I thought I would revisit this smoothlan; it has been 2 months and the honeymoon period is over, and my "purchasing bias" has worn, right? I must have regrets. Skeptics would be elated to hear my confessions: I imagined the whole thing, and I must have justified this "huge" $300 purchase by convincing myself it sounded better. Otherwise how could I live with myself and the foolish decision I made.
I admit it is possible that just when I hooked up the smoothlan before all my neighbors coincidentally stopped arc welding, and when I unplugged it they plugged in their electric cars and did laundry, right? Could be?
Nope. With a different amplifier this time, I will concur what I heard before- massive factor in the believability in voices, more presence, and more easily distinguished low level details with it in. I only needed to take it out and heard the degradation in mere seconds. You know, that proverbial vail that covered the music. But I put it back in and out several times just to convince myself I am not dreaming, and to remove any doubt of neighbours playing with the grid.
I am still in shock with the improvement a few hundred bucks can make in my streaming signal. Like I mentioned before I could spend thousands and if it made this difference I would justify the purchase. Seriously. Now I have to debate trying a second one, or just going crazy and prepare for a Network Acoustics Tempus purchase? How much more cleaner of an ethernet streaming signal can be had?
Here is a fantastic track (Qobuz) to easily hear the differences, and a wonderfully recorded track regardless of what you have in your streaming chain:
Kuwai 45 and Sweet Cocoa- Just the two of us
Just 2 minutes of a sensational recording!
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@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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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.
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@zlone I too took it out and put it back in due to the decreased noise. I only have about 2 days so I am hoping it just needs to settle in
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@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.
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Listening with the Smooth Lan inserted between the LHY SW8 network switch amd tjeLumin U2 Mini I have mixed feelings. Treble is definitley rolled off, soundstage seems to have shrunk and sounds more foward. The only thing I like so far is the blacker background it produces. I will experiment with the SL in a different position.
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@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.
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@zlone Did you ever try a new cable?
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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?
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@audphile1 hey how are you? I saw the message but was on a road trip to Springfield to rescue some dogs.
comments and observations remind me of my experience with Network Acoustics Eno. Does it do something? Yes it definitely does. Do I like the change? Not really. The smoothed over leading edges and mellowed out dynamics is the reason I eventually sold the Eno.
I recall talking about your experiences with the Eno. I never did try it or the Muon pro, but I can assure you this smoothlan does not mellow out dynamics. I just turned on the system after returning so I still have listened to it for just 2 days but along with what it does as far as vocal smoothness (in a good way, it does make voices sound more "real") is add body and dimension to parts of music- piano notes have more impact, drums have more presence, not sure if that is interpreted as an increase in dynamics or not, but it is similar to what my ears told me when I put in the Purtian PSM156- transients had more presence and image precision and therefore seemed louder, which I suppose is explained as that reduction in noise produces that "blacker background" which allows everything to be more clear and pronounced. To use the most overused term in audio- more palpability.
Need to listen more of course to determine a "final" outcome, and I'll listen for leading edges in particular, but I did hear the decays and reverbs in the recordings were more easily perceptible. The short is I like what it does! I am now inserting my new speakers into my system and after I get used to them I will do another A/B and test again but I highly doubt I will be getting rid of it. (the dog rescue was a lie, I picked up some speakers  )
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It happens. He’ll get over it.
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I canceled the order for the fmc with Andrew Gillis at SGC. Haven't heard back from him, he's not gonna be happy. Impulse buy on my part was a mistake!
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Try Lhy Audio UIP for USB optimization. Brilliant
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USB optimization should make a very nice difference.
As to FMC kit…if you’re planning on converting copper to fiber optic then back to copper, I wouldn’t bother. Just my opinion though.
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Last night I did purchase the small green computer fmc package now I'm thinking of canceling the sale and going ahead with Jcat card and diy lps modules, I think this is key to optimize usb. Any good streamer has its usb separate
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@sns here’s the review with some photos…it looks to be nicely isolated. Solid case work.
https://theaudiophileman.com/smoothlan-network-enhancer-from-stack/
@mclinnguy comments and observations remind me of my experience with Network Acoustics Eno. Does it do something? Yes it definitely does. Do I like the change? Not really. The smoothed over leading edges and mellowed out dynamics is the reason I eventually sold the Eno.
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Almost forgot, in speaking about SFP, I found Finisar 1475 in Sonore to be a meaningful upgrade, can't recall exact model, also use 1gb net service.
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Has anyone opened up this device to see exactly what it does? All filtering not created equal, not saying it doesn't work but I'd like to see the inside, photos at Stack audio only show what appears to be an unpopulated circuit board.
I use JCAT Net Card XE, will likely upgrade to this sooner than later, https://jcat.eu/product/net-card-xe-evo/ Everything exposed, OXCO clocks, plus filtering components one can see. I power my card from external device rather than streamer, in this case Uptone JS 2 fully choked LPS via DIY Mundorf Gold/silver wire. This is truly optimized network filtering and clocking at the front end, this feeds Sonore OpticalModule which then goes to OpticalRendu, usb out to Denafrips Gaia DDC, feeds dacs via Tubulus Ximius I2S. Realize this not a device many can use being my custom build streamer atx board based, but this gfves you an idea of what network optimization should be.
