Network/Ethernet Improvements Suggestions

To close the loop, now cascading two Cisco 2960 boxes with SFP fiber in between. A short one foot ethernet to streamer. New ballgame, far superior to fiber on with FMCs. 

Takes a high end system it to an entirely new level. It’s really astonishing.

Anyone hearing my system prior and now would have no idea how.

👍

Thanks for all the advice guys, much appreciated 👍

Streamer it is, I'm convinced after removing the media converters

+1, @audphile1 

Solid advice, go for best streamer you can afford and reduce the clutter preceding ENO. Use a better LAN cable like LinkUp CAT 8 from Amazon between your router and ENO.  

I do not like the fiber converters - in my system the sound becomes artificial and constricted. I have tried it with 3 streamers with exactly the same outcome. Power supply upgrades for these gizmos is a lipstick on a pig.

Do your research and go for the best streamer you can afford, used or new. Then you can get rid of the clutter and just use Eno.

@audphile1 @marco1 

I've tried cutting out the media converters and going ethernet straight into the regular switch, which feeds the NA ENO; got to admit, I find music pops more/a better 3D presentation/greater depth - I feel like the media converters in the chain were actually constricting the soundstage front to back.

I've had the converters in for a while and never tried without since, even through a change of streamer; Node N130 -> Innuos Zen Mini mkiii

I think you're both right; upgrading my streamer maybe the most worthwhile investment in my system at this point

Looks like you have more than enough invested in the journey at this point. I’d concentrate more on the destination now and put the funds towards a better streamer.

Fiber and be done. 

We have to agree our432evo Aeon sounded just as good as the25k Innuos statement with upgraded psu and the statement sounds infinitely better then your  pulse

The 432Evo is a remarkable modular and fully upgradable server which offers the highest performance for the dolla.

Dave and Troy

AUDIO INTELLECT NJ

US IMPORTERS 432EVO MUSIC SERVERS

Upgrade the streamer. Without a doubt biggest jump in performance.
Just resist buying more tweaks for the network. All you need is the best possible streamer you can get plus a very good Ethernet cable (Eno is that already)  

Leave the network stuff alone. Well actually I would even take out the Fiber converters and just use Eno. Test that too. If n my system it was much more natural sounding that way. 

Have read the same regarding fiber connection. Many positive, some negative.

Similar with the LHY switch. Personally, I'd look elsewhere for another switch.

I have a good dual LPS on my first network switch/wifi router. And an old Terdak LPS on my modem. Good DC cables, reasonable power cables and SR fuses.

@creativepart  

Thanks for this. I've also read somewhere that using an optic "firebreak" in the chain can bring it's own issues, can't remember what that was now.

DAC is a Cen Grand DSDAC 1.0 Super Clock -> Marantz Model 30 -> ATC SCM40's.

I am happy with how my system sounds overall; I can't help thinking I could do more with the network connection with the streamer, and should try and optimise this before upgrading the Zen Mini to something else

I kind of know how you feel. I always think there's better sound out there. But not sure there is.

My system is somewhat similar to yours TP-Link Router to Netgear GS105 consumer switch (it's supposed to be a good one) with ifi power wart. Wired directly to a SOtM network isolator like the Eno wired to the streamer. In this case my streamer is the SOtM SMS200 ultra neo.

Actually, everything sounds great. I use Qobuz > HQ Player > Streamer > Chord Hugo TT2. So, it should sound good.

You didn't mention your DAC but that's certainly a key player.

I haven't any experience with the Zen Mini but I have read criticisms of it online. Folks that improved that one item and said it made a big difference. Does it? I don't really know.

I've read pros and cons to using a fiber connection, too. Have you tried eliminating that one part and seeing if it was a good addition or not?

Would consider a LPS on the second media converter and then Ethernet direct to your player. 
 

There, I said it. The optical fiber may have a nice audible difference. The rest I believe is not worth the time and effort. Have used fiber in several systems. The one that showed the most benefit was when fed a Verizon fiber connection. 
 

Also tried a Cisco Catalyst 2960 via copper connection on the router side. It was ok but not as good. Will try that side with fiber from the Cisco soon.