Advice on Optical Ethernet Conversion

In testing it with the cheaper FMC, I would say the audible difference was marginal, but the overall quality seemed more refined.

@jimboman 

A few years ago I added a switch with fiber and an EtherRegen+LPS and created the 'fiber bridge' from my noisy equipment closet (switch location) to my clean audio room (all equipment on dedicated AC line, no switching power supplies).  I thought this offered a nice improvement (more detail, blacker background, etc.) for the $.

I then tried swapping the EtherRegen for a non audiophile ~$100 fiber converter and didn't really notice a difference, so sold the EtherRegen.   I'm still using the cheaper converter today into my Bricasti M5 with great results.   I don't know if the M5 plays a big part or not in making the fiber conversion not something I had to spend decent $ on.

What I do find interesting is I added an LPS to my Roon Server which is directly connected into my switch (dirty side of bridge) and it made a significant improvement to my ears.   I wasn't expecting power/noise-reduction changes on the dirty side of the bridge to make a difference.   That has me tempted to now try a LPS on my switch, not that I really want to buy another LPS :(     Some folks may call this expectation bias but I already had a dual output LPS with an unused output and with no expectations for improvement, I really just think it sounds better for some reason...

@jimboman 

"I ended up purchasing the OpticalModule Deluxe with a SGC linear power supply.  In testing it with the cheaper FMC, I would say the audible difference was marginal, but the overall quality seemed more refined.  And, it seems that part of this hobby is checking off boxes: so even if it's not a dramatic improvement, you know you've got that area of your system covered with a quality piece."

My experience exactly.

@sfpeloton 

Thanks for the detailed response regarding your LPS adventures.

I've got a cheap 'n cheerful Topping LPS powering two switches: a TP Link for the computer network/wifi stuff, and a TrendNet switch for the audio side.

After experiment with a host of configurations for creating a fibre moat, I ended up using the fibre output from the TrendNet switch into the fibre on my old Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch.  Then copper ethernet out from the Cisco (via a SmoothLAN which may be overkill) into the OM deluxe, which then sends fibre via 2 1318 Finisar SMCs.  Phew!

Kind of a double moat, but it seems to sound the most musical and open of all the combos I tried.  Not sure @sns would agree with my selection, but I bet he'd applaud my efforts, haha!

@mitch2  Sure is a crazy hobby, ain't it!

Best, JAMES.

Also forgot to mention, don't have an LPS on the fibre modem...had issues with a previous modem that died after 6 months, with an LPS attached.  I like my fibre internet, and don't wanna risk messing it up!

@sns Would you have information about the Mundorf silver/gold DC cables?  I see there are various gauges/types available.  You DIY-ed the cables, correct?

I would be ordering from Parts Connexion in Canada.

Thanks,

JAMES.