Pimping your router

The elimination of RFI from the Ethernet input of my Bricasti M5 streamer in my system has transformed it to the point that I’ve now sold my £4K turntable and will now press on with selling my vinyl. In my system, streaming wins hands down.

Industry disclosure: I'm a Network Acoustics designer.

@Chorus, our experience shows the ER benefits a lot from an Ethernet filter on the output.

@chorus,

The Etherregen allows you to go optical between the router and the ER and on most accounts that is preferable.
This eliminates ethernet related tweaks. Conversely the advice on cabling between the internet connection and the router, the improved power supply and shielding of the router and potentially the use of the Acoustic Revive filter at the router stay valid. Even if you decide on an optical connection, keeping distortions out of the chain from the onset has benefits. Also see above comment on the usefulness of filters between ER and streamer

Recently got roughed up by the learning curve of adding fiber.  Different SFP's and fiber sound different just like cables sound different.  Some are thin and bright, others dark and muddy.

I have 2 suggestions, first find Finisar FTLF1324P2BTL 4gb Fiber Channel SFP Transceivers on ebay, second
for fiber  https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/phoenix-contact/2989284/?qs=MfVUZiz0Pxb22RFH%252b7EEOg==&co...

However I am using one Finisar 1324 on the ER and a Finisar 1318 on a SOtM switch and prefer it to 2 1324's.  It has a slightly fuller softer sound, maybe a little less detailed.

I connected a mesh satellite using a .5 meter Supra Cat. 8  ethernet cable directly into my streamer. The SQ is very good but not quite beat the SACD yet. 

I may need a Acoustic Revive RLT-1 filter to improve SQ more. I think you need to order it from Japan through eBay. 

Interesting conversations.....I have tried Fiberoptic years ago and to my ears, fiber did not sounded fuller and dynamic compare to LAN cable (RJ45). I also prefer a simpler and clutter free approach, the fewer devices (conversions) in the chain yields to better signal integrity and minimize external interferences.

My streaming setup, Apple router ➡️ Network Acoustics LAN Ag ➡️ ENO Ag Filter ➡️ Streamer.

The Apple router is treated with Stillpoints ERS (EMI/RFI Suppression) cloth. I may try Acoustic Revive RLT-1 to see if there is any further improvement in lowering the noise. For now, I am very satisfied with ENO Filter.