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Fiber Optic isolation causing listening fatigue

Just curious if others have experienced the issue I'm having. I have a decently resolving system: Aurender N150>Weiss DAC 204>Wyred4Sound Pre>First Watt J2>Omega RS8 monitors. Not being able to leave well enough alone, in a quest for more detail, I decided to isolate my streamer from the router by dropping in two TP Link fiber media converters separated by a fiber optic cable. Well, initially I got the effect I was hoping for: I heard a great deal more detail in my music. I could hear the singer take a breath where I typically couldn't. I heard nuances of music that typically escaped me. In fact the effect wasn't really subtle. There was much more clear instrumentation separation, etc. However, after about an hour of listening, I started noticing a feel of irrititability, just a general annoyance. I told myself "you're just over-caffinated." But I think the added level of clarity was simply causing listener fatigue.

Anyone else experience this with a fiber optic upgrade? Of course the fiber optic cable will not require break in (it is simply passing light through a channel), but maybe the fiber media converters would need time to settle in? I was trying this upgrade as a "proof of concept" thinking that I would upgrade to a Sonore Optical Module Deluxe if I liked the effect. Now I'm not so sure I'll take the risk in spending more money on this.

I guess I'm just curious if anyone has had this experience. Or might have some thoughts?

Thanks,

Tal

surlydale
12many
355 posts
 

I have had the same thing happen every time I upgraded to reduce noise.  There are more fine details and information to process and I can detect.  I don’t see this as a function of fiber, but just less noise and more detail.  I think this causes the effect you mention because there is more detail for your brain to process and you are in critical listening mode after only a short time from making this change.  Having more info for the ears to take in and the brain to process is tiring.  IMO, this is the effect you are feeling.  I suggest you give it some time to get use to it, and try to listen to the overall music, without focus on the details or any one aspect - e.g not in analytical mode.  I think over time, you will get comfortable with it and really enjoy the added details, which often adds to the realism.  I prefer to listen for weeks or a month before reaching any conclusions.  

foggyus91's avatar
foggyus91
612 posts
 

@brbrock No, yes, kind of.

Using the TP WR902Ac as a CLIENT. It is connected to the my router via WiFi and in client mode it isolated the network to this singular device. It is connected to my Zenith via Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for the Sonore Optical Modules I was using coming out of my Edisoncreation Silent Switch.

Router>WR902AC>Silent Switch OCXO>Zenith. eliminated 2 boxes and power supplies. 

Setup WR902AC:
1. Look at the back of the unit. It should say the name of the device Wifi.
2. Power up the unit using the 5V micro USB. Give it a minute.
3. On a computer select the 2.4Ghz Wifi from the TPLink. Type in the password, this is on the back label on step #1.
4. Once you’re connected, go to http://tplinkwifi.net
(If this step does not work use a fresh browser after deleting the cache)
5. The first time it will force you to set a new admin password.
6. Once you’re in the menu, cancel the quick setup.
7. On the left bar go to the Wireless 5Ghz. Turn off this radio.
8. Go to USB settings. Under Storage Sharing and FTP Server tabs disable both.
9. Go to System Tools, Time Settings, and click on Daylight Savings, Save, Get time from PC, Save. Close the browser.
10. Unplug the power from the TPLink.
11. On the left side of the device move the physical toggle down to CLIENT.
12. Reattach the power. Select the TPLink wifi again and connect.
13. Open the browser again and go back to TPLinkwifi.net
14. Go to Quick Setup. Click Next. Now select CLIENT. Next.
15. There should be a list of your home’s 2.4Gz wifi channels. Select your Wifi with the highest signal strength. On the next screen it will ask for your Wifi password. Click Next, then Next.
16. At the end of the setup it will ask you to click FINISH. Then the device will reset. This will take 2 minutes.
17. At this point the TPLInk Wifi ID will disappear from your computer’s Wifi list. The TPLink is now an extension of your home Wifi. If you connect your computer to the TPLink via LAN it will be an ethernet hotspot (turn off your computer’s Wifi first!). Run a test by opening a browser and you should have normal internet access.
18. You’re all set up! Connect the TPLink to your music server using a dedicated low-noise battery and enjoy! Make sure the battery back is detached from any charging input as that can add noise.
 

surlydale OP
26 posts
 

I think over time, you will get comfortable with it and really enjoy the added details, which often adds to the realism.
 

Perhaps. I’m skeptical, though, because of the tonal balance issues. I took the converters out. Perhaps I’ll put them back in and give it some time before deciding to pull the plug. 

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,477 posts
 

@surlydale Ok you removed the TP Link fiber media converters. Great. So now Ethernet is straight into streamer? Yes?

Please consider from the wall a good shielded Ethernet cable into an audio grade switch (or no switch if you don’t need one) into a robust filter (so worth it) and then into yr. streamer. A good PSU for the switch helps. Just say no to wall warts.

I’m thinking you need a switch as yr. Weiss (Excellent DAC. Well done that too) needs Ethernet.  The Weiss has sooooo many ways to make changes but I have found just a smidge works for me. YMMV. 
 

 

lanx0003
1,947 posts
 

I will regard that change as a good thing to begin with, giving it the reasonable benefit of the doubt, and then think about how to tame the brightness.

What cables are you using, Op?  I have some success using cables to tame my system and could share with you.

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