Everything powered by lps, all lps plugged into BPT power conditioner, all streaming components using lps can be plugged into same AC circuit as rest of audio system, its the switching power supplies that feed garbage back into AC line. Precision clocking throughout entire chain is critical, only wish the OpticalRendu had OXCO clocks vs the Femto. Also, I2S far superior to usb for feeding dac, even for those dacs with sophisticated usb filtering and clocking. Keep in mind I2S is native protocol in D to A conversion, also have the data and clock links via dedicated lines, dac doesn't have to separate data from clock. All I2S not created equal, clocking and filtering critical here as well.
I've used a number of network filtering devices in the past, they may or may not work to some degree, remember not all optimizations created equal.
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@brunomarcs I tried fiber optic conversion with 3 streamers and it never sounded natural to me. I have the modules in the box sitting around collecting dust.
I also ownef Network Acoustics Eno Streaming System that I used with 2 streamers. I didn’t like the effect it had on the sound either. It mellowed everything out too much, the system was less dynamic and less engaging.
But when I moved the router away from my system, I heard immediate improvement in clarity, soundstage and detail. There smearing due to noise you don’t hear gone.
If you like to build streamers yourself that’s very cool. Enjoy!
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@audphile1 Your not a fan of the fiber conversion? I understand with all the boxes and that's kept me out of it too!
I have a wired 25' distance from router to audio gear in another room, lps on router, one of those 22 ga cables from Amazon and a shorter one from ER to streamer. There is nothing on same circuit, Js-2 powering ER and streamer, AD queen clock on ER and AD LPS, I really can't hear noise, major pitfall is I'm using my streamer's mobo usb and that's not good until I can rectify this situation emi travels through usb.
I will not ever buy another streamer I'll upgrade my own as I've followed audiophile lifestyle diy threads on these. Some amazing stuff over there
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I just put two SL in series. Even better than one 😀
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@brunomarcs few things to consider…
1. Locate your router or mesh node or extender as far from your components and cables as possible - this eliminates EMI and RFI
2. don’t have your network components plugged into the same circuit with your system - this helps keep power your system components draw as clean as possible
3. use a good Ethernet cable with good connectors - doesn’t need to be super expensive
4. Focus on the quality of your streamer and dac
5. use good quality digital cable; depending on your streamer and DAC. Use USB if your streamer doesn’t have the best possible clock or you don’t reclock your signal with external clock or DDC. Otherwise use spdif (coax, AES/EBU)
6. Try a passive network filter like iFi LAN iSilencer
Copper Ethernet is not always bad. Be careful if converting copper to fiber optic, once again keep it all plugged into a different circuit from your system - switch mode power supplies poop back into AC line.
Don’t automatically assume you have noise on your network. Streamer or DAC upgrade will improve the sound quality more than any network tweak. Speaking from experience. Some food for thought…
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@audphile1 I'm just assuming I have some noise on the network! I'm sure my streaming isn't optimized. For one thing I have a diy streamer and I'm gonna get a Jcat usb card.
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Guarantee you have network noise. Especially if you are copper coming into your domicile. We are fiber from the main station, copper into the house and adding fiber in my audio network cleaned up the sound. I also have additional filters in place my backgrounds are black and the sound is pure.
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@brunomarcs just curious what noise you have in your system and why you think it’s due to network.
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You will like it, better quality SFP and FMC make all the difference. Have fun!
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I've got an email into sgc. I'm gonna buy their stuff and convert to optical, I've never heard anyone not satisfied with optical, I do have a lot of noise in my system.
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I have that 50% off deal too is why I ask. I already have AD clock and PS for my ER. There product page has a lot to be desired trying to understand it. The SGC company has about 6 boxes and lps it seems.
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@brunomarcs so okay reviews over at Audiophile Style on AD and some people have questioned the use of counterfeit SFP? Lots of carbon fiber if that’s your thing. They are having a sale right now. They sent me an email on if 50% off so it’s a good deal. I am very happy with my Sonore Optical Module Deluxe to ER, they work well together.
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Fmc I'm looking at an Afterdark brand.
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@brunomarcs no not at all. 300 hrs is nothing. So go into Roon (making an assumption) pick a play list and put it on repeat. Turn off your amplification and just let it run.....300hrs will add up while you are away, at work or on vacation. I put my Zenith on with Radio Paradise playing while I was out of town for 2 weeks.
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@tkrtrb125 No I'm not using fiber. I also don't have 300 hours on the SL. Is that what we need, 300 hours seems like a lot of time. I might have 6!
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@brunomarcs Are you using fiber at all?
@mclinnguy I would not take the ER out of the chain. I know you are using fiber what FMC & SFP are you using. I was using the entry level stuff you can buy on Amazon then found a deal on the Sonore Optical Module V1 and this was a massive jump in performance, then I upgraded to the V2 and combined with the ER and Stack SL this was another jump in performance and sound quality. Lots of discussions at WBF and Audiophile Style on these subjects. Very knowledgeable people there including the the folks from Uptone and Sonore contribute at both forums.
