Streaming Sound Quality - Want the very best sound quality? Network Acoustics ENO...


Like many of you fellow Agoners I am striving to get the best sound quality out of my digital streaming front end. To that end I have invested in various high end switches, re-clockers, ethernet cables, various USB filters/re-clockers, high end servers and delved into fiber optic conversion configurations. All of these measures did improve sound quality at varying levels. I felt my system sounded as good as a decent CD transport on many streaming recordings in Qobuz. However, I still felt there was something missing. I felt my system was still being held back. You can see my system under virtual systems here.

Well, I stumbled across something that has finally enabled my digital system to be all it can be. I cannot fully express the level of sound quality improvement realized with the addition of the Network Acoustics ENO Ag filter and ENO Ag streaming ethernet cable. It has been 10 days now since I added these to my system and I can now confidently say my streaming and system are all they can be sonically.

Here is the set up that has caused me to sell off and move past many other powered filters, reclockers, fiber optic options, and other streaming tweaks and gadgets. Frankly, the ENO additions are miles ahead of these other options sonically in my system and experience. Miles. This is my personal experience and please understand this perspective.

Netgear NighHawk modem/router power by an LPS > Supra cat 8 ethernet cable > English Electric 8Switch > Network Acoustics ENO Ag streaming cable > ENO Ag ethernet filter > Innuos Zenith III > Mojo Audio Evo dac

The English Electric 8Switch is also wonderful. Will a lower cost, standard switch sound as good in this set-up? Not sure as I have not tried. I am so ecstatic with my sound system that I don’t want to touch it!

There is a certain rightness from top to bottom that’s intoxicating. The tone is so beautiful and natural with no hint of electronic glare or digital artificiality. Music flows with far greater ease and has an uncanny, unforced nature to it. The stage is far deeper with the music flowing from a plane that is layered and completely separate of the speakers. This aural sensation, at this level of nuance, is new to my system and experience. The ENO products made this possible.

Instruments are presented with a new realism that is arresting to my senses. There is a wholistic presentation that spreads out all around me and my space. Just a joy to experience. Yes, the speakers seem to float the music into my space without any attention or localization of the speaker box or physical presence.

No part of frequency spectrum is out of place or forced. I am sure this has to do with the absence of noise. My music is equally articulate and resolved at low or loud volumes. Music stays controlled and enticing no matter how complex or bombastic the recording.

The ENO filter is passive, not powered, so there is no need of any power supply or plug. This is a huge plus.

Hope you streaming audiophiles find this helpful.

Bill
128x128grannyring

@mitch2 I am following in your footsteps. Just recently added a Mojo Audio Deja Vu as well as a Mystigue EVO PRO to my system, as well as the Circle Labs P300/M200 Preamp/Amp combo. The Deja Vu is a refurbished unit with the JCAT XE USB and XE Net cards both with OCXO clocks . My router is far away and for a while I was using a wireless extender cpnnected to the music server to that with an ethernet cable. That worked ok I knew it wasn’t ideal. I recently moved to a new listening room that is on the other side of the house but not too hard to run a cable through my basement and through an existing hole in a listening room closet. Just got 100 foot run of terminated Cat 8 cable and rigged that up to get rid of the wireless set up and plugged directly to the Deja Vu from the Verizon router (I’ll shorten it when I get a more permanent hook up through in my wall). .

Very happy with the improvement in sound via ethernet cable via wireless. I will consider trying an ENO or perhaps the Muon to see if there is further improvement. Benjamin at Mojo didn’t think I needed any network switches with the JCAT XE Net card in place. but did suggest that I consider the ENO.

 

 

 

@hchilcoat - interesting that Benjamin recommended the ENO, maybe I am on the right track.  I appreciate @lalitk posting about it being for sale and since it was the Network Acoustics ENO Streaming System Ag on offer, I received both the ENO Ag filter and their 1M cable, which allows me to run the NA cable from my Bonn N8 switch to the ENO and then their short connected cable from the ENO to my DejaVu server.  The seller also included an ifi power supply to power a switch.

I do admit what I am hearing now sounds pretty damn good.  Neil Young at Carnegie Hall 1970 and Muscle Shoals: Small Town Big Sound both sound nuanced, spatial, and dynamic.  Not fully sure whether it sounds better than before but I believe it may and I am certainly pleased with what I hear.  I am running the set-up with router>short CAT8>switch>short CAT8>converter>45' of fiber>converter>short CAT8>Bonn N8 switch>NA cable>ENO>NA cable>streamer.  I can do the same thing but replace the "converter>45' of fiber>converter" with CAT8 Ethernet cable that is already in-place just not connected.  That removes the two converters and two power supplies.  I suspect that may be splitting hairs but I will try it.

I don't like small black boxes but in this case maybe I should have listened to @grannyring sooner since it sounds as if I am already one black box back from the latest and greatest.

I also need to share that the impact is cumulative. It will take a couple of days before you hear it all. It’s simply the nature of how the filter works. It needs some time for it to be fully affective in your system. It builds over a short period of time. Typically no more than two days. My 6000th post. Oh my. Crazy

I spent more time with the ENO over the weekend, which I added between the final Bonn N8 switch and my server (router>switch>converter>45 ft. of fiber>converter> Bonn N8>NA cable>ENO>server).  I like what I hear so far but the effect is subtle.

Thanks to comments by @sns, I tried a different streaming configuration by connecting an Ethernet cable from my Mojo DejaVu server to a Metrum Ambre (Roon endpoint/player) that I previously used in my system to deliver I2S into a Metrum DAC.  In this configuration, the DejaVu acts as the Roon server and the Ambre acts as the player and outputs AES/EBU to my Mojo EVO B4B DAC.  The two configurations I am comparing are:

  • A: DejaVu is Roon server and player and outputs USB to the Mojo EVO B4B DAC
  • B: DejaVu is Roon server and Metrum Ambre is Roon player and outputs AES/EBU into the Mojo EVO B4B DAC

It is easy to A/B this set up since all I need to do is change the selected endpoint in Roon between the Ambre and the Mojo DejaVu, and then toggle between the USB (DejaVu) and AES/EBU (Ambre) inputs on the EVO B4B DAC.

Initial impressions are that the Ambre is slightly more incisive and the DejaVu is slightly more fluid and maybe the slightest bit less dynamic.  However, both sound great, just slightly different. 

30 days ago I added the ENO silver filter **by itself** for about a week before adding an EE 8switch and Supra Cat 8 Ethernet cable between the switch and ENO. Note: I have no ethernet wall plates so I was able to use ENO Ag without an ethernet patch-cord. Cat 6 runs from my router/modem directly into my Zenith thru a small hole in the sheetrock of my music room. So I inserted cat 6 into ENO and ENO pigtail into Zentih. The result was disappointing.

The filter did provide a discernible improvement in SQ after a few days of settling in or cooking—if you will. But, the gain was too small, in my view. I will never know if an ethernet cable along with the filter would have provided a larger bump. But I can say that after adding the EE switch and Supra Cat 8 and allowing those to settle in a few days or perhaps even longer, I have been mightily impressed. Speaking with others about their experiences with ENO filters, switches and ethernet cables, it’s clear results vary.

I did remove everything once to do an A/B and it was better with than without.

But, I recommend evaluating it over a month or so. Thru different moods, lots of different music, some days away from your system, etc. As I’ve done so, the benefits of these products in network have become more apparent and they continue to surprise me.  Outstanding results.

@rc22 

Just to be clear, are you saying that for you the supra cat 8 and the EE switch worked almost as well without  the Eno filter  in?

These results not surprising, unique results with unique setups. I bet you'd do better with the Acoustic Network ethernet cables, this based on other's reviews of them.  I've also experienced the benefits of better ethernet cables, having gone from generic through Supra, Wireworld and various Audioquest, finally settled on AQ Vodka as best in my setup. While ethernet cables may not have provided greatest benefit, they are still worthwhile investment.

 

I'll still maintain the most beneficial network improvements come post server, which means two computer setup, aka separate server feeding usb renderer/roon endpoint/streamer.

“I’ll still maintain the most beneficial network improvements come post server, which means two computer setup, aka separate server feeding usb renderer/roon endpoint/streamer.”

I respectfully disagree. There are other streamlined options to isolate the noise without ‘cluttering’ your space. Choosing a good server or streamer that specifically designed for audio is fundamental to the approach of clutter free streaming experience. Once you get that out of the way, then you can focus on DAC and noise filtering devices.

@dbb

Thanks for asking.  I am not saying that, but I should explain:

I tried ENO alone and then *added* EE switch and Supracat, so all three devices were in-network.

I’ve not yet removed the ENO to evaluate the EE and Supra Cat alone, which is unusual for me.  Here’s why I didn’t bother removing ENO Ag-yet:  1) I bought all three items used so there is no return-clock ticking and the money at stake is much less than cost of new, 2. More resolving speakers will arrive later this month which could (should) be better at revealing differences, so final assessments of network items cannot be made until then.  Too, it’s pretty likely I step up my pre and dac game with new pieces after speakers are broken in, 3. It will be quite a surprise if I find that ENO Ag adds nothing compared with EE and Supra Cat 8 without out ENO Ag when I do get around to removing it from the network.  And 4. as @grannyring said in his OP: “I am so ecstatic with my sound that I don’t want to touch it!”

It should be noted that Network Acoustics themselves strongly recommend using a network switch between your internet source and your ENO filter.  I've tried both variations in my home systems (using an ENO filter with and without the network switch) and noticed a much bigger difference with the switch installed.  To be clear, however, the switch + ENO filter was materially better than just using the switch alone.

@lalitk You couldn't get much more clutter free than server with optical out to streamer/usb renderer with optical in to dac.

My system when I am able to use it again:

Wifi to TP Link 6500 wifi extender (initial trial as an option)

Meicord Opal ethernet cable to modded Cisco 2960 switch with lps

Meicord Opal to Project Stream Box S2 Ultra

Mad Scientist Black Magic USB to M2Tech Evo 2/Supply/Clock

Black Cat Silverstar to Dac.

 

The ENO Ag filter is a little out of reach at present, having bought many things over the last 6 months. I’m not wanting to go the optical route, or EtherRegen, but aware my system as it is will need some filtering. Have heard mixed reviews of the SOtM ISO Cat 6. Also considering an Acoustic Revive (either RLT-1 or RL1-GB Triple C).

 

When using my DejaVu server as the Roon core and the Metrum Ambre as the Roon player, I wonder what the effect would be to move the ENO between the DejaVu and the Ambre, instead of having the ENO on the upstream side of the DejaVu where it is now? I would be interested whether anyone else who is running separate devices for their Roon core and player is using two ENOs, one in front of the server/core and one between the core device and the player?

Also, have any of you tried this network switch? Around $300 gets you a linear DC Power Supply and OCXO clock, which is said to be an improvement over the TCXO clock in the Bonn N8 and EE8 switches.  For those who want to spend more, there are more expensive OCXO switches such as this one and this one.

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I'd say add to our streaming knowledge and try, I still think much to be learned.

 

I hope to have most or all of my questions about streaming answered by end of year. I know someone who is in process of diy build, aka self assembly of nearly state of art server/streamer, based on final spec this will be equivalent to off the shelf server in price range of $10k-$20k. It is based on full size atx motherboard, will run windows or linux os, have enough processing engine to run HQPlayer with highest level DSP, folded into Roon, which means it can be run sans HQPlayer or with no DSP engaged. Industrial spec RAM and SSD. Ports will include optical, at least two ethernet, USB off motherboard, hopefully, USB off PInk Faun or JCAT, and high end lps.

