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Streaming Sound Quality - Want the very best sound quality? Network Acoustics ENO...

Like many of you fellow Agoners I am striving to get the best sound quality out of my digital streaming front end. To that end I have invested in various high end switches, re-clockers, ethernet cables, various USB filters/re-clockers, high end servers and delved into fiber optic conversion configurations. All of these measures did improve sound quality at varying levels. I felt my system sounded as good as a decent CD transport on many streaming recordings in Qobuz. However, I still felt there was something missing. I felt my system was still being held back. You can see my system under virtual systems here.

Well, I stumbled across something that has finally enabled my digital system to be all it can be. I cannot fully express the level of sound quality improvement realized with the addition of the Network Acoustics ENO Ag filter and ENO Ag streaming ethernet cable. It has been 10 days now since I added these to my system and I can now confidently say my streaming and system are all they can be sonically.

Here is the set up that has caused me to sell off and move past many other powered filters, reclockers, fiber optic options, and other streaming tweaks and gadgets. Frankly, the ENO additions are miles ahead of these other options sonically in my system and experience. Miles. This is my personal experience and please understand this perspective.

Netgear NighHawk modem/router power by an LPS > Supra cat 8 ethernet cable > English Electric 8Switch > Network Acoustics ENO Ag streaming cable > ENO Ag ethernet filter > Innuos Zenith III > Mojo Audio Evo dac

The English Electric 8Switch is also wonderful. Will a lower cost, standard switch sound as good in this set-up? Not sure as I have not tried. I am so ecstatic with my sound system that I don’t want to touch it!

There is a certain rightness from top to bottom that’s intoxicating. The tone is so beautiful and natural with no hint of electronic glare or digital artificiality. Music flows with far greater ease and has an uncanny, unforced nature to it. The stage is far deeper with the music flowing from a plane that is layered and completely separate of the speakers. This aural sensation, at this level of nuance, is new to my system and experience. The ENO products made this possible.

Instruments are presented with a new realism that is arresting to my senses. There is a wholistic presentation that spreads out all around me and my space. Just a joy to experience. Yes, the speakers seem to float the music into my space without any attention or localization of the speaker box or physical presence.

No part of frequency spectrum is out of place or forced. I am sure this has to do with the absence of noise. My music is equally articulate and resolved at low or loud volumes. Music stays controlled and enticing no matter how complex or bombastic the recording.

The ENO filter is passive, not powered, so there is no need of any power supply or plug. This is a huge plus.

Hope you streaming audiophiles find this helpful.

Bill
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mikerubin
26 posts
 
@grannyring 

"I just added the Network Acoustics USB cable and to say I am impressed is a huge understatement. Easily the finest USB cable I have heard in my system. Their products are world class and a great find for those of us with streaming front ends."

Seeing that I think that your Acoustic BBQ USB cable is the best of the several I have used in *my* system, that's really saying something!

More on topic:  I have a Sonore Signature Rendu SE with the optical connection.  I run copper to the etherRegen B side and, from its A side, optical to the Rendu.  My system never has sounded better.

If I understand the posts in this thread, mine, with an optical to optical segment, is the one type of network wired connection that the ENO won't help.  Am I reading this thread properly?

If I am, is the NA ethernet cable still useful and helpful between my RJ-45 wallplate connector and the etherRegen B side RJ-45 connection or does the subsequent optical segment make it as unnecessary as the ENO?

grannyring's avatar
grannyring OP
6,542 posts
 
I will let @richtruss answer this question.  I just know his ethernet cables are spectacular and should indeed “help”.  Yes, the ENO USB cable is indeed better than mine! Even better than my newer Helix design. 
richtruss
163 posts
 
@mikerubin 

Having a purely optical connection from your ER to your streamer doesn’t allