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.  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

128x128grannyring

Correct.  Special order right now. Supply issues on some parts I am told. Best to contact them for availability.  

@grannyring 

@lalitk 

 

Very excited to read this thread. I enjoyed all the info that Bill shared with me around the first of the year on the Muon filter and have thought about comparing it against my ER + SR4T LPS setup. I like the fact the Muon is passive so you avoid the power cable and LPS. But am also intrigued about the Rubicon switch. I wish there were more info on it currently, but will remain patient and hope that both @grannyring and @lalitk will post additional feedback on them soon. I've been mostly quiet lately as my system is sounding amazing; but one occasionally wonders about improvement! I want to take the Network side of my system as far as it can reasonably go without breaking the bank. Then I can focus on other things.

 

@lalitk It will be interesting to hear what you think about the difference between the Majestik Mk1 and the Nagomi. And of course, the difference between the M12 Gold switch & JCAT OPTIMO DUO LPS vs. the Muon filter and Rubicon switch.

@pokey77

Like you, I’ve been very happy with my system. My digital streaming / network has been stable going on 8 months (last addition was LPS for M12 switch). I hear you on the improvements part…never a dull moment here. I have been tinkering with mineral based ‘grounding’ and the improvements are nothing but stellar (more boxes on the way…lol).

Back to NA switch and filter, I am anxious to try Rubicon due to its unique and few ‘first of its kind’ design attributes. May be @grannyring can give us a peak inside his Rubicon switch 😉

@lalitk 

I understand that may be a "step to far"!; but maybe @grannyring can tell us what the Rubicon looks like. Like one input and multiple out, or one input and one output, etc. Similar box as the Muon, etc. Having someone you trust helps in the decision-making process, I've never been accused of being an early adopter and so I find this kind of info very helpful.

Would be very interested in hearing about your grounding boxes and how they are implemented in your system. Do you have a thread on that? We can take offline if you prefer.

@pokey77 

I have added the ground boxes in my virtual system. Let’s take it offline if you’re interested in learning more about them. They are definitely worth exploring as their impact in your system is far from subtle.