 

With this server will be able to compare HQPlayer processing at any level vs no processing. With the optical port it can be used with Sonore Opticalrendu or some other optical capable streamer or streamer/dac. With direct ethernet out it can be used with ethernet streamer/usb renderer/Roon endpoint or streamer/dac. With two choices of USB, motherboard vs onboard usb rendering directly into dac can be compared. By the way, I consider the direct off motherboard usb the greatest flaw with the vast majority of off the shelf servers, this will directly compare that to optimized USB, these boards are $1200-$2500 each and are reportedly worth all the money, here's link to discussion, https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/jcat-usb-xe-or-pink-faun-ultra-ocxo.32332/

 

I've been doing self builds of general service computers for years, music server are simply general service computers optimized as music players only. The vast majority use off the shelf motherboards,processors, ssd, RAM, etc., some have custom built lps and some upgraded ports. The only bespoke servers that exist are something like Taiko Extreme and Wadax Reference, may be others I'm unaware of. These are truly one of a kind, fully engineered from scratch servers and likely worth every penny for those that can afford. Mike Levine here, I believe has posted on both. I only wish this build could be on that level. The vast majority of sub $10k servers I've looked at don't have the necessary processing engine  to run HQPlayer at highest processing levels, don't use industrial grade RAM or SSD, have less than optimal port availability and/or those ports not fully optimized, and not all that impressive lps. Going the self build route allows one to build a much better server at a reasonable price, not saying the off the shelf servers not worth the money, only comparing business models here. Self build uses free R&D, free labor, no marketing costs, no profit margin. For many opportunity cost estimates or lack of computer building experience may make self build prohibitive. This is not meant to dis on off the shelf, these servers provide value to those purchasing them.

 

Anyway, we will listen and compare various configurations of this server, hopefully it will be finished by early spring. I will then build my own server based on my particular needs. Listening tests will hopefully help me determine the exact components I will use in my build. This endeavor will test my theories that separate server, streamer and optical isolation solutions are optimal. It will also have allowance for multi optimized ports which will make this server maximally versatile, many different streamers and or streamer/dacs will be able to optimally connect to server.

 

While the above will test server to dac leg of network, what comes in front of server remains to be tested in like manner.

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Unlike analogue, where any additional device will affect the sound through changing capacitance and impedance effects on the transmitted signal, the signal path of digital requires only avoidance of noise incursion and maintenance of clock accuracy. It seems therefore to follow that the number of devices and cable links -as long as they satisfy the above conditions- is immaterial. While I agree with the simplicity mantra on analogue, my experience on digital points in a different direction.

@antigrunge2 Exactly, my experience as well. Still, my search is on for the most efficient means to extract maximum sound quality. My present thoughts along this line is server with optical out capability into streamer or streaming dac with optical in capability.

 

I'd also add complexity vs maximizing simplicity is a trade off. More complexity means more cables, connectors, devices, power supplies, all can generate, be conduits or allow leakage in of EMI/RFI. Greater separation of devices at the same time may theoretically decrease this same noise. I have Trifield Meter and the greatest generation of RFI comes from server/computer motherboards, transformers of all kinds and storage devices such as ssd and hard drives. Put these all under one roof, not good.

 

Paradoxically, the best solution should be something in between the two extremes. While I'd like to see power supplies,  and perhaps storage in separate enclosures, I wouldn't mind seeing optimized usb within servers which may negate need for all kinds of usb thingies, or separate streamers for that fact. They could also offer clean ethernet inputs within servers, devices like Uptone Etherregen wouldn't have to be separate and external. Storage could also be well shielded within server, eliminating the need for NAS or USB external storage. Having the ethernet and usb optimized within a single server also serves to eliminate possible clocking incompatibility, per what you mentioned above.

 

I do think the Taiko Extreme and Wadax servers address all my requests, minimal devices and maximum sound quality all under one roof. Unfortunately, this comes at prohibitive price for most of us!

I am very interested in trying out the Eno filter in my system. However, I don’t stream and all playback is from locally sourced files residing in the music server itself. The server is connected to the home network only to control Roon. Curious if anyone found improvement with the Eno filter in such scenario ? 

@antigrunge2

I’m well aware of your somewhat idiosyncratic system approach. My point is simple, it is very easy to get carried away in our pursuit to improve performance to nth degree. There is this breaking point where adding more ‘tweaks’ will only result in marginal or subtle improvements if your baseline is weak. It’s like putting a ‘lipstick on a pig’ :-)

Streaming is no longer in its infancy, it has matured. I see some of the posters here regularly peddling their convoluted biases like setting a good streaming system is equivalent of setting up a science lab. The way I see, it’s not very helpful to readers that are trying to venture into streaming. 

