@lalitk perfectly said! This is my same experience.
Matrix Audio SI-1 Network Isolator
A recent discussion on the value of network switches by @fire_water rekindled my curiosity about revisiting optical isolation. As someone who leans toward minimalism, a single-box optical isolator was the prime draw and to see if newer devices offering further improvements over my existing optical isolator.
For context, my front end is built around 3 chassis Merging Technologies +PLAYER / Merging Technologies +CLOCK / Merging Technologies +POWER which is already extremely low noise, highly resolving, and very “studio honest,” reflecting its roots in professional high-resolution recording and editing. It doesn’t gloss over upstream shortcomings—if anything, it exposes them. As a result, any change ahead of it is easy to evaluate.
To be fair, my existing Telegärtner OPTO BRIDGE 1000M already performs very well—delivering a cleaner background, lower noise, and solid isolation. No complaints there except it is powered by an external LHY linear power supply…extra cables plus more real estate :-)
So how does the SI-1 compare?
In my system, the SI-1 builds on Opto Bridge foundation with:
- A further reduction in noise floor
- Greater image density and depth
- Improved microdynamics and sense of flow
- A more natural tonal presentation without sacrificing resolution
The biggest difference?
With the Telegärtner, the presentation was clean and relaxed.
With the SI-1, it becomes more organic, fluid, and musically coherent.
My take:
Telegärtner = excellent isolation
SI-1 = isolation plus signal refinement (regeneration) by breaking ground noise and eliminating EMI/RFI riding on Ethernet.
In a highly resolving system, that extra layer makes a meaningful difference.
Here’s the rub guys, not every system truly benefits from an audiophile Ethernet switch or an overbuilt router. That’s been my experience after introducing optical isolation into the chain. Once I did, even a high-quality switch like the Telegärtner M12 Gold Switch became redundant.
IMHO, optical isolation is essential for any serious streaming setup. The SI-1 doesn’t feel like a tweak, it comes across as a final-stage refinement, allowing your streamer to perform at its full potential and reveal what it’s genuinely capable of.
Here is my signal chain,
Apple Router → SI-1 → Streamer (Merging stack) using a pair of FTA Métis LAN cables.
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“Let's all strive to have a garbage-free musical environment.” @mclinnguy Exactly! Hope you’re doing well and enjoying every bit of your anazing system. Thanks for the compliment! As far as network switches go, unless you’re building a more elaborate network with a NAS, a Roon server, multiple streamers, or other networked audio devices, I think adding a switch like the Matrix Audio SS-1 or LHY AS-7 becomes much more justifiable. For a single streaming device, the SI-1 adequately provides all the network isolation one would need. Personally, I’m a big believer that less is more when it comes to the network chain. Every additional device introduces another variable, so I prefer to keep the path as simple and clean as possible. |
I agree completely. Having a network server and network DAC forces me into a more complex device. However, I view this as a simplification as it removes the complexity of USB/SPDIF “devices” in the server and DAC. That may change down the road if I replace the components with ones that excel at these other mediums.
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@lalitk Thank you for the compliment, I am enjoying the journey and just trying to keep up to some of the systems in this thread. It should be even more amazing when I add an optical isolator in the form of the USB-X4, which was designed to match up to my DAC. Time will tell whether that will make my etherREGEN obsolete. I am hoping it will. |
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