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Stack Audio-SmoothLAN Network Filter- WOW!

I just received this item that I purchased from Stack Audio after being impressed with the AUVA 100 Speaker footers.

For any of the Audio Streamers out there, my initial comment as to this item: The SmoothLAN Network Filter is WOW!

From first plug in, the soundstage deepened and widened immensely. How the heck this occurs is nothing short of amazing. I have tried many of the major brand ethernet filters, and some of them, maybe, did something. But not enough to keep them. I either sent them back or sold them. I did however keep an iFi Silencer unit.

My digital streaming consists of an EtherRegen sending out the signal via Fiber to my Lumin X1. I have the Stack Audio device going into the EtherRegen from the Modem.

And, since I have my Apple TV coming out of the EtherRegen it will be interesting to see if the Video improves.

Check out the review in EAR.

Stack Audio Smooth-LAN For Clean Streaming | The Ear (the-ear.net)

ozzy

ozzy
antigrunge2
1,557 posts
 

This thread shows again that quick judgements in audio are fallacious: what seems to add dimensionality and clarity in the beginning ends up being a bit of a sock over the tweeter after prolonged listening.

 

Or could it be that tweeters mounted on the front panel of a speaker rather than omnidirectionally have altered our auditory senses so much, that what might be removal of grittiness from EMI/RFI is perceived as overdamped treble.

 

Certainly worth a discussion, I wager…

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,781 posts
 

antigrunge2,

Have you actually used the SmoothLan?

ozzy

antigrunge2
1,557 posts
 

No, I have not. My comment relates to subtle changes of assessment shining through on this thread. I use an Lhyaudio switch, reclocked Etherregen and Ifi I-silencer. I do though confess to scepticism on passive components other than galvanic isolation in the digital domain from previous experience (Acoustic revive et al)

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,781 posts
 

antigrunge2,

The SmoothLan works very well. I think those of us with the EthereRegen may find it a little tricky to get the best out of it since it does seem to interact with it.

Give it a try with your setup and post your results.

ozzy

riccitone
232 posts
 

Was considering one of these, just might have to pull the plug on one. I already have some more industrial filters from dx engineering after a d-link switch - just a bit of a difference. Worth trying this instead if you’re getting that level of improvement after what you already have.

sold on Stack audio after the huge difference using their Auva EQ’s under my preamp 🙏🏼👍🏼

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