@lalitk There are two different audiences here, yes, basics important to those just venturing into streaming, for the more mature streamers this is explorative information. I see no harm in trying and reporting on every single streaming device available. This only adds to knowledge base, most mature streamers can read between the lines and determine for themselves the veracity of those reporting on these devices and the devices themselves.

Trying to limit discussion to only devices and setups that meet some subjective base line is only censorship. I for one like to hear about many setups, so keep the experiments and reviews coming.

@sns

Once again, you missed my point. As you pointed out in one of your earlier post, ‘I still think much to be learned’. Carry on!

@lalitk I see, you've learned all there is needed to be learned. And yes, I will carry on.

Been listening and comparing the sound through Roon with:

  • DejaVu server connected directly to the EVO B4B DAC using USB (DejaVu is core and player), and
  • DejaVu connected by Ethernet to the Metrum Ambre and then by AES/EBU to the EVO B4B DAC (DejaVu is core and Ambre is player)

In both cases, the ENO was connected after a Bonn N8 switch and in front of the DejaVu server.

My initial impressions remain unchanged in that both connections sound very good with the direct DejaVu>EVO connection resulting in a slightly fuller, more rounded presentation and the DejaVu>Ambre>EVO connection being slightly more incisive and dynamic.  Some may describe it as musicality vs. clarity.  The differences are slight but seem repeatable.  However, there are other variables not least of which being the USB vs. AES/EBU connection at the DAC.  If I had to select one option now, I would probably choose the direct DejaVu>EVO connection, without using the Ambre, as it seems the direct connection is slightly more musical and enjoyable on a wide range of material - but I could live with either.  

@mitch2 are you streaming (perhaps Tidal or Qobuz or from NAS) through the DejaVu server using Roon ? How much do you think the Eno added to the SQ ?

In working through my network connections, I have recently done some reading on switches.  The more I read, the more skeptical I become about what is being marketed and sold as an "audiophile" switch, and the high prices of these switches.

The thread on Audiophile Style titled "Uptone Ether Regen - English Electric 8 Switch Comparison" is interesting.  I am left wondering whether any of these have value beyond that of a basic Netgear or TP-Link switch.

 

@debjit_g 

This recent exploration of my streaming set-up all started because I purchased the ENO Ag and a Network Acoustics network cable.  A member here alerted me to this unit being for sale and I was fortunate to jump on it quickly.

I have a Mojo Audio server/streamer (DejaVu) and their DAC (EVO B4B).  I have a 45 foot long network cable from my router into the server and then USB into the DAC.  I added the ENO ahead of the server, by first bringing the network cable into a Bonn N8 switch, then the Network Acoustics cable from the switch to the ENO, then the short network cable attached to the ENO into the server.  The server runs Roon and serves as both the core and player.  I stream both Tidal and Qobuz but the addition of Qobuz is recent.  

Even before trying the different set-ups, I thought the system sounded very nice, organic, full-bodied tone, and powerful, with good extension and staging.  My initial opinion was that the ENO added something that made the music sound just a little more real somehow, but I haven't yet been able to point to one particular thing that causes that.  My plan is to stick with it for some time and then take it out and decide whether I am missing anything.  Leaving new stuff in for a while and then taking it out to assess differences has been a good method over the years for me to evaluate what I like the sound of.  Right now I would say the ENO filter was a positive addition but I really don't know why yet until I listen more.

The Mojo Audio stuff is built great, with outstanding power supplies, and both pieces use high quality I/O boards by JCAT such as this XE USB board.  I suspect the already high quality pathway of my server/streamer and DAC have a lower need for corrections brought on by small add-on boxes.  Even the ENO and their cables are certainly less than a revelation, but may be one of the few add-ons to make a positive difference.

