@mitch2 Thanks Mitch!
Cheapest way to enhance SQ with digital streaming
I could not stop but post my observations on remarkable SQ improvement with just a small change. I have been using digital streaming predominantly and have tried many things (cables, conditioner, room treatment). Everything does matter and they all did improve the quality without doubt and are definite investment. But after going through some reviews of fiber optic for Ethernet and their noise reducing properties compared to copper cables, I thought of giving a try. I connected Ethernet cable from router/Ethernet switch to media converter and fiber optic from this media converter (need SFP module) to second media converter (with another SFP module). Then regular Ethernet cable went from this second media converter to server/streamer. Basically the idea is to add fiber optic cable between the router and streamer, which will reduce the noise. But, wow, the difference was huge and amazing. Not sure how to explain the improvement, but the SQ was more fluid, melodious, fast, clean and separation of instruments were clear. The total cost for this was less than 150 (on Amazon). Apparently, as the fiber optic cable conductors are made of glass, they carry less noise compared to copper and also cost very cheap. Compared to money spent on other component in my system (have spent quite a lot), this is the most cost efficient and gave more improvement in the SQ. I am still amazed by this and very happy with what I heard. I feel negligent not to share with my fellow audiophiles, who are trying to get the best out and improve their system, sometime spending quite a bit for small difference. I guess, since the cost of trying this is so cheap (please don’t make me feel guilty for telling 150$ is cheap), try yourself and see the difference. On a different note, have been reading that use of Ethernet switch also does some “saucery” (I am no technical guy, but do read quite a bit of articles on audio) to reduce this noise to improve SQ and combination of fiber optic and the Ethernet switch takes SQ to different level. Will try some audiophile Ethernet switch sometime (may be uptone ethergen or Sotm snh-10g) to try out as I am very intrigued.
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For those using usb out of servers direct to dac, many have found various usb filters, reclockers and better usb cables are nice upgrades. Usb ports direct off motherboards are perhaps weakest link in most music servers.
I'd go this route vs. optical network conversion in front of server. Optical conversion is most likely to work in network AFTER server. Servers are noise makers, the reason why usb filters and optical conversions after server are so effective and popular. Cleaning network prior to server only to reinstate noise produced by server is somewhat ineffective and illogical. I've even found it somewhat ineffective after treatment post server, one audiophile switch I tried resulted in diminished sound quality. On the other hand, adding quality lps to my router improved sound quality, so mixed results here. |
I'm using the aurender dac. I'm using stock ps on the fmcs for the moment. I may try lps but my suspicion of no improvement is essentially twofold--the mesh node is pretty clean and is feeding only the aurender; and the aurender caching the signal is also clean. My system sounds excellent, I was just trying to make it that bit better. The system--sans non-streaming sources-- is joule la 300 ME, into pass X150.8, into quintessence shadow prototypes through siltech cables. Electronics (except for the amp which goes straight into the wall) are plugged into an mit z center. |
@romney80 and everyone else - thanks for the tip! I installed the two FMCs and fiber this afternoon. It sounded horrid (extremely tilted up) the first hour but then started to mellow. I was curious about the burn-in time because it’s still tilted up sonically. But then I remembered that I had to use a never-used-before power receptacle on my Furutech power bar for one of the FMC wall warts. When I first got the Furutech it had a very long burn-in time. So that’s probably what is causing part of the sonic problem. And wall warts require burn-in. I’m very optimistic. I’m only 1 ¾ hours into my first listen and it’s rapidly improving. Anyone else experience sound quality issues during burn-in? For how long? |
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