Which Ethernet filter?

@p05129 agreed on good components. Very important!
However, a good filter like the Eno or an internet switch like the EtherREGEN can help improve sound further.
In my system the Network Acoustics Eno helps relax the overall presentation smoothing out the sibilance, opening up the soundstage and that attributes to a more natural presentation. This was the case with the Lumin U1 Mini/Benchmark DAC 3 HGC combo I was running and continues to do so with my current DAC the Bricasti M3 with a built in network player. And the M3 is already a very refined sounding D to A converter. I’m using EERO mesh network and I think it might be injecting noise into the analog signal it feeds via the Ethernet cable. The filter cleans it up a bit making the job of the network player/renderer slightly easier.

At least that’s the explanation that makes sense to me.

@lalitk my DAC upgrade materialized!

bigby, you go try it?

@audphile1 - I’m interested by your description of the sonic signature of optical, as I currently have a system which is a touch too warm, with overemphasised mid-range.

This is totally my fault as I selected the USB cable (FTA Sinope - warmish, enhanced midrange) when I had some ATC SCM19s on loan from the dealer. When my SCM40s finally arrived I realised I had underestimated the warmth they impart on the sound compared to the dry 19s. However, I plan to give the 40s and Sinope a thorough burn in, and then address the USB issue first. I might ask NA nicely if I can try again their Muon USB - which I had previously rejected as being too aggressive, detailed and forward.

I think next I will try a budget optical setup (links below) to determine if the sonic characteristics work well. And if they are then gradually upgrade the components. And if not, then have a chat with NA regarding their Muon and Eno systems.

I would add that I’m finding to very tricky getting the sonic signature correct. It feels like such a fine line between too bright and too warm.

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-MC220L-Supporting-MiniGBIC-Modules/dp/B001GQDRWK

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/KOMQI-135501061-TP-LINK-TL-SM311LM-MiniGBIC/dp/B001800S6M

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-Fiber-Optic-Cable-Multimode-BLACK/dp/B00015G9SG

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08Y59FXDZ/ref=twister_B08Y5GRZR4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

@audphile1 

I am curious to learn more about Network player option with M3. 

+1 @audphile1 

agreed on good components. Very important!