@mitch2 thanks for the detail. Your setup is very very similar to mine. My router connects to EdgeRouteX SFP switch and then I run a 30ft long fiber into a Buffalo BS-2016 switch (same used in Melco S100) near the music server. The music server is DIY and uses quality choke based linear power and its also equipped with JCAT XE USB and Femto Net card. I am thinking of upgrading to JCAT XE Net and mod the Buffalo with a PF OCXO clock. I tried playing with Fiber NIC in the server but went back to the JCAT. Hence I am trying to see what ways I can further optimize my setup but I don't stream and all my playback in from local files (CD rips and high bitrate downloads). Therefore, I am trying to access the return of investment. The Eno seems like a good addition for folks streaming, I just will have to experiment if it makes further improvements and without trying one is just not possible to say theoretically. Good that NA has a 30 day return policy.

The end of production for DejaVu was bummer for me, JCAT usb major calling card for me.

 

Debjit_J, interesting you found JCAT superior to Fiber NIC, wonder if fiber prior to server had bearing on this? It may also be what comes after usb or fiber out of your server has something to do with it? Assume your taking usb out of server straight to dac. What does fiber out go to?

@sns  I think the issue is not with fiber connection as such but the noise a fiber nic creates back into the motherboard. Unless you have filters downstream PCIe, there is a high chance that noise is going through seep through. Unlike a generic fiber nic, the JCAT is purposefully designed to deal with the least noise as possible and its also have external 5v power input (which I use as well). I think this is a major contributing factor, at least in my case. 

Yes, I am taking usb from the JCAT XE USB straight to the DAC. When I used the fiber nic it was connected to a Buffalo switch.

Well the EE 8Switch was a definite improvement over a standard $50 switch in my system.  When coupled with a Network Acoustics cable and filter the results are just great in my system.  When the new NA switch comes out I will definitely try it.  
 

I owned the Innuos Phoenix and Ideon $4000 usb filter/reclockers and ended up selling them.  I found my Mojo Evo dac did not benefit from them. Just a great usb cable is what the Evo seems to like the most. My Innuos Zenith really partners well with the ENO filter.  I really think much of this is gear dependent. 

Anybody know what USB controller is used in Mojo DAC ? It’s it Xmos based or Amanero or something else ?

I think I haven’t found a DAC that doesn’t benefit from a good USB cable.

@debjit_g 

Based on what I see showing up in Roon settings, looks like a JL Sounds USB board. 

@hchilcoat the JL sound board is fabulous. Uses xmos chip. Recently Lampizator started using their board across all their models, low and top tier, as well.

@debjit_g That seems like logical explanation, I suspect the modified Sonore Opticalmodule within Small Green Computer SonicTransporter Optical I9 would provide better isolation from motherboard. Unfortunately, this doesn't provide for optimal usb out. I want the choice of both optimized fiber and usb with my next server, diy may be only solution for me.  I'd have difficult choice between Pink Faun and JCAT.

 

Also, I presume having to go back through Buffalo switch with fiber vs. direct to dac with usb would have bearing on your preference.

 

@debjit_g  Forgot to mention, I have second ethernet port on my server, so I can do FMC without having to go through an added switch in network.

I suspect the modified Sonore Opticalmodule within Small Green Computer SonicTransporter Optical I9 would provide better isolation from motherboard.

it’s the same isolation that you would get if you had the opticalmodule outside and connected via copper to the motherboard. To run fiber end-to-end, one needs to design the motherboard from scratch and don’t think anyone is upto the task (well, Sotm did but they don’t have fiber)

of all these yrs that I have been experimenting, introducing fiber not necessarily translates to better sound - it’s just sounds different. In most cases (in some of my friends setup and mine) I have seen a softening effect to a point where it mars out the details slightly.

you can’t go wrong with either the PF or the JCAT. Both are equally good. It’s just a matter to taste which one you like.

Yes, future experiments will absolutely compare optimized optical and usb comparisons, also, one computer vs two computer setups. I'd also like to try return to Audirvana, compare with Roon and Roon/ HQPlayer. When I first changed over from previous iteration of Audirvana (prior to Studio) to Roon was quite sure I preferred Audirvana. Also thining to try Euphony Stylus endpoint vs Roon endpoint.

@debjit_g , this is the board used in Mojo,

http://www.jlsounds.com/i2soverusb.html

Thanks @grannyring yes, that's the same board Lampizator (which I own) also started using. Looks like JLaudio usb boards are becoming popular with the DAC manufacturers and for good reasons.

