The Ethernet cables, Switches and Network related sound thread. Share your listening experience only.

[bluenight]

@bluenight Start of just by trying to put a switch close to your endpoint/streamer. I would highly recommend a Pink Faun Isolator directly on the streamer ethernet port.

I think you was to adress @bpcans maybe? but i have done all that. I am trying the ifi lan i silencer in my apple tv4k first time today. Its along waiting time until i get my eversolo dmp-a6 Master edition streamer so this will do in mean time to see/listen for differences.

 

[bpcans]

@bpcans is right asking, as network transfers are asynchronous, clocking is not an issue. The way network devices can affect quality are ground loops and a burst character of a load on the receiver power supply. It create a noise on the end of the fiber link. It is why advanced systems offer special network protocols for audio transfers.

A highlighted part is critical, unfortunately fiber converters generate a lot of noise on the power connections. WiFi extenders give an alternative method for ground loop rejection and are less demanding on the power supply. This thread is not focusing on WiFi extenders, but extenders should not be neglected. In both cases it is important to use a separate LAN segment free of third-party communication, truncated or advertising frames, so receivers do not have to process all foreign traffic and network frames arrive in more regular intervals. This include configuration of the network adapter, removing all unnecessary protocols, leaving only TCP/IP on a dedicated link and tuning up buffers and other network parameters.

The question of whether using optical from a router to the music source as the best sounding option has always intrigued me.

 

[iFi audio]

I am trying the ifi lan i silencer in my apple tv4k first time today. Its along waiting time until i get my eversolo dmp-a6 Master edition streamer so this will do in mean time to see/listen for differences.

I look forward to your impressions and enjoy

The question of whether using optical from a router to the music source as the best sounding option has always intrigued me.

If you can, it is something worth at least trying out. All the feedback we got thus about feeding our streamer with data over an optical cable is very positive.

 

[sajunky]

The question of whether using optical from a router to the music source as the best sounding option has always intrigued me.

Optical on the most noisy source. Between cable modem and your LAN switch in first place, but today fiber feeds Internet...

Then check which devices are plugged to the same circuit breaker. Those fed from the same circuit breaker interfere more with devices on a different circuit braker. Then distances, power conditioners. Many factors, you need to try yourself... A pair of WiFi extenders are very convenient for testing.

 

[bpcans]

Optical on the most noisy source. Between cable modem and your LAN switch in first place, but today fiber feeds Internet...

Then check which devices are plugged to the same circuit breaker. Those fed from the same circuit breaker interfere more with devices on a different circuit braker. Then distances, power conditioners. Many factors, you need to try yourself... A pair of WiFi extenders are very convenient for testing.

My house is WiFi wired throughout, but I chose to use a digital setup because I thought that it sounded better. But I still have WiFi direct from my TT2 DAC when I’m using my remote speakers and hp’s.

 

[bluenight]

I look forward to your impressions and enjoy

At first try i couldn't note any picture quality difference. I did not ab but tried from memory look for differences at recent whatched movies/tv series.

I also uppgraded my 3,5 mm to rca Adapter(Dap Audio) at the same time to use with my best rca connectors with Hugo2. So i couldn't judge if sound difference comes from ifi lan isilencer or adapter.

But I guess there will be plenty of time to try with and without.

 

[iFi audio]

At first try i couldn't note any picture quality difference. I did not ab but tried from memory look for differences at recent whatched movies/tv series.

It's all good. Many folks report changes upon connecting LAN iSilencer, using it engaged for a week or two and then disconnecting it.

 

[kingoftown1]

Added a second GS108E-- Amazon had one used for $20, and I was itching for a simple soldering project. I didn't have any extra 5.5/2.1 plugs so I desoldered the connector and attached the power lead directly to the board. Cable was made with on-hand items, twisted pair of Neotech in cotton sleeves, with an outer Techflex Anti-Stat sleeve. Also added a spare .01mfd CDE film cap across the power input on the board.

The setup is Orbi>GS108E>GS108E (all 3 powered by an HDPlex 200W on a separate circuit) >LHY SW8 > PC. I can hear the big bass that's associated with Neotech copper pre-burn in, so that tells me that even 3 switches does have an impact.

...someday I'll try fiber, but just going cheap and cheerful for now.

 

[OCC7N]

Added a second GS108E-- Amazon had one used for $20, and I was itching for a simple soldering project. I didn't have any extra 5.5/2.1 plugs so I desoldered the connector and attached the power lead directly to the board. Cable was made with on-hand items, twisted pair of Neotech in cotton sleeves, with an outer Techflex Anti-Stat sleeve. Also added a spare .01mfd CDE film cap across the power input on the board.

