Network Acoustics Muon ethernet filtering system - Improving streaming sound quality
Network Acoustics recently rolled out a new top tier ethernet filtering system named Muon. It betters their already highly effective ENO offering which I purchased some 18 months ago. I posted about the ENO filtering system back then and you can read it at the link located at the bottom of this member review.
Everything I said about the ENO filtering system also applies to the new Muon system. However, the Muon system offers even better sound quality by removing a greater amount of electronic and RFI/EMI noise. The Muon filter is a passive device so their is no need for a power supply or power cord. That’s great!
Like many of my fellow Agoners, I have come to depend on Qobuz and Tidal streaming for my music playback. I have not used any physical media in over 5 years, but also realize today’s servers/streamers can all benefit from digital noise blocking systems such as the Muon. From high end audio switches to high quality ethernet cables I have learned they can all improve the sound quality of our streaming front ends. I have tried going the fiber optic route and used other products such as the EtherRegen and while they do improve sound quality I find the MUON system more musically engaging and compelling. Here is my current digital front end:
(Netgear NighHawk modem/router powered by an LPS > Network Acoustics ENO ethernet cable> English Electric 8Switch powered by an LPS > Network Acoustics MUON ethernet cable > MUON ethernet filter > Innuos Zenith III > Tchernov Ultimate USB cable -Mojo Audio Evo dac)
The MUON system is made up of the MUON filter and Muon ethernet cable. You can buy these separately, but you’ll receive a nice discount by buying both as a system package. Here is a link to the Network Acoustics Website:
https://www.networkacoustics.com
I purchased the MUON system and have been enjoying it for several months now. I feel it betters the ENO range in several important sonic ways. The noise floor is further reduced revealing more inner detail of instrument and voice. This increased inner detail reveals subtleties previously lost. In the end my music sounds more real and less reproduced. For me, improving realism is everything!
With streaming it seems more difficult to obtain a nice 3D presentation as compared to a high end CD spinner. Sometimes streaming can sound relatively flat compared to CD playback. I found the Muon filter system delivered a more immersive experience due in large part to improving the 3D performance.
For me the Muon filter is well worth the asking price as it made my listening sessions even more enjoyable. The rest of my system includes a Circle Labs A200 integrated amp, Fyne F704 speakers with upgraded crossovers and internal wire, and both Hijiri & Tchernov cabling.
I received my Network Acoustics Rubicon switch, Muon ethernet cable and Muon filter. I don’t want to venture into shilling but if your budget allows and your system is up to it, I am unaware of a better solution. Gobsmacked!
Thanks @grannyring for bringing this to our attention. |
An Uptone Ether Regen, Audioquest Vodka ethernet cables.
Mesh-> Totaldac Ethernet Filter/Cable->Network Acoustics Rubicon->Network Acoustics Muon Ethernet Cable->Network Acoustics Muon Filter->Totaldac D1-Tube-Streamer-Mk3 Innuos Zenith Mk3/FTA Sonope USB(sold) Roon Nucleus + (interim) Grimm Audio MU1(en route)->Shunyata Sigma v2 AES/EBU->Totaldac D1-Tube-Mk3 |
The Rubicon actually ships from Network Acoustics with the well regarded iFi iPower Elite. As for power cables, I tried a few I have on hand (TelluriumQ Black, Audio Note ISIS) and I cant tell them apart, which is not the case on other gear I have. So I believe a good power cord is fine but I dont believe it makes a big difference. Correct regarding the Han B review, differences were minor but its also telling that when you look at what he is using today in his review system, he has the SOTM switch and the Muon in front of the Grimm MU1. Ive always been a fan of cleaning up a mess at the earliest step in a chain that I can. I also wonder how resolving his system really is. Ive heard the Ayre although not with his Audio Physic (I once owned a pair of his new reference speaker, PMC, and they are quite good but they lean a little more toward the pro audio side for my tastes.) speakers, Ive also heard Audio Physic speakers and was never tempted by either. Horses for courses, belt and suspenders. I also have a dedicated line and yet I also have a power conditioner. Oh well, I guess there isnt any real issue to feed the MU1 too clean an ethernet signal LOL.
