Optical Isolation


I have read many a discussion here on AG regarding digital but, I still need some further clarification on the best way to go.

Looking at the Sonore Optical Rendu, which only seems to be sold through Small Green Computer.  It's advertised as a "network player and network streamer" which makes it sound like I do not need something like a BlueSound Node, an ifi Stream, an Innuos Zen or the equivalent, or do I? 

At present, I have a DAC and only want to stream music. I've had a Roon Nucleus in the past and enjoyed it, but only wish to use Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify or Amazon Music at the point in time.

It sounds like optical isolation is the way to go. I just want a simple, clean & quiet set-up, so any advice on this would greatly be appreciated, thanks!

 

 

128x128navyachts

Showing 3 responses by carlsbad

I have a friend who went the small green computer route.  The other route is an "Audiophile" ethernet switch.  A bit less money and not sure that you'll get better quality from optical. We will see what others post.  Coincidentally I'lm hooking up my EtherRegen switch as soon as I finish this cup of coffee (arrived a few minutes ago).  

Jerry

First impression very positive.  I'll need to give a bit of time to have more meaningfull thoughts.

 

@navyachts Well I’ve spent the last 2 days playing with EtherRegen (ER). I had a plumbing issue too so I’ve also spent some time recovering in my listening chair from activities requiring contortionism which gave me some good time to compare configurations.

I have 2 switches, the ER and a generic Netgear switch. I started by running the ER off the router and directly to the streamer and then putting the Netgear switch downstream of ER to service the TV etc. . This put the minimum pieces of equipment in the sound stream but required an 8m ethernet cable downstream of the ER. It sounded very good.

But then I looked at the instructions and what others were doing and it seems the normal install is to put ER downstream of your other switch. So I did that. I put the netgear switch at the router and the ER at the streamer (fed by the same 8m ethernet cable by Audioquest) and then I put a short silver ethernet cable between the ER and the streamer and this gave the best clarity, definition and dynamics. I am super happy with the EtherRegen.

Jerry

PS.  Just had a funny idea.  What if I replaced the netgear switch with another ER switch, 2 in series. that should really clean things up....I really like over the topism.