Is optical mostly a waste of time versus Ethernet?

@goofyfoot 

Anyone have an opinion on the Ether Regen from Uptone Audio?

Enjoyed my Ether Regen for several years. A really well thought out product: a reasonable audiophile switch with reasonable ethernet "cleansing". Depending on your ethernet chain and its problems, the Regen may be all you need.

DO NOT try the Muon filter or especially in combination with the Muon cable if you are happy with your Regen. Your happiness will promptly wane. The Muon streaming system is exceptional and in conjunction with a well thought out switch, your ethernet feed will no longer be the weak link in a given system. I don't know how much difference it makes to "pump the brakes" on your ethernet speed down to a steady 100mbps but it is quite apparent in my system that everything improved. 

@fredrik222 

You may be a networking expert, which I respect unconditionally, but is there any possibility in your way of thinking that an analog waveform representing a secure digital financial transaction succesfully completes with added noise? Is there any possibility that a streamed song sounds different to the user if there is added noise on the ethernet feed? Is there any advantage in your way of thinking to limit the ethernet feed to 100mbps rather than “top speed”?

@fredrik222

Thank you for the thoughtful reply. What you explain clearly in layman’s terms is appreciated. There are alot here on Audiogon who may be proficient at what we are proficient at while enjoying the audio hobby which is admittedly not our day job.

With that said, there is still alot that we collectively don’t fully understand when it comes to optimal sound quality over ethernet. Obviously we are only dealing with “the last few feet”, much like we do with power delivery, and no two home systems/rooms/environments are identical. How much noise are we trying to reduce/eliminate and how much noise do we accidentally introduce to the digital chain?

When it comes to ethernet cables in general, ethernet switches and noise, it shouldn’t make a material difference, said my right brain for many years. In fact, even if it made a material difference was it always a positive or a negative difference and if so/not, why?

I heard a positive difference when I inserted the Ether Regen into my chain. I heard a further positive improvement when I inserted Audioquest ethernet cables in place of those provided by my IT expert. While he may not be at your level, I’ve never had a financial transaction fail to successfully complete with those cables but I clearly heard a positive difference. Now, with my Network Acoustics switch, further sonic improvements were clearly heard. Same goes for the Network Acoustics Muon ethernet cable and Muon filter. Even though you may not believe it could possibly make such a positive difference, could I respectfully ask that you suspend disbelief for a moment and help me understand why it would/could?

Could it be the difference between the requirement for a steady stream vs the obvious advantages associated with simply arriving at the identical sum on both ends of a financial transaction? For instance, if the stream had a 20ms silent lag per second, that wouldnt affect a financial transaction but it likely would with streamed music. I don’t deny that its comparing apples to oranges but I know what I am hearing is vastly improved over an already highly satisfactory musical presentation. The conundrum for most here is that the logical side ouf our brain agrees completely with you. How could any of this make a difference but it does to those who have experimented.

@jumia 

You are correct, better clocking and jitter control are equally as important. Once again, its one of those things in the hobby that once you hear it, or better stated, once you "don't hear" the negative effects of noise/clocking/jitter is when there are some rather obvious aha moments.

These debates don't really change the thinking of either "camp". Those who have experienced positive effects are considered converts or ill-informed (depending on who is doing the considering). Those who are certain there is nothing to be gained from the effort, gain nothing by not going through the effort. Hey, maybe there is nothing to solve in their system. I do, respectfully, disagree with @fredrik222 because I have experienced the positive effects of certain cables, switches, etc and I have also experienced no effect from some while others actually adversely impact the quality of the sound. It doesn't make anyone right or wrong, it does however make you think a little about how so many rational people can be on opposite sides of topic.

​​​​​​@fredrik222 is right, maybe "my budget" system required some assistance whereas his system is fully fleshed out. Who knows? It would help us all get better performance if people like @fredrik222 would list his gear. I dont typically list mine because it is always changing slightly and I dont want to embarrass myself.

@fredrik222

If I were the moderator I would remind you that certain standards of decorum and relevance should apply to posting here. I might even imply that your approach and apparent gloating was churlish or prickly at best. Since I am not the moderator, I will refrain.

You’ve made your point, most here could give a shyt how the data arrives, we accept it because we have few options to the contrary depending on cable providers. What we choose to do to the data once it arrives to our doorstep is where this conversation initiated. But again, I’m not the moderator so it isn’t my place to tell you any of the above.

Yawn....no need to measure...they are both the same length.

You are both very knowledgeable and I'm grateful those standards mentioned aren't my decision to implement. The OP asked if there were solutions to improve noise, clocking, jitter, etc and were they beneficial. Some Audiogon members report improvements, others not so much. Who is right, maybe everyone. Each system is different, each environment is different.

The OP is an adult and can choose to check these out or not.

@theaudiomaniac thanks for the reply. Indeed, there are alot of absolutes and alot of exceptions. I hear material sound quality differences and I am skeptical by nature. But what do I know, I enjoy tube amplification but my system is a digital only source. I hear differences in cable and it isn't subtle so I'm probably not going to be invited by Amir to opine on much. All the best...

@fredrik222 

I appreciate you AND @theaudiomaniac for sharing your knowledge. The chest bumping not so much. Unfortunately, there is a little more of that on Audiogon these days and I know I've done my part to perpetuate it from time to time. Have a terrific day.