2. digital
  3. 190276-41

Stack Audio-SmoothLAN Network Filter- WOW!

I just received this item that I purchased from Stack Audio after being impressed with the AUVA 100 Speaker footers.

For any of the Audio Streamers out there, my initial comment as to this item: The SmoothLAN Network Filter is WOW!

From first plug in, the soundstage deepened and widened immensely. How the heck this occurs is nothing short of amazing. I have tried many of the major brand ethernet filters, and some of them, maybe, did something. But not enough to keep them. I either sent them back or sold them. I did however keep an iFi Silencer unit.

My digital streaming consists of an EtherRegen sending out the signal via Fiber to my Lumin X1. I have the Stack Audio device going into the EtherRegen from the Modem.

And, since I have my Apple TV coming out of the EtherRegen it will be interesting to see if the Video improves.

Check out the review in EAR.

Stack Audio Smooth-LAN For Clean Streaming | The Ear (the-ear.net)

ozzy

ozzy

Showing 4 responses by zlone

zlone
828 posts
 

I added one of these to my system a couple weeks ago and it is a nice change. Not quite night and day, but I prefer the system with it in place.

Without sifting through all the posts again, has anyone experimented with replacing the supplied ethernet cable with something fancier? What were the results?

zlone
828 posts
 

@evank   Did you ever try a new cable?

Funny you should ask, I just plugged in an Audio Sensibility Signature OCC Silver cable between the Smoothlan and my Innuos yesterday. I would call the results positive, cleaner, tighter and better definition.

zlone
828 posts
 

@evank I had a similar impression at first, especially the treble issue.  Had it in for a few weeks and then took it out. Yes more treble, but I would suggest you examine the quality of that treble closely. I put the Smoothlan back in and did not like the sound for a couple days, but it improved and I adjusted, with the end result I think is a net improvement in sound quality. All that said, my ears are not great with the highs, so you may be noticing more change than I did.

zlone
828 posts
 

@evank Finally got to sit down now and listen since last night. The SL has smoothed out. Everything I heard last night has changed for the better. My soundstage is back as well as the highs. Added bonus is the reduced noise floor which gives more definition to the music.

Good to hear that it is working for you again. This pretty much mirrors my experience.

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