Cheapest way to enhance SQ with digital streaming


I could not stop but post my observations on remarkable SQ improvement with just a small change. I have been using digital streaming predominantly and have tried many things (cables, conditioner, room treatment). Everything does matter and they all did improve the quality without doubt and are definite investment. But after going through some reviews of fiber optic for Ethernet and their noise reducing properties compared to copper cables, I thought of giving a try. I connected Ethernet cable from router/Ethernet switch to media converter and fiber optic from this media converter (need SFP module) to second media converter (with another SFP module). Then regular Ethernet cable went from this second media converter to server/streamer. Basically the idea is to add fiber optic cable between the router and streamer, which will reduce the noise. But, wow, the difference was huge and amazing. Not sure how to explain the improvement, but the SQ was more fluid, melodious, fast, clean and separation of instruments were clear. The total cost for this was less than 150 (on Amazon). Apparently, as the fiber optic cable conductors are made of glass, they carry less noise compared to copper and also cost very cheap. Compared to money spent on other component in my system (have spent quite a lot), this is the most cost efficient and gave more improvement in the SQ. I am still amazed by this and very happy with what I heard. I feel negligent not to share with my fellow audiophiles, who are trying to get the best out and improve their system, sometime spending quite a bit for small difference. I guess, since the cost of trying this is so cheap (please don’t make me feel guilty for telling 150$ is cheap), try yourself and see the difference. On a different note, have been reading that use of Ethernet switch also does some “saucery” (I am no technical guy, but do read quite a bit of articles on audio) to reduce this noise to improve SQ and combination of fiber optic and the Ethernet switch takes SQ to different level. Will try some audiophile Ethernet switch sometime (may be uptone ethergen or Sotm snh-10g) to try out as I am very intrigued. 
romney80

@tksteingraber Did you try FMC set between macbook and dac with FMC set between router and macbook removed?

 

I'd look to dedicated server vs macbook for next upgrade.

 

@sns Yes I  tried removing the FMC set between the router and macbook and had the same poor result listed above using the usb FMC set only between the macbook and DAC.  Back to just using the original FMC setup which sounds great!

I tried the FMC-optical-FMC tweak in my second system in my basement - nothing more than a Powernode driving Elac Debut Reference speakers.  The improvement was startling.  More air and detail, and improved dynamics.  While this system was always musical and enjoyable, the soundstage was always a bit flat.  Now there is more air and space around voices and instruments, and percussion and transients seem much more realistic.

I immediately placed an order for the parts to install in my main system (about 6x the cost of the basement system).  I'm having a hard time discerning any noticeable difference.  

I have different brands of switches going into each system.  Maybe the basement switch was more of a problem.

Good to see more of these comparisons. In future we need to see comparisons of optimized ethernet vs optimized optical setups in same audio system, not sure I've seen that.

 

At this point, many iterations of ethernet devices, with optical Sonore only device I'm aware of.

I gave up on this mod.  I decided to pull the optical gizmos out and plug the A10 directly into my mesh node with vodka cable and it sounds a bit more resolving and natural than with the optical stuff, and obviously makes for less clutter.   If anyone wants to try this out, feel free to send me a message and I can box up and send you the stuff at a discount.