The setup is Orbi>GS108E>GS108E (all 3 powered by an HDPlex 200W on a separate circuit) >LHY SW8 > PC. I can hear the big bass that's associated with Neotech copper pre-burn in, so that tells me that even 3 switches does have an impact.



...someday I'll try fiber, but just going cheap and cheerful for now.

That´s an interesting project(furutech xlr connector?) you got there. I really like your chose of the GS108, as Im looking forward, to get a switch SW8. I think it will be my last part of my network domain.

I just picked up another LHY LPSU today, for my Router/Netgate2100 and Synology NAS.



Its like everthing has a glov...the alive texture feeling.

I have not heard it this way before. Netgate 2100 might be the best router, builtin switch ever I have heard... so Im eager to try/compare the SW8
___

Im having the “what is happening with my system experience right now!”.........I just added a LPSU to my router and NAS.

I also have the pink faun isolator connected to my NAS.

Damn this is good!

 

[Jake2]

That´s an interesting project(furutech xlr connector?) you got there. I really like your chose of the GS108, as Im looking forward, to get a switch SW8. I think it will be my last part of my network domain.

I just picked up another LHY LPSU today, for my Router/Netgate2100 and Synology NAS.



Its like everthing has a glov...the alive texture feeling.

I have not heard it this way before. Netgate 2100 might be the best router, builtin switch ever I have heard... so Im eager to try/compare the SW8
___

Im having the “what is happening with my system experience right now!”.........I just added a LPSU to my router and NAS.

I also have the pink faun isolator connected to my NAS.

Damn this is good!

I can’t recall, have you tried grounding boxes? Both the OCK-2 and SW-8 sound even better - like clearly more resolving yet natural - when each is connected to a 2kg Quartz Acoustic box, while my GS108E gets a subtle but appreciable lift from a small AliX grounding tube.

 

[OCC7N]

I can’t recall, have you tried grounding boxes? Both the OCK-2 and SW-8 sound even better - like clearly more resolving yet natural - when each is connected to a 2kg Quartz Acoustic box, while my GS108E gets a subtle but appreciable lift from a small AliX grounding tube.

I only grounded the OCK-2 and it works like a camera focusing from a blurred image. It is so clear!

How did you ground the SW-8? this is interesting I will do that with the netgate router also

 

[bluenight]

I guess these products would work?
https://www.futureshop.co.uk/brands-category/entreq/entreq-grounding-boxes

In the past i have thought of getting one of there cheaper wooden boxes to connect to audio equipment.

They also make an unusual switch made with wood details.

 

[Jake2]

I only grounded the OCK-2 and it works like a camera focusing from a blurred image. It is so clear!

How did you ground the SW-8? this is interesting I will do that with the netgate router also

Sharper focus with the OCK-2 is a better way of putting it, quite agree. With SW-8 just a crocodile clip plus copper tape on corner of chassis which is bare aluminium along with a strip over the grounding metal exterior edge of the Ethernet sockets. Ditto for the Netgear switch with a croc clip + copper tape. Could probably unscrew a foot and use a spade or some such but that’d make it sit unevenly so have left it as is for now. Also a small AliX grounding cyclinder via USB to my wireless router.

I guess these products would work?
https://www.futureshop.co.uk/brands-category/entreq/entreq-grounding-boxes

In the past i have thought of getting one of there cheaper wooden boxes to connect to audio equipment.

They also make an unusual switch made with wood details.

Entreq has a good reputation but premium priced. Quartz Acoustic premium ground boxes came highly recommended as best bang for buck so I went with those, need to factor in shipping from Singapore which is not cheap. Need to get several to make it worthwhile. So I got 3. All in use. Need/want more.

 

[iFi audio]

Its like everthing has a glov...the alive texture feeling.

Yes, removing that metallic tint and harshness and boosting textures is what silent (and good!) power supplies do.

Need/want more.

That's probably the coolest part about accessories such as grounding boxes and various other products meant to remove noise. You can add as many as you like and you'll still hear benefits with every one of them

 

[kingoftown1]

Not sure if it's been mentioned here already, but this LinkUp Cat8 seems like an option for budget cable that's nicer than the standard fare. I'm trying out a 10m run and easily prefer it over the standard stuff. Only thing to note is that it's beefy.

LINKUP - [GHMT & DSX8000 Certified Cat8 Ethernet Patch Cable S/FTP 22AWG Double Shielded Solid Cable | 2000MHz 2GHz 40Gbps