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The indisputable benefit of fiber for music

I've read a lot about fiber's audible superiority to Ethernet, and most of it I have taken with a grain of salt.  1GigE is plenty fast for just about anything, and it is balanced and galvanically isolated. The one area where fiber is clearly a better choice for music systems is lightning protection.

It is not uncommon for lightning to enter a home via the cable TV's coaxial cable. This can easily jump the millimeters from coax to Ethernet to Ethernet. So if you are like me, and rely on Ethernet cabling to stream to avoid any Wifi issues you are also creating a possible lightning path from the external Internet provider's connection all the way to your fancy audio gear.

In this one situation I have to say, the use of a 1m or longer fiber cable is the superior solution. I'm considering using this at the junction between the cable TV modem and my router, therefore isolating all of my streaming devices at once.

Best,

Erik
erik_squires
rego
378 posts
 
#Indisputable benefit of Ground, maybe an opportunity to analyze your home electrical grounding (Earthing) system.
"  Earthing, Lightning Arrestor, and SPD (Surge Protection Device) are the three pillars that actually protect against current-shocked.".
antigrunge2
1,424 posts
 
@fuzztone,

+1 on ENO
rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
278 posts
 
Using fiber between Etherregen and SOtM switch.  Found that choice of SFP's will make or break the deal.
Also found the ENO filter and EE 8Switch are keepers.
yyzsantabarbara
4,903 posts
 
Fibre is a game changer. Glad I did not spend too much in the past on streamers or music servers. My cheap DELL computer with Fibre to my OpticalRendu is phenomenal. So good that I bought 2 OpiticalRendu's, I for each DAC that I have in the office system.

1) https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Networks-US-8-150W-UNIFI-Switch/dp/B01DKXT4CI/ref=sr_1_4?crid=6O42IY...

2)  OpticalRendu - mode 5 with RoonReady output only
https://www.sonore.us/opticalRendu.html

3) SPF cages and Fibre wire from the same link as #2.

4) USB from the OpticalRendu to the DAC. Spent $26 here.

5) Linear Power Supply for each OpticalRendu.
https://www.sonore.us/power.html

All of these are ROON READY and work flawlessly with my ROON CORE. They sound much better than my previous Sonore microRendu.
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,687 posts
 
The problem of 'flatlanders' (life on the planes...oops, plains or just level lands) is the fear of lighting....nope, lightning...

All 6 of our 'puters are either WiFi'd or Bleutoothy, the cable modem all by its' lonesome in the corner, away....fresh new router as well, upgrading our act.

Just downstream 1/2 mi. from the areas' major hospital, so speed isn't an issue.  Better was back in Houston 15ish years hence, on a T3 line.  But 'puters were slower then, so all +/- equal in satisfaction.

Best about here is living at the base of hill, topped by a 100' cell tower of steel.  Couldn't ask for a better lightning rod...

Keep in mind the odds are still the same as a winning Lotto tix, unlucky vs lucky.  Place your bets....;)


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