Ifi audio Lan silencer pro Optical galvanic isolation
Here we are again, this time with the pro version of the LAN Silencer. Before some of you lose your minds, please test audio equipment for yourself before jumping to conclusions. I understand both sides of the argument, but I like seeing and hearing for myself. If you can be civilized, please go ahead and read on. If not, please do something else.
So, what is this little gizmo about? The iFi Audio LAN iPurifier Pro, part of the new SilentPower brand, aims to enhance audio quality by mitigating noise and interference in networked audio setups. This device uses advanced optical galvanic isolation technology to convert LAN signals to optical signals and back, ensuring complete electrical isolation. This process helps prevent noise from the LAN system from contaminating audio streams.
I wanted to try the iFi Audio unit because of its optical isolation feature. I own a similar optical ethernet setup, but it's more cumbersome. The LAN iPurifier Pro also features signal regeneration capabilities that eliminate jitter and timing errors, allowing for a more accurate and clear audio experience. This part of the technical specification is probably most controversial to some, and I fully understand the reasons behind this argument.
I tested the LAN Purifier Pro in a few ways, placing the unit in different positions in my system. Since I have a Xiaomi router facilitating WiFi duties, the first place I tested this gizmo was between the Telmex and Xiaomi routers. The signal was running to my streamer via optical ethernet sender and receiver. I have those optical units for some time, so I know how they work and what they offer to the system. The iFi Audio LAN Silencer Pro was here to challenge those units and possibly simplify the setup. It has done exactly that.
To be totally honest, putting this unit between routers is not optimal or suggested. I just wanted to see what would happen. The original LAN Silencer will suffice in this position. After I did that, I realized that I needed to simplify things in my system and get rid of those optical ethernet sender and receivers if I want to truly benefit from the iFi Audio LAN Silencer Pro or even how it affects sound, since sound would be disrupted by those optical senders and their power supply. So I did exactly that. I ordered an 8m flat Cat 8 ethernet cable, which can be connected directly from the router to the iFi Audio LAN Silencer Pro. That way, the unit is positioned right next to my streamer, and the cable is neatly running under my rug, so all works out great. Oh, and this way, I got rid of the extra power supplies needed for the two separate units (optical ethernet sender and receiver).
That's the correct way of using the LAN Silencer Pro. Straight from the router to the LAN Silencer Pro and tight to your audio device. So, how did this unit actually influence my audio system? I have the original LAN Silencer, and it works great. Galvanic isolation definitely is important. The LAN Silencer Pro is like the older brother who works out on steroids and looks like the Hulk.
First on the bench was Dexter Gordon's track "Tanya" from the One Flight Up Album (192kHz). Great track by a brilliant artist. It was quite evident how the LAN Silencer Pro was affecting sound quality in a most positive way. The top end got much more clear and focused going through the iFi Audio LAN Silencer Pro. Sound got removed from Speakers and placed to the back, just ever so slightly, which helped the overall soundstage presentation. Drum hits sounded much more natural or with greater ease, with better reverb. I think it's like a clear window or cleaner lens in a camera.
On Erick Trufaz's track "Sweet Mercy," that trumpet comes with such energy and reverb; it's intoxicating. In comparison, if you play this track without the LAN Silencer Pro in the chain, everything is with a layer of cotton, just to paint a picture. Still great, but dull down ever so slightly. It's quite evident. It's also a bit more relaxing to listen to those tracks with the unit in the chain. This is interesting to me because this effect is in place when using the original version of the LAN Silencer, but here it's quite amplified, quite a few steps up, definitely. So much more sophisticated design of the LAN Silencer Pro pays dividends here.
Another great track by Eric Trufaz, "Arroyo," has great percussive parts. Here, those elements come very distinctive. The LAN Silencer Pro makes music much more effortlessly, and drumsticks have a wood quality hitting brass. I think it's easier for our brain to process this information, and it sounds more natural to our ears or rather brains. Perception is key here. I had a chance to listen to live performances during my time in Shanghai, and that gives me a good point of reference.
Here's a corrected version of the text:
"Listening to Spotify Premium, I was surprised to find that even LOFI tracks were greatly improved by the LAN Silencer Pro in the chain. That's quite interesting, since LOFI tracks are supposed to sound rough and somewhat subdued by their very nature. But with the LAN Silencer Pro, even LOFI tracks sounded more clear and organized, with a slightly more polished sound. It was a pleasant surprise! I realize it's cliché to say, but if your system is resolving and of good quality, you will definitely benefit from the LAN Silencer Pro. The unit is not cheap, priced at $299, but it's an investment that will definitely be a welcome addition. One more thing, the linear power supply works great in my system, even though it brings the price higher. iFi Audio has a plethora of low-noise power supplies. The LAN Silencer Pro is a simple plug-and-play solution for audiophiles seeking to reduce noise and enhance the fidelity of their networked audio systems.
Until next time, iFi Audio, let's see what you're cooking up next... maybe a full des
ktop k2HD DAC?
Tom"
Cheers!!