2. digital
  3. 164400-25

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
anzaanimalclinic's avatar
anzaanimalclinic
239 posts
 
@grannyring
I initially preferred the EE8 between a SOtM switch and Innuos server with the NE ENO-Ag between the EE8 and Innuos while placing an ER between the home router and SOtM.
After adding fiber between the SOtM and ER with an external clock I found it was better to swap the positions of the EE8 and ER.

FWIW I initially powered the EE8 with an Uptone JS-2 and the ER with and Uptone LPS1.2 which was powered by their meanwell SMPS.  Removing the SMPS and using the JS-2 to power the LPS1.2 was significant to the performance of the ER.

I replaced a Curious Cable with a NE USB cable.  I dont remember it being called USB III, is that a new product?
mitch2
3,683 posts
 
@anzaanimalclinic, you seem to have a lot of experience with these digital delivery enhancers, so what is the level of improvement you perceive from the additions and changes you described?

I struggle to justify the amount of improvement for the price with most of these types of enhancers. As an example, I changed DACs recently, which resulted in a pretty big difference in the sound of my system....not so much the "quality" since both DACs are good, but more in how the musical sounds are presented with differences in smoothness, frequency emphasis, sense of power, clarity, and dimensionality, moving things in the direction of my individual sonic priorities.

OTOH, with respect to small boxes, digital cables, optical connections, and other digital enhancers - I have tried many and in most cases the differences have been.....meh...whatever. In my experience, small boxes and digital cables have not made huge differences in my enjoyment of the music. Slightly different sound, sure, but "gotta have it"....not so much. I would love to try the ENO and associated NA cables, as well as a bunch of other stuff like the Sonore Signature Rendu SE, the Intona USB Isolator, and different digital cables, but at the end of the day I struggle to justify spending a bunch of money on more small boxes or cables that will likely wind up on the shelf next to my other small boxes and extra cables. I know many here with good systems and ears have promoted the ENO and the NA cables, as well as other digital stuff, but I have seen too many other products over the past 20 years here that go through the flavor of the day cycle of huge admiration/praise/promotion only to be surpassed by something else within 6 months to a year....particularly in the digital arena. I guess I am a skeptic, based on my experiences - guilty.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,055 posts
 
@mitch2

I get what you saying. The level of improvement from cables and filters are very subjective and system dependent. I can only speak to my experience with ENO Ag Filter / Ag LAN and USB cable.

I can only encourage you to try ENO filter and LAN cable in your system. If you don’t get that “gotta have it” satisfaction, send it back. They are accompanied by 30 days risk free in-home audition :-)
mitch2
3,683 posts
 
Great point on the 30-day trial lalitk.  I have returned a couple of manufacturer's complementary trial pieces, but I cannot remember ever returning an item under a 30-day trial period.  I hate to be "that guy" but in this case it may make some sense to give it a try and be ready to return.  I am supposed to receive my new Mojo DAC (trading up from Mystique v3 to EVO B4B 21) any day so then would be a good time to try the ENO, instead of with the Mystique v3 DAC I have now.  I will strongly consider trying it but I need to check on when the EVO is getting here - they were delayed by a part that was hard to get.  
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,055 posts
 
@mitch2

Congratulations on your new DAC. Mojo makes great sounding DAC’s. BTW, your system is amazing. I believe ENO filter with their LAN cable is worth a trial in your system. Reach out to Richard at Network Acoustics for one on one consultation. Based on my experience, you can count on his expertise and honesty.

Good luck!
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