I did think my internet connection and sound quality was fine. But once I added the SmoothLan the soundstage deepened quite a lot. So, there is still something (noise?) that can be improved.
ozzy
|
jimboman,
Can't you use the extra ethernet port on your Modem for your computer and then use the other port with a SmoothLan into the Cisco unit and then fiber out to the Lumin?
ozzy
|
jaymark,
I’m glad I can help you spend your money! LOL!
jerrybj,
Congrats, I hope you enjoy it like I do.
jimboman,
Where does your ethernet signal originate from? If it’s from a modem/router like mine it has a few extra ethernet openings. Just thinking, perhaps, you can run your computer system off of one of those. And, are you connecting to your modem wirelessly?
ozzy
|
James,
Thank you for your post.
Before the Cisco switch would be the best place. Perhaps contact Stack Audio to share your concerns. Personally, I think it will work great.
ozzy
|
I have noticed having a short ethernet cable coming out of the SmoothLan is better than having a long one. Regardless of the type of cable.
Ex: I tried the WW Platinum 8 1 meter and I found that a shorter ethernet cable of modest but good quality (cat 8) seems to sound more dynamic.
Very interesting....
ozzy
|
Great! I am interested in your comparison.
ozzy
|
mikhailark,
I’m still not getting your post. How does the vibration have anything to do with the SmoothLan? The Stack Audio footers are for equipment isolation, neither product is co-dependent.
ozzy
|
No offense, but HUH?
ozzy
|
Yeah, it is a Finister, but I'm not sure of the model number I'll see if I can find it. It was a unit that came highly praised with the folks on the forums a few years back. It cost several hundred dollars used.
ozzy
|
