Stack Audio-SmoothLAN Network Filter- WOW!

Yes, I do. It is an AfterDark clock.

ozzy

@ozzy  Thanks that is exactly what I was interested in confirming.  Do you use an external clock or lps on your etherregen?

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.

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

@jaymark Glad to hear and I am now really looking forward to mine arriving.  I also have an STR and that was a revelation in SQ improvement.  Can you provide the set up chain you are using?  Many Thanks!

Straight out of the box cold, I agree wholeheartedly with "WOW".  Space, a more forward presentation, greater tonality and more presence.  So easy to hear this pleasing sonic change.  This Uber cheap filter had the same impact in my system as the much more expensive Soace Tech super rectifier.

@ozzy can you explain exactly how you have the two connected? Is one connected into the other or are they separated by a cord or device? Curious🤔

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

@tksteingraber your experience with Josh/Stack Audio matches mine withe 2 purchases I've made with them so far. It's great to see.

Just a quick update on my SL; I swapped the Network Acoustics streaming cable for my DH Lab Reunion after work, between LHY SW8 switch and the SL. Yep, better again. As per @audphile1 even though I've enjoyed the ENO, I have been missing something I didn't realize I was. SL makes the ENO seem a little, I don't know ...dull maybe?

I'm surprised how much of a positive difference there's been (to me at least) between the ENO system and the SmoothLan, especially considering the gulf between their respective prices 

Since , it seems that I am out of topics for this thread , I decided to delete my posts .

Regards

Pierre

Josh responded to my shipping update email and said that their new fulfillment service had a glitch and all orders after mine were filled but mine was not.  He also informed me now black was not in stock but he could immediately send silver Fedex. I asked when my preferred black was back in stock and he informed me by next Tues ( no big deal) and he would give me 40 Euro credit for their error.  Point being, Stack’s Josh is super responsive with communication and immediately solved  my minor issue with professionalism.  Great customer service!

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.

Ozzy or anyone else-  How long does it take for these to ship.  I ordered mine last Wed and received an email from Josh confirming but nothing since?  Do they send you tracking/shipping info?  Thanks

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

@teknorob23 ah ok, thanks for this. I knew the ENO was no longer available but didn't know there was a new version in the pipeline. Don't think I'll be trying it though; the ENO was around £700+, £900+ with the NA streaming cable; no doubt the ENO 2 will be similarly priced.

After the SL, my plan is for the Auva 70's for my speakers, and more Auva EQ's for my components (have the EQ's under my DAC to good effect)

@audphile1 I feel that's what I am hearing now I've contrasted the two units; the ENO is downplaying dynamics compared to the SL. Honestly, I enjoyed my system with the ENO, and was engaged by it, but the SL, albeit on a short initial comparison, is giving me more

I'll be swapping out the Network Acoustics streaming cable over the weekend as well, for the DH Labs Ethernet cable between switch and SL to see if there's any difference there. 

The eno is discontinued so it’ll be very interesting to hear how the eno2 compares, which I gather arrives in a couple of weeks. 

@painter24 Eno Streaming System in was too much of a good thing in my setup as it mellowed out dynamics, clarity and excitement. The effect was the same when using it with 2 different streamers. I ended up selling it.   

I received my Smooth Lan yesterday. Didn’t get to plug it in until I finished work, so about 4:30, so didn’t listen much.

The SL was slotted in between my LHY SW8 switch and Innuos Zen Mini mkiii, replacing the Network Acoustics ENO.

I kept the Network Acoustics streaming cable in place between the LHY and SL, and used the short cable that came with the SL to connect it to the Zen. Everything else in my system is unchanged.

Apart from bass, all other aspects seemed enhanced; I’m not sure if the SL is creating a blacker background than the ENO, but I am perceiving more clarity/greater sense of 3D in the soundstage.

Bass seems to have decreased somewhat, but this is literally playing after first plugging the SL in. I’ve left the streamer running overnight and will leave it doing so 24/7, and hopefully will do some proper listening over the coming weekend.

My initial thoughts are that the SL is more pleasing to me than the ENO (which is around 3x the cost of the SL), but it’s early days and will give it some more time, and hopefully the bass will return.

@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.

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.

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

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

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

I'm really enjoying my Stack Audio SmoothLan. Have it placed before my Uptone Audio EtherRegen.

Agree with comments about Josh from Stack Audio. He provides exemplary service (therefore total customer satisfaction).

So, excellent service.

Concern and remedies if there ever are problems (only with my country's postal service, in my case).

A money back guarantee.

And to top it off, the products are superb. 

@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.

Well, thanks to Ozzy, my order is in!  Another damn tweak...

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

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.

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

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.

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

I've just ordered one; looking forward to seeing how it stacks up against the Network Acoustic ENO (no pun intended)

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

How would vibration of a cable affect network stack?

No offense, but HUH?

ozzy

There is no such thing as “performance degradation caused by external vibrations” in Ethernet unless your cable is simply broken and not soldered properly.