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  3. 140803-1880

Improving streaming SQ

I have an Aurender A10 and stream Tidal and Qobuz.  I'm looking for an easy and cost effective way to to improve streaming sound quality as it seems to fall a little short of my ripped CD's.  Artistic Fidelity makes an ethernet galvanic isolator (GISO GB) that plugs in between the CAT 6 cable and the Aurender.  I'm wondering if any one has tried this or a similar product and what your experience was.  I don't think this product is available in the USA, but I can get one shipped from Germany for 299 euros.  As always, any and all comments are appreciated!
shoff
markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
638 posts
 
@audioengr 

Which is superior in terms of sound quality?  The Ethernet or USB input on the DAC?
markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
638 posts
 
I understand you also like the SOtM switch. Still, it is $800. I am using Cardas Ethernet cables and the “Black Box” ($100) for galvanic isolation. I run my Router into a 24 port switch to my system using CAT6 into a four-port switch. Will replacing the four-port switch with a SOtM switch make a noticeable difference? Would I have to buy two SOtM switches so I could bypass the 24-switch?

BTW, I have met Steve Nugent aka @audioengr He is the real thing: an accomplished DAC designer.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,700 posts
 
Good point about the volume equalization.... it destroys the dynamic range
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Where is this "volume normalization/equalization" in Tidal??
rhljazz
1,252 posts
 
Uberwaltz, click the heart shaped “my collection “ bottom right in the Tidal app, then click the “gear wheel” icon top right.  You will then open the page to see the slide button to disable normalization loudness compensation.
For my listening, I leave it off.  You can easily switch back and forth as needed.
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