Pimping your router

@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.

@lalitk

And you liked the ENO better than the EtherREGEN if I remember right?

Did you try the ENO with the ER? Reason for asking is that I have my ER with an SR4T powering it near my router, which is in a different room 20' from my system. Just wondering if adding the ENO may provide another significant SQ benefit.

BTW, I did try the ER next to my streamer, but it sounds about the same whether 20' away or in the same room, and maybe just a little better 20' away.