2. digital
  3. 164400-25

Streaming Sound Quality - Want the very best sound quality? Network Acoustics ENO...

Like many of you fellow Agoners I am striving to get the best sound quality out of my digital streaming front end. To that end I have invested in various high end switches, re-clockers, ethernet cables, various USB filters/re-clockers, high end servers and delved into fiber optic conversion configurations. All of these measures did improve sound quality at varying levels. I felt my system sounded as good as a decent CD transport on many streaming recordings in Qobuz. However, I still felt there was something missing. I felt my system was still being held back. You can see my system under virtual systems here.

Well, I stumbled across something that has finally enabled my digital system to be all it can be. I cannot fully express the level of sound quality improvement realized with the addition of the Network Acoustics ENO Ag filter and ENO Ag streaming ethernet cable. It has been 10 days now since I added these to my system and I can now confidently say my streaming and system are all they can be sonically.

Here is the set up that has caused me to sell off and move past many other powered filters, reclockers, fiber optic options, and other streaming tweaks and gadgets. Frankly, the ENO additions are miles ahead of these other options sonically in my system and experience. Miles. This is my personal experience and please understand this perspective.

Netgear NighHawk modem/router power by an LPS > Supra cat 8 ethernet cable > English Electric 8Switch > Network Acoustics ENO Ag streaming cable > ENO Ag ethernet filter > Innuos Zenith III > Mojo Audio Evo dac

The English Electric 8Switch is also wonderful. Will a lower cost, standard switch sound as good in this set-up? Not sure as I have not tried. I am so ecstatic with my sound system that I don’t want to touch it!

There is a certain rightness from top to bottom that’s intoxicating. The tone is so beautiful and natural with no hint of electronic glare or digital artificiality. Music flows with far greater ease and has an uncanny, unforced nature to it. The stage is far deeper with the music flowing from a plane that is layered and completely separate of the speakers. This aural sensation, at this level of nuance, is new to my system and experience. The ENO products made this possible.

Instruments are presented with a new realism that is arresting to my senses. There is a wholistic presentation that spreads out all around me and my space. Just a joy to experience. Yes, the speakers seem to float the music into my space without any attention or localization of the speaker box or physical presence.

No part of frequency spectrum is out of place or forced. I am sure this has to do with the absence of noise. My music is equally articulate and resolved at low or loud volumes. Music stays controlled and enticing no matter how complex or bombastic the recording.

The ENO filter is passive, not powered, so there is no need of any power supply or plug. This is a huge plus.

Hope you streaming audiophiles find this helpful.

Bill
128x128grannyring

Showing 4 responses by mgrif104

mgrif104
328 posts
 
@lalitk 

Thanks much.  I’ll reach out to Network Acoustics tomorrow to get a unit coming my way to try. 

And, talk about a nice system - I looked at yours!
mgrif104
328 posts
 
I’m intrigued, but am unsure if I’ll enjoy the benefits of others. I have a Nighthawk router w/ the WiFi turned off.  I connect a google router into the Nighthawk and operate a 3 zone mesh system so that I can plug my streamer into one of the WiFi points via Ethernet. I did this as i needed the extended range for work and can’t run an Ethernet cable from the nighthawk across the house.  

I really don’t know if I’m isolating my streamer from the EMI/RMF noise others are picking up w/ a long cat 5 cable.  I do have a lengthier Ethernet cable from the WiFi point than needed so will probably try the NA cable there. 

I’m happy to reach out to NA but want to hear from experienced users first.

Best, 
mgrif104
328 posts
 
I have my ENO Ag and cable coming. They’re back ordered, but I’ll report to the group my findings.  I also decided to take the plunge on an upgrading my network and found a source to get the English Electric switch. That’s also back-ordered about 3 weeks. (I couldn’t pull the trigger on the Melco and SoTM switches which are really pricey).  I’ll also report my findings on the switch as well.

Happy listening all,
mgrif104
mgrif104
328 posts
 
Time to report my findings.  As a refresh, I ordered the ENO Ag system (filter and cable) and an English Electric network switch. 

I got the ENO a few weeks ago.  The switch was on backorder and I just got it today.

Honestly, there was minor improvement with the ENO alone.  However, with the addition of the switch - well I can say @grannyring was right.  

Please don’t ask me how or why.  I, too, was skeptical but figured it was a relatively minor investment - and equipment I could return if it didn’t make a difference.  

Even my wife - who doesn’t care in the least - and didn’t know I had put it in the system said “it’s sounding really good” - unsolicited.

Needless to say, I’m not returning the gear as I’m pretty happy with the results!
Best,

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