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  3. 190276-41

Stack Audio-SmoothLAN Network Filter- WOW!

I just received this item that I purchased from Stack Audio after being impressed with the AUVA 100 Speaker footers.

For any of the Audio Streamers out there, my initial comment as to this item: The SmoothLAN Network Filter is WOW!

From first plug in, the soundstage deepened and widened immensely. How the heck this occurs is nothing short of amazing. I have tried many of the major brand ethernet filters, and some of them, maybe, did something. But not enough to keep them. I either sent them back or sold them. I did however keep an iFi Silencer unit.

My digital streaming consists of an EtherRegen sending out the signal via Fiber to my Lumin X1. I have the Stack Audio device going into the EtherRegen from the Modem.

And, since I have my Apple TV coming out of the EtherRegen it will be interesting to see if the Video improves.

Check out the review in EAR.

Stack Audio Smooth-LAN For Clean Streaming | The Ear (the-ear.net)

ozzy

128x128ozzy
jmfinney
79 posts
 

Thanks for that Ozzy. Your feedback is always helpful.

For me & my streaming system, and after trying the SmoothLan (even tried 2 SmoothLans), ENO, EtherRegen, Muon, Muon Pro Streaming System & fiber from router to switch through a pair of Optical Modules Deluxe with a newly released Melco C1-D20 SFP+ Direct Attach Ethernet Cable...I found the optical configuration as described, along with Muon Pro & Muon Pro Streaming Cable between switch & Gold Note integrated to be the most satisfying combination.

painter24's avatar
painter24
282 posts
 

I was wondering how the SmoothLan compared to the ENO; I have my ENO plus NA streaming cable, between LHY SW8 switch and my streamer. I don't suppose anyone has tried a direct comparison by any chance?

maxdukecapone's avatar
maxdukecapone
58 posts
 

@ozzy 

Would you use this between a Roon server and modem or between the streamer and modem or both?

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,407 posts
 

Reading more about this filter, I see as many positive as negative experiences. I will stick with my setup. Freedom ethernet cable > optical fiber > LHY SW10 > Freedom ethernet cable > streamer > eno III USB cable.> DDC >  BJC FE bonded HDMI cable > Dac. This streaming sound is just right for my ears in my house of stereo. It wasn't easy. The problem is each time you add something to the chain, you invariably have to change something else to make it sound just right. Been doing this for a while and adding a little filter does not make sense at this point. In a simpler setup, maybe.

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,456 posts
 

It comes with a cat 8 cable. I think you insert it as close to the end as possible, thus reducing the noise. For me that is at the EtherRegen. It is simply Ethernet cable in ethernet cable out.

I agree that most of these gizmos have done very little, but this one does indeed work well.

And they have a 30 day return policy that I think includes return shipping.

ozzy

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