2. digital
  3. 174358-1853

A better way to stream

Recently I've been proposing a two ethernet port solution as optimal for a streaming setup with optical conversion and/or separate server and streamer/end point.

 

Originally, I used a simple server only setup, using usb out to dac, but over the years my research showed many converting to two computer setups (server/streamer) with great results. At the time I wasn't using a switch so in trying to figure out how I could make this happen I came across this interesting thread, https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-audio-streaming/#comment-613370

 

As a result I was able to convert to two computer setup with great results. Since then I've tried any number of devices, both prior to and after server. By far the most effective have been post server, with optical conversion and quality streamer being amongst best overall upgrades.

 

With the two ethernet port setup one can do away with audiophile switch (the idea of which is quite contentious anyway). Why detour back  through an ethernet cable, through the switch, then yet another ethernet cable only to end up in the same place you could with a single ethernet cable with the two ethernet port setup. More possibility for noise to enter chain is never a good thing with streaming. 

 

It seems very few server manufacturers understand the inherent advantages of dual ethernet port  setups with exception of Antipodes and Small Green Computer, perhaps others I'm not aware of, please inform if there are. They should at least offer it so people can at least try optimum setup for server/streamer with present server.

 

Say what you will about server/streamer setups vs. servers alone, but the mere fact you have to go back through the same circuitous route mentioned above to try optical isolation is another demerit for the single ethernet port solution. Optical conversion, in my experience, has been easily one of the best, if not the best streaming upgrade I've experienced. This, and the optimal interface to separate streamer, together make the dual ethernet port solution a deal breaker for servers without.

 

I can only tell people to try for themselves different streaming setups, there are so many varieties sometimes its hard to keep track of. I can only say the opportunity to optimally interface with optical and/or separate streamers/end points makes dual ethernet port servers inherently superior to servers without.

 

 

sns
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,917 posts
 

I'd settle for a simpler way to stream which is easy to operate  and doesn't rely on a network or at least very little reliance upon it. If your idea will do that then I'm all for it. But it seems to add more complication rather than ease of use

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,510 posts
 

Should have said 2i playing off a hard drive going to an external DAC 

How do you add your mystical optical to that?

Actual devices please.

sonic79
80 posts
 

What the OP is suggesting accomplishes several things.

1) Separating server and streamer duties to dedicated devices

2) A server with multiple LAN ports streamlines the chain

3) Connecting these devices over a network electrically isolates them

4) The streamer can be a low power and low noise device feeding into the DAC

Yes, complexity is higher than simply running USB out from the server into the DAC. You lose most of the above advantages, however.

yyzsantabarbara
4,574 posts
 

I had all the pieces for an incredible streaming setup in my home, and I did not know that I did until I read a post on the Musetec 005 DAC thread. This post helped show me that I was wrong in my belief that Fibre Optical was the only thing needed for the best quality stream. 

Audiogon Discussion Forum

I am using 3 products by John Swension

- EtherRegen (until recently a very disappointing product)

- Sonore OpticalRendu

- Sonore OpticalModule (have not received it yet but bought it based on the great results with the EtherRegen and OpticalRendu).

The end result is that my streaming has never sounded better. A huge upgrade to my streaming setup. I was going to sell the EtherRegen but so glad I read the John Swenson post and white paper on streaming.

 

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,441 posts
 

Fiber does reduce noise greatly and is a good streaming solution/upgrade. No doubt. I have found the Network Acoustics ENO combo filter and cable package simply sounds better. More natural tone and improved musicality. The filter is small and passive. It is easy to use, takes up little room, as does not use a power supply. They have a new combo cable and filter package coming out late next month that is even better! I have tested it. Wonderful results. Yes, you should use a good Aphile switch with it. I found the switch I use to be a big plus in sonics. The fact that some don’t believe in switches has never bothered me. Folks think USB cables don’t matter. A great USB cable is a must in my experience.

I think fiber and the system above both accomplish the task well. I tried both and like NA’s approach more sonically in my particular set up. It could be results vary by system and listener.

More to discover