Yes, out of the box, the Rubicon/Muon was quite shrill to my ears…that settled down by the next morning and the following day of constant signals running through, it blossomed. I hate that shyt like breakin that I have a problem believing in is real but it is. Deniers can keep treating the common cold with leaches and bloodletting for all I care…I know what I’m hearing.
All I can say is there was an immense difference between the Rubicon/Muon vs the Ether Regen but there is certainly a large price differential that must be considered by many. If you are chasing the brass ring, the Network Acoustics gear is legit. |
No worries, I didn’t take it that way. I’m actually thinking more long term. I would prefer to purify at the earliest possible point.
I concur on the Ether Regen. Its a great device and is really quite an achievment. For its price, the ether regen does a terrific job of integrating a clean minimalist switch and a cleansing of the ethernet signal. I have been pleased with its effects. What Network Acoustics has accomplished though is a head scratcher…how much MORE was capable is confounding. Does it raise overall system performance by 5%? 7%?
I did NOT try the Muon following the ether regen. I kindof came at it from a slightly different angle than Grannyring. I actually compared the Rubicon vs the ether regen and found the Rubicon was transformational in comparison. If you think about it, thats really what we are talking about. The apples to apples comparison is between those two. The Rubicon with the ether regen next in the chain there was no discernable difference. The ether regen with the Rubicon next in the chain was radically better. So in my opinion, I believe the Rubicon does everything better than the ether regen. You have to decide if the 4X cost of the Rubicon vs the ether regen is worth the additional investment. The Muon takes all of those improvements up exponentially.
In summary, I would have been thrilled with just the improvements that the Rubicon provided. The Muon takes it to another level of improvement. I would use the old example that these are each the equivalent to a component level upgrade…but they are components right? LOL. |
Yeah it sounds pretty fantastic and I thought it sounded fantastic before, but I'm trying to get my arms around what is really happening. Some out there might scream confirmation bias...but they would be wrong. I have no skin in the game and further, the cost of these, while not insignificant to many, is immaterial to me. The Network Acoustics Muon Pro made a HUGE difference to an already exceptional presentation provided by my Grimm Audio MU1 Server/Streamer. Wow, just WOW.
From router to switch I have swapped in 3 different ethernet cables (AQ Vodka, Totaldac ethernet cable/filter, Network Acoustics Muon ethernet cable) and the Network Acoustics Muon cable sounds more effortless and "alive". Its probably my imagination but that's how it settled for me.
From my Network Acoustics Rubicon switch into my Grimm Audio MU1 server/streamer I tried the same three ethernet cables by themselves and I really couldn't tell them apart.
I then tried the same three cables with the Network Acoustics Muon filter and same result, no discernable difference. Now with my previous Innuos Zenith Mk3 server, the Muon filter/Muon cable made a material positive difference. As I've stated before, I figured the Grimm just didn't need the help or, put another way, I assumed the Grimm "solved" many/most of the same issues that the Muon streaming system addressed.
Next up, I inserted the new Network Acoustics Muon Pro ethernet cable and Muon Pro filter in between my Rubicon switch and Grimm MU1 server/streamer and ... SNAP! ... it was almost a component level positive change. Unreal. So, the dilemma...and the question: why does ANY of this stuff make a difference? LOL. It does make a material difference but WHY?!?!?
The Grimm (and many other products of a similar nature) loads the entire song (or album) into its memory and then, in the case of the Grimm, it does its magic to the file and plays it back to my dac via AES/EBU. I can disconnect the ethernet cable from the Grimm "on the fly", then "hot swap" to the next cable and the music never stops playing. I can then queue up a new track, it travels through the Muon Pro system into the Grimm's memory so that I can A - B in a reasonably controlled way.
I hear what I hear and I would prefer the previous outcome with the other cables: no material difference....but there IS a material positive difference...but why?
Also Bill, what does the purple fuse do? I am a fuse non-believer with the whole fuse thing...but I am a Grannyring believer so now, I guess, that would make me an agnostic (rather than a non-believer) and possibly leaning in to being open minded! But please tell me why the Muon Pro is so effective and why is a purple fuse another positive enhancement? |