One of my buddy leaving nearby bought a Mojo Evo sometime back with all the upgrades available and speaks highly of the DAC. We plan on bringing the DAC over to my place and I can't wait to see how the Mojo and Lampi compares.

 

Also thining to try Euphony Stylus endpoint vs Roon endpoint.

I used to run Euphony in my build sometime back but moved on since then. My optimized Windows sound better in my system. Also, the current version of Euphony runs quiet a older Linux kernel which doesn’t have the needed support for the latest Intel/AMD cpu/chipset. So be careful with the h/w and s/w combination. Their is a talk of 4.0 version but don’t know when it will be released.

Now back to NA :-)

@debjit_g wrote: "of all these yrs that I have been experimenting, introducing fiber not necessarily translates to better sound - it’s just sounds different. In most cases (in some of my friends setup and mine) I have seen a softening effect to a point where it mars out the details slightly."

Interesting findings.  In my experimentation/complete overhauling of my copper to fiber LAN, there was never a marring out of details.  It was quite the opposite actually.  Much better extension, space and micro details when I removed all of the added distortion/noise from the infrastructure.  Fiber optics > copper+filters every day of the week.

Interesting findings.  In my experimentation/complete overhauling of my copper to fiber LAN, there was never a marring out of details.  It was quite the opposite actually.  Much better extension, space and micro details when I removed all of the added distortion/noise from the infrastructure.  Fiber optics > copper+filters every day of the week.

It's vastly system dependent and also depends on who has the worst noise copper or fiber in a particular deployment. Just having fiber doesn't not mean better sound - that's a misconception. A lot of folks uses FMC to convert copper to fiber and then another FMC to convert is back to copper. Remember the Xilinx fpga used in most FMC creates a ton of noise and jitter by themselves and to top it over you have added power supply noise. All adds up but the bottom line is if you find fiber sounds better, that's what matters :-) 

Having said that, I still use fiber between the Buffalo and the EdgeRouter.

In my experimentation/complete overhauling of my copper to fiber LAN, there was never a marring out of details.  

My experience too.  I had switched back to 45 feet of Ethernet over the weekend and just switched back to fiber.   Even with the two additional converter boxes (both with LPS) the slight effect was a very slight smoothing or taking an edge off but more to the positive than the negative and without losing detail or sparkle.  Both sound good but I like the fiber just a touch better.

I am looking at the NA website but there is no mention of Eno Ag anymore as has been mentioned several times in this thread. Did they remove the Ag and copper version and now has only one version to sell ? Is it Ag or copper ?

My experience too.  I had switched back to 45 feet of Ethernet over the weekend and just switched back to fiber.   Even with the two additional converter boxes (both with LPS) the slight effect was a very slight smoothing or taking an edge off but more to the positive than the negative and without losing detail or sparkle.  Both sound good but I like the fiber just a touch better.

Folks, I think my use case might be completely different than yours. I am NOT talking about fiber through FMC vs direct copper. I am talking about the differences between the Fiber NIC vs JCAT Net NIC. This itself carries a lot of weight and sets the right context.


“I am looking at the NA website but there is no mention of Eno Ag anymore”

@debjit_g 

They may have reduced the line to one version of ENO since they are getting to release upscaled version of ENO called Muon. 

 

As debjit_g mentioned above, conversion of optical back to ethernet is somewhat detrimental, place for noise to re-enter network. And the boards in generic FMC are not optimum. Understanding this is what motivated me to upgrade to Opticalrendu.

 

Still, I did find two generic FMC preferable to my less than optimal ethernet chain. It would be good to continue to hear from folks who've compared optimized optical vs optimized ethernet chain. Prior to purchasing opticalrendu I planned on adding Eno after second FMC, this based on speaking with Rich at NA in regard to best placement in my particular setup. I still may purchase as I could remove opticalrendu, go to Eno connecting to SOTM SMS200Neo or use upstream of server with optical remaining between server and streamer.

anybody (possibly @grannyring ?) been a beta tester of the Muon USB cable and shed some comparison with the Eno ?