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Network Acoustics Muon ethernet filtering system - Improving streaming sound quality

Network Acoustics recently rolled out a new top tier ethernet filtering system named Muon. It betters their already highly effective ENO offering which I purchased some 18 months ago.  I posted about the ENO filtering system back then and you can read it at the link located at the bottom of this member review.  
 

Everything I said about the ENO filtering system also applies to the new Muon system.  However, the Muon system offers even better sound quality by removing a greater amount of electronic and RFI/EMI noise.  The Muon filter is a passive device so their is no need for a power supply or power cord. That’s great! 
 

Like many of my fellow Agoners, I have come to depend on Qobuz and Tidal streaming for my music playback. I have not used any physical media in over 5 years, but also realize today’s servers/streamers can all benefit from digital noise blocking systems such as the Muon.  From high end audio switches to high quality ethernet cables I have learned they can all improve the sound quality of our streaming front ends.  I have tried going the fiber optic route and used other products such as the EtherRegen and while they do improve sound quality I find  the MUON system more musically engaging and compelling.  Here is my current digital front end:

(Netgear NighHawk modem/router powered by an LPS > Network Acoustics ENO ethernet cable> English Electric 8Switch powered by an LPS > Network Acoustics MUON ethernet cable > MUON ethernet filter > Innuos Zenith III >  Tchernov Ultimate USB cable -Mojo Audio Evo dac)

The MUON system is made up of the MUON filter and Muon ethernet cable.  You can buy these separately, but you’ll receive a nice discount by buying both as a system package. Here is a link to the Network Acoustics Website:

https://www.networkacoustics.com

I purchased the MUON system and have been enjoying it for several months now.  I feel it betters the ENO range in several important sonic ways. The noise floor is further reduced revealing more inner detail of instrument and voice.  This increased inner detail reveals subtleties previously lost.  In the end my music sounds more real and less reproduced. For me, improving realism is everything! 
 

With streaming it seems more difficult to obtain a nice 3D presentation as compared to a high end CD spinner.   Sometimes streaming can sound relatively flat compared to CD playback.  I found the Muon filter system delivered a more immersive experience due in large part to improving the 3D performance.   
 

For me the Muon filter is well worth the asking price as it made my listening sessions even more enjoyable. The rest of my system includes a Circle Labs A200 integrated amp, Fyne F704 speakers with upgraded crossovers and internal wire, and both Hijiri & Tchernov cabling.  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

128x128grannyring
grannyring's avatar
grannyring OP
6,525 posts
 

@lalitk and all reading this thread. The Muon ethernet system combined with the Network Acoustics Rubicon switch has me transfixed in so many ways. The combo deliverers a fluidity of sound that is so pure and enjoyable. Instruments and voice sound so pure and real. Now my music has more dimension to it. This combo has finally made me forget about high end CD transports because I now know my streaming is on par or better based on my listening tests.

I understand the Muon system and Rubicon switch represent a significant financial investment. For me the two pieces are indispensable as they provide the rest of my system with the opportunity to sound magnificent. I invest too much listening time and money in my system to not feed it with the best digital signal possible. It all starts before your server or dac and great sonic improvements can be realized here. The Rubicon switch can only be special ordered right now as they are gearing up for more production as I understand.

Yes, I am completely thrilled with my system and music as the Muon ethernet  filter  and Rubicon ethernet switch have increased the fun and engagement level of my listening sessions.

I use these products with an Innuos Zenith 3 server/streamer.  I no longer use my lifetime Roon membership because the Innuos Sense software sounds so much better to me.  Not even close right now.  This is true for Innuos gear and may not be the case on non-Innuos servers.  I am sure Roon can and does sound fantastic on other platforms. 

grannyring's avatar
grannyring OP
6,525 posts
 

@lalitk have your received the Muon and Rubicon? Love to hear how they sound in your system.  Thanks! 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,613 posts
 

@grannyring

Thank you for taking the time to post your feedback. I’m not at all surprised by your impressions as I know exactly how good…nah, scratch that, how awesome streaming can sound given the proper ‘noise’ treatment to the digital bits or packets before reaching your server/streamer or streaming/DAC. I have said it time and again, keep it simple and sane and you will be rewarded with amazing streaming experience that can easily rivals or bests the CD and Vinyl playback. And more importantly, it is the sum of whole not just one component in your system. Everything matters. 

I’m elated for you!!!! Hopefully someday I get to hear your system.

One question, did you test Rubicon switch with stock wall wart or LPS? I have not received my Muon / Rubicon streaming system yet. Rich knows I want to hear them in my system together, so he will send them my way whenever possible.

grannyring's avatar
grannyring OP
6,525 posts
 

I see. I used an Ifi Elite power supply with Nogami power cord on it. I need to repair a Keces P8 LPS I purchased used that was damaged in shipping. I use it on my modem, but the second output was damaged.

 

I am also making my own upgraded DC power cords to power the switch and modem. They are also very, very important. 

mitch2
4,084 posts
 

Hi Bill, I am glad you have found your streaming nirvana with the Network Acoustics Muon ethernet system combined with their Rubicon switch.  Any thoughts you can share on how your current set-up compares with your trial of the top level Tron Atlantic DAC that you enjoyed in your system a couple of months ago?  I assume you were using the Muon system and English Electric 8Switch with the Tron, but not the Rubicon, correct?

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