Uptone EtherRegen

The internet is coming from a netgear router - cheap ethernet cable to EtherRegen to Lumin via Audioquest Cinnamon cable.

I'm streaming through a lumin U1 mini into a lampizator Golden Atlantic DAC.

I'm now thinking I have a defective unit as it occasionally freezes or stutters.  I'm going to return it for a refund.

I’m able to notice a difference with just about any track. The background "noise" just drops off the map, giving better definition and immediacy to the music. That’s the best way I can describe it.

Curious what your streaming set-up is. I’ve been able to hear a difference with two different setups; my bluesound node 2i and my friend’s stack audio link (both streamers). Those were both connected via ethernet cable to the etherregen directly.

Just installed mine yesterday and have played it for about 6 hours. So far neither my wife nor I can hear any difference. We listen primarily to Tidal and have done several rounds of A/B testing. 

For those of you hearing improvements, is there any particular song on Tidal you recommend for A/B testing?

I was on first batch. EtherRegen definitely is a keeper. It’s one of those components that I don’t see myself changing. I am happy with it and good value for the money. If you stream a lot, and have a decent system, it’s going to make a positive difference. Now... of course, a Chromecast Audio will not sound as good as a proper DAC, with EtherRegen or not

"Its only super mp3 files but its literally like being at the performance my soundstage is wall to wall floor to ceiling."

It is this kind of nonsense that leaves me untrustworthy of most things I read on forums.  Be careful when people use terms like "massive difference", "jaw dropping" etc...

"Its only super mp3 files but its literally like being at the performance my soundstage is wall to wall floor to ceiling."

It is this kind of nonsense that leaves me untrustworthy of most things I read on forums.  Be careful when people use terms like "massive difference", "jaw dropping" etc...

Benzman,

That’s good to hear about the DMS-600 and the Etheregen working well together, as I have a DMS-600 myself and just received the Etherregen.  I plan to eventually put a server after the Etherregen and before the DMS-600, but it’s good to know the direct connection works well.

Just got mine this weekend. Xfinity modem/router>Ethergen>CaryDMS 600. Cabling is Supra. 
No need for double blind testing cuz you would have to be deaf not to hear the improvement. Best 640 you will ever spend in Audio 
 Texture and detail. Check out the listening impressions at the Computersudiophile.com.    

Im still happy with my EtherRegen. It has improved my digital listening. I just don’t have any similar products for comparison.

This was posted in another forum.  From best to worst:

“2 x sotm full options with 10 mhz ref clock
2 x sotm full options
er + sotm full options close to above
er + er very good
single sotm full option
single ER
single sotm no options.”

I'm in the February batch, so haven't heard it yet. Honestly, I'm fully expecting to send it back for a refund - things like this rarely work out for me.  Regardless, I'll give it a fair listening test by doing a blind A/B test with my wife's ears. I'll report back when finished.
 

I was in the January batch. Evaluating over the weekend, I can confidently say that for my system, the etherregen is a very very positive upgrade. For my digital front-end, I only stream music from tidal.

My previous network audio path connected my bluesound node 2i directly to my router (an old TP link model) via ethernet cable. I inserted the etherregen between my bluesound and the TP link. So in my system, the clock in the etherregen directly replaced the clock in my cheap-o TP link, as well as provide all of the additional isolation benefits.

My system isn't anything fancy by standards on this forum (kef ls50, bluesound node 2i, ps audio stellar gain cell DAC, red dragon s500 class D amp, various aftermarket cables) and I clearly hear a dramatic improvement. Background is inky black. The musical presentation is just so relaxed and effortless, its very hard to describe. Its as if the etherregen removed something that you wouldn't have noticed was there otherwise. My speakers have completely disappeared in the room.

I haven't compared any other network switches, just took the plunge. I have to say that if anyone has a streaming front end and some cheap networking equipment, this is well worth a try in my experience.

@asindc 

It is interesting given the extreme levels of hype over the past year that the validating glowing reviews aren't just rolling in over the internet.  The buildup seems to have been more exciting than post-launch reality.

Unless I missed it (quite possible), I haven't read any listener reports that have compared a stock SOtM sNH-10G (no upgrades at all) at $800 to an Uptone Etherregen at $640.  I would be very interested in reading about such a comparison.

@discopants your reading of the comparison on WBF is wrong:

"(some guys in Hong Kong have done some listening tests and they prefer 2 SoTM fully loaded switches in sequence as a reference hifi switch but the cost of that is about 5 times more than Etherregen.)"
This has also been misquoted on the CA forums
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/sotm-snh-10g-network-switches-x2-the-new-king-of-usb-network-...
They unequivocally preferred the single SoTM to the single ER.
They also preferred 2x SoTM’s to 2x ER’s.

It was clear that the SoTM was the superior switch by far albeit at more than twice the price of the ER.
"2. However there was no miracle. All attendees of the gathering, including me myself thought that the SOtM switch was still significantly better. This was not unexpected, because the SOtM was several times more expensive.
3. Single SOtM was better than a single ER (no matter unclocked or clocked).

4. For dual switch format, the sonic performance was SOtMx2 > SOtM to ER > ERx2 (no matter unclocked or clocked). Actually we didn’t like ERx2."

For the record, I do not use nor intend to get either switch nor am I shilling for either.

I did read it. I too was skeptical until I heard it.  It’s not one of those tweaks that you have to listen very closely to try to hear a difference.  It’s like I got a new DAC.

Lance

Just curious, anyone read this review which basically says it does nothing?

@three_easy_payments,  at this point in time I don’t think anyone reputable has done measurements. I love what I’m hearing so no need for me but I’m guessing if it measures well it would be a sales advantage.

While I don't dispute the improvements folks are hearing with EtherRegen, are there any measurements with the device that help substantiate the sonic gains that are claimed?  Surely they must be measurable?? Reduced distortion etc?

Ive had one 2 days in my Lyngdorf TDAI3400 all in one streaming power DAC system.

Wow wow wow massive difference , every track I stream is like listening for the first time. I think I've squeezed the last drop of noise out of my system with this upgrade, I've been hitting noise and vibration control from all fronts on this system all year.

 Its only super mp3 files but its literally like being at the performance my soundstage is wall to wall floor to ceiling.

If you want a streaming system to rival an analogue rig you have to look at getting a switch like this or better (some guys in Hong Kong have done some listening tests and they prefer 2 SoTM fully loaded switches in sequence as a reference hifi switch but the cost of that is about 5 times more than Etherregen.)

Reach out to @thyname