Uptone EtherRegen

Reach out to @thyname

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.)

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?

@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.

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

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

@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.

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.

@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.

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.

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.
 

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.”

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

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.    

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.

"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...

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

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’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.

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.

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

In case anyone is wondering, Uptone gave me a full refund. They were pleasant and very professional.

I purchased one off the 2nd production run. Fired up JRiver and started playback. Pulled the cable and while the music still kept magically playing (surprised their switch is so advanced!) it sounded unconnected, disassociated, Soon as I plugged the switch in veils lifted, sound stage expanded, soon as I unplugged, music still was magically playing, but dull, lifeless. Soon as I plugged the switch back in...

It’s not magic it’s called a buffer which even a $50 netgear switch has.

https://sys.dias.ac.cy/www3/wp-content/uploads/cisco_rs_ite/CCNA-R-S_ITN/course/module5/5.3.1.8/5.3....

@djones51
Seems like you haven't been over to the ER forum and read about how the product works. It is not a buffer. But go see for yourself. -I wondered if this product could make much of a difference in my system but it is a pretty amazing change. Can be heard by anyone. BTW, my streamer fully buffers each and every track and wow, what a difference with the ER. Natural, 3D, musical, etc. Across the board better. Just a massive positive difference. You can see my review over on AS. I couldn't imagine listening without it now. It is easily the best $640 I've spent in audio after three decades of being involved in this hobby.

When you pull a cable and the music keeps playing it's playing from the buffer. I don't  care what they call it but it's still a buffer. I never mentioned sound quality I have never heard the device I was commenting on jinjuku post about music playing without  the cable plugged in.

BTW, my streamer fully buffers each and every track and wow, what a difference with the ER. Natural, 3D, musical, etc. Across the board better. Just a massive positive difference.

Does the improvement stay put if you pull the Ethernet cable feeding your streamer. What streamer are you using? I haven't seen one that has enough RAM to buffer entire tracks.

I am curious about this device and may take a chance for $640.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/uptone-audio-etherregen-switch-review.10232/

One thing I would like to point out is about the review linked above that says it makes no difference. The review is scattered with sarcastic comments and hyperbole that clearly shows the reviewer set out to prove it made no difference. Maybe he is correct, but the tone of the review destroys any credibility he may bring to the table.

always curious when you see such diametrically opposed reviews. This guy like many here say they hear obvious differences. My opinion is that this device, like many, is system dependent.

https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/uptone-audio-etherregen-review-and-comparison-r887/

In this case there is no risk to try it out! I've found the etherregen to make a very noticeable improvement to my digital front end. That reviewer never had an open mind about the product, and has actually built a brand for himself shooting similar products down. His followers wouldn't be supportive of him if he thought an ethernet switch could make a difference and so his bias was already determined.

There is a large forum on Audiophile Style with countless positive experiences with the device as well as the company. Feel free to ask any questions!

I am still very happy with this device. I don’t understand why some say it doesn’t work. Maybe there is more noise in my system to fix because of long cable runs and multiple switches but it makes an a very noticeable improvement. 

"I don't understand why some say it doesn't work."

I heard a very definite improvement in detail when my DAC was configured for Ethernet input.  There are other considerations for shared power supplies that can cancel out the isolation.  So there is a configuration element.

Another reason is bias, like the pseudo-science of the mob on audiosciencereview.com, or those who insist quality cable can't make a difference.

droberson02, isn't audiosciencereview actually the opposite of pseudo science? They're actually quantifying w/ measurements, or at least attempting to, while the other camp's argument is "well it sounds better to my ears you cant measure emotion etc" I have no dog in this fight as I believe measurements aren't everything but just thought that was kind of an ironic statement

Mob is the correct word for that nasty group of men 

Anyone who understands how switches work would question the claims made for this device.

Keep questioning!! meanwhile, hundreds of people are actually enjoying it in their own systems, including myself.

Never said people couldn't enjoy. I said if you understand how switches work you would question the claims made about it. I am sure hundreds if not thousands of people who use these devices have no idea how ethernet, modems, routers, switches, hubs, nodes actually work, doesn't mean they can't enjoy their placebo high.

Of course Dow Jones. I knew exactly what you were going to say. it never fails. 

As I said, keep questioning ....

Of course you did sweet pea just as I knew what you would say.

djones51"Never said people couldn't enjoy. I said if you understand how switches work you would question the claims made about it."

But that is not really what you mean which is not question but denigrate, disqualify, and reject without doing any basic, personal, first-hand exploration other than reading an obviously biased and angry review so you conclude it is placebo to those who enjoy it without any evidence or science to justify you're claim so actually the "placebo effect" is on you because you have somehow convinced your self beyond any doubt of your belief using only second or third hand second rate information.

Should be your not you are.

justify you’re claim so actually

You have no idea if I have done a controlled double blind test of this item, have you?

djones51"Should be your not you are."

Yes thank you for pointing that out English is not my first language but one of 8 depending how you count because some are dialects of others that I converse in and I have trouble sometime with contracted words and also what you call in English "homonyms." However things like engineering, science (biology, chemistry, electronics, physics) and other thinks like ignorance, bias or what you mistakenly call "placebo" are fairly easily understood in any language.

Well then you know the placebo effect is real. It does not mean someone made something up it is not a derogatory term as some people take it. 

djones511,608 posts04-16-2020 1:06pmOf course you did sweet pea just as I knew what you would say.

Yes sunshine. I have read stuff you wrote thousands of times.

As a matter of fact, all your posts are about how everything is snake oil, placebo, etc. etc. Not just this Switch, but everything that you post on. Cables, servers, DACs, you name it. You are posting on all of them. Remember the Innuos thread?

How sweet of you I don't think I've posted on a cable in months. No, not everything is snake oil, cables, servers, dacs, amps, they can all sound different. The question is is different necessarily  more transparent or better. 

Then again this is about an expensive switch that lowers noise better than an off the shelf switch which is fairly easy to measure. 

Besides what difference would it make if a switch lowered noise?  The place to measure noise is on the DAC output or even the amp since that's where audible noise would make a difference. If there is a measurable amount of noise there then the first place to look is the dac or amp they must not be filtering properly. 

The ultimate measuring device and the one that really matters is the human ear.

This could be a helpful read for anyone looking for some clarifications/explanations about the etherregen device.

My understanding is that this is the "white paper" that the engineer/designer has published.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6121/files/UpTone-J.Swenson_EtherREGEN_white_paper.pdf?v=1583429386