Advice on Optical Ethernet Conversion


Hello:

I'm looking for a high-quality convertor for Ethernet to Fibre, for streaming Qobuz to my Lumin U2's fibre input.  I've got two Finisar 1318 SMCs and am running a 40' fibre run.

Specifically, I'm looking at the Sonore opticalModule, the Uptone EtherRegen (version 2 forthcoming, ideally) or the SOtm sNH-10G switch.

All real-world experience with any of these is welcome.  I'd like to know what perceived SQ benefits were realized, ideally.  Personal experience/anecdotes would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance,

JAMES.

jimboman

@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.

Hi @jimboman I recently added an iFi Lan Silencer Pro (LSP) which converts ethernet to fiber optic and then back to ethernet and it’s brought a significant improvement. I would say almost more than adding an audio-grade network switch. The only caveat is that you have to get a separate iFi iPower PS (preferably the iPower X) as the stock one that comes with the LSP is junk.

My chain: Asus Router - Ethernet cable to Lan Silencer Pro (converts to fiber optic) - Ethernet cable to Silent Angel Bonn N8 Switch - Ethernet cable to Streamer.

I’ve tried putting the LSP downstream after the Silent Angel Bonn Switch but it sounded too squeaky clean and lost a bit of musicality so preferred it upstream right before the network switch.

I'd like to know what perceived SQ benefits were realized,

Optical moats drop the noise floors, but some have reported it takes some “life” from the music.