Improving on the stream of a combined streamer dac
I recently (foolishly) compared the streamed sound of my Electrocompanient
ECM 1 Mk II to internally stored digital downloads on the same ( ie not stored in my Small Green Computer server). I was surprised how much better the downloaded files sounded. Perhaps, I was naive to think otherwise. So, I started looking at old audiogon threads to see if I could figure a quick and easy fix to up the sound of the streamer but found little that made sense or was affordable. My question is whether I should continue to search, or if I should take it for what its worth and just listen to the music. The rest of my digital front end: Small Green computer server, a Trendnet unmanaged switch and the ECM. I use a Luna Orange ethernet cable from switch to ECM and a Purist Audio cable to the SGC. Thanks for your advice and happy holidays to all.
@jjss49 in what sense is the trendnet switch poor? Have you actually tried this switch? I’m using the unmanaged 8 port 1g version (same as in OP’s setup). It does no harm in my system - I’ve tested with and without. With the trendnet switch I actually noticed a slight decrease in noise floor but that could be due to the WW Ethernet cable that’s feeding it. |
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OK, again many thanks for all the input. I am about to eat some crow, but will put that off for a bit. For what its worth, Andrew Gillis of SGC fame recommends the least encumbered network switch and the Trendnet in particular. He feels a managed swtich can delay the signal and some other stuff I couldn't understand as I have an analogue brain. Now for the crow; I rummaged through the closet where old cables live and my vacuum tubes hide from my wife, and dug up an old wire world starlight 8. Substituted the Luna Orange ( switch to Streamer /DAC ) and voila, much improvement. Actually sounds really nice, So a nice outcome and it didn't cost me a thing. Kudos to audphile 1 and all who have added their two cents. |
i have, i did, still have it in the closet... came in my first setup purchased from andrew gillis with the optical rendu, back in early 2021 -- if anyone here wants it let me know, you just pay for postage, you can have it in my system i heard some hashiness/tension in the lower treble and upper midrange with the trendnet using a wall wart ps to power ... i then subbed in a 5v lps, which helped some -- subsequently, i went to an english electric 8switch (also w lps) which smoothed the hash noticeably, then the third move, which stuck, was to j swensen’s uptone etherregen, which worked the best ... ahhhh smooth and silky finally, and with better bass solidity as well happy holidays all! |