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/24002-optical-network-configurations/page/154/#comment-1294278
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Haven't tried anything else, that is removing the ER, moving the Smoothlan to upstream etc. to what I stated above. But going off of memory from many months ago, so take it with a grain of salt, to the last time I re-tested the ER by taking it in and out, what I am getting by adding the Smoothlan to the exising chain with the ER is a much bigger uplift than adding the ER with a Plixir linear PS.
These ethernet tweaks are so system dependent, that is the beauty of money back guarantee's, but what I am getting with the Smoothlan is way beyond the vocabulary of "tweak".
I saw the video posted above from the Aussie guy, never seen one of his videos before and haven't seen any since, but it was a few months ago so don't completely remember what he said, but I recall he had quite a nice setup, and was completely over the top, and the skeptic in me thought to myself I have seen this before- He sounds like Huff with all his " Wow! this is the best ______ I have ever had!!!!!!!!!!!!" until next week when he tests something else and says the same thing. But Aussie guy wasn't kidding- this little block of British alu-min-yum is the real deal- at least it is in his and my system.
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I purchased a smoothLAN and I've tried it both upstream and downstream of an Etheregen and I'm not sure I can hear any difference, thinking of sending it back. Haven't tried it without the Etheregen, has anyone replaced their ER using just the SoothLAN?
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The EtherRegen operates on the clean side as a moat filtering all noise. I am going to listen to John and clean the signal on the dirty side coming out of the modem/switch side. Maybe redundancy is good? I am extremely happy with the current setup I am using.
https://uptoneaudio.com/products/etherregen
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Yes but so does Stackaudio:
"We recommend you start by connecting it directly to your streamer which should work best for most systems. However, as home networks and hi-fi systems vary, you may want to experiment by placing it next to or between other components in your network (for instance by your router)."
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Uptone recommends the ER is last in the chain connecting to your streaming device.
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@tkrtrb125 did you experiment? Was that the best spot? Or perhaps the Zenith accepts fiber and that is the reason you want the ER next to it- I don't know about the Innuos stuff, I know the Lumin users prefer a fiber connection.
I might as well state it- I tried fiber into the ER from the Cisco and I prefer copper.
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@mclinnguy I am SoothLan>sonore Opical Module v2 >EtherRegen>Zenith. All cables are DH Labs Cat8 with shield drain.
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@tkrtrb125 nope, only place I have put it is after. Total chain is router>generic ethernet>Cisco 2960>monoprice cat7>etheregen powered by Plixir BDC PS>SOtM dCBL Cat7>smoothlan>K50
I will try it before the ER if that is what you are suggesting- but not yet 
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@mclinnguy do you have the Smoothlan in front of the EtherRegen?
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Well holy crap, this thing works.
First impression after insertion is yes, I hear a difference. It is a more analog sound, everything is smoothed over, but possibly too much so? I thought on some bright and edgy tracks this is exactly what I have been looking for, but on others they sounded perfect already, so this may roll off the treble too much?
After 2 days of running I am astounded this tiny little passive block of metal is doing as much as I hear it doing. I mean I already have an Etherregen, and a SoTM ethernet cable with its filter, how much more "filtering" do I need? Apparently lots. Not going to give any adjectives, not going to print any exclamation marks, but I am not going to use the money back guarantee- it’s staying. My digital front end retails for about 30K, and this little 200 British pound black box makes it sound 9-18% better. If it gets even better after a few hundred hours, like many components do, I am going to freak. Seriously, people spend 5k to upgrade their DAC to get this type of improvement. Thanks for the thread @ozzy.
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@sworksone Give it the full 300 hours and it it transformative. Combine with a quality Optical Bridge EtherRegen and Sonore OMD and you will be amazed.
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I also just got a SW-6. Really high quality. Fit and finish of it and the OCK-2 makes them look and feel like a luxury product. I'm impressed.
Using the SFP port and media converter to isolate it and run its Isolated LAN port to my Aurender.
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I feel the same as you. I'd like to try a NA Muon Pro also to see if there is a difference.
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Based largely on this thread I ordered a Smoothlan last Saturday night and it showed up at my door in Canada Thursday afternoon. I’ve tried many filters and isolators in my system with some having a negative impact, some no difference, and some making a very subtle but seemingly positive difference that I doubt I could consistently identify in a blind A/B. I have it placed at the last point in the chain just ahead of an Innuos Zenith Mk3 acting as HQPlayer NAA where based on previous experience with filters/isolators I’ve been most able to detect how a unit performs. The impact of the Smoothlan was not subtle. I already had a very wide soundstage and there was no obvious change in that aspect, but the degree of clarity and depth added is shocking and with no negatives. Tone and dynamics all remain excellent. Wow is right. It makes no sense to me how this little box is doing this. Now the question: do I try to add another one or possibly try a Muon Pro which I’m really having a hard time justifying….
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I've been using the provided cable.
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