@maxwave Sorry: no, I don’t. Suggest you get in touch with the guys at Uptone directly. They are very responsive.
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
253 responses Add your response
What you guys said about the ENO having reduced dynamics is exactly what I would expect having seen a picture if it’s internals - it just has each wire pair wrapped around a potted ferrite ring. My experience with testing ferrite rings (for signal and power) is they clean up the high frequency noise but reduce transient speed and dynamic impact. They give but take away more. I don’t like them. |
With all due respect, what audible effect ferrites have in an analog cable (signal or power) would not necessarily be consistent with how they may work with digital cables. They would still reduce high frequency noise but how that may impact the resultant sonics could be entirely different. Just something to keep in mind. |
The back to back Ethernet filters containing ferrites and caps are well established, so filtering on Ethernet lines is effective. Conducted emissions are below 30MHz, above that frequency are your classic RF interference. I think you'd be unlucky for such a frequency to enter the copper bits of the Ethernet, the impedance is all wrong. The case with the 20 screws can certainly keep the paths in, but won't radiate out. I wonder if plain Cat5 cable on the input 'will do' since screened Ethernet cables require a specific grounding scheme to be effective and ground loops are too common and difficult to solve. The supplied CAT7 would work since the shield in that cable connects directly to the SmoothLan filter, but beyond that to the source; maybe effective to remove the screen at the other end. I've been using the DX ISO filters for some time cleaning up Ethernet, they work quite well and are half the price of the SmoothLan. Screened cables are not used in my network. Still considering the SmoothLan, awaiting opinions from others. |
Well established to work by who? This it not IT networking, but audio. The ferrites not only will choke the signal by creating a magnetism effect, effecting not only the insulator and shield in the cable, but start to magnetise the connecting components. This is why no serious high end equipment uses ferrite chokes, only cheap stuff and the products by EE types who design by theory alone.
In the days of SDIF cables (and later USB), I noticed ferrite had the exact same effect as signal/power. And they are considered a digital signal, although possibly not the same type of digital signal as ethernet.
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@agisthos, I apologise for the error in describing the back to back Ethernet filters. The circuit of the Halo HFJ11-1G46E Ethernet jack as found in the DEXE-ISO filter contains inductors, both air and iron core types, caps and resistors. They don't include ferrites. The reason for the well established is how many of Ethernet RJ45 jacks contain noise suppression elements are available. |
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 |
@rms456 Sure, and I am not having a dig at the DXE-ISO filter, I am sure it does something positive. It probably is best to compare that one to the cheaper iFi iSilencer filter tho. @ozzy if having 2 SmoothLAN's in series is only additive, with no negative effect, then I am sure Stack Audio will release a more powerful version of the SmoothLAN in the future. |
Well sometimes one is just cursed by the delivery Gods. Order not originally shipped due to fulfillment system glitch (my order only), called after a week of no tracking and Josh apologized, item in black was then out of stock due to orders after mine being filled, back in stock several days later, Josh sent priority Fedex scheduled to arrive Friday 7/5, delayed a day in Memphis, further delay locally rescheduled for Monday 7/8. All one can do is laugh, say “ ..it” happens and hope it is not a sign I should not have ordered the device. |
Well miracles do happen…the SmoothLAN arrived after my post…Yeah! Well, right out of the box this was an “Oh My” moment. Everything improved on my modest system. The deep piano and guitar strings it’s as if you can feel the resonance and vibration. Separation of instruments clearer, improved 3D depth and bass just to mention the main takeaway. This is another winner recommended by @ozzy 👍👍. Thanks. Well worth the wait! My hookup is Mesh Router-ethernet cable-FMC-optical cable-FMC-ethernet cable-smoothLAN-SmoothLAN ethernet cable- Bricasti Network Streamer. Etheregan with ext. clock due on Monday to replace second FMC in the chain. |
Having tried so many filters over the years I think it's worth mentioning the evolution is exciting to see. The ENO was actually the very first generation and some kind of pioneer braking the barrier for further generations. iFi, SN and many more have tried to come up with their approaches. So a lot has happened over the years and the new ENO2 including many findings that went into the Muon Pro will be quite a game changer from what I heard. So for those deciding about where to go next think that should be on the list to try. |
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.
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I received two units the other day. Installed one after my switch and before my Gustard R26. Just like everyone here, i can report the same effects. More separation of the instruments, slightly more micro details and dynamics. After @ozzy ’s last comment i’ll try installing the 2nd SL before my switches, rather than piggybacking. Let’s see what that does. |
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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 |
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. |
The SmoothLan is AWSOME! Now my digital music sounds like analogue 😀 So I ordered StackAudio´s AUVA´s also. And this also is better than whatever I put under my speakers before. So my GAIA III´s are sold now. The AUVA (50´s) makes every small detail come through, the depth and the speed of the tracks is really addictive to say the least. The combination of the SmoothLAN and the AUVA´s is not to be missed. Never ever will I use the 30 day money back guarantee. |
Been playing with the Smooth Lan for a couple of hours. It’s early but I think I like better before the EtherRegen. I also get the benefit to an 85” Sony in that configuration I am hearing an improvement in instrument layering front to back. Strings on Stand up bass with more definition. Melody Gardot sounds even more lovely. Bass on Blue Tofu’s “ A battle between”is impressive thru the swarm system. Nice little 2-3 percent bump but they all add up.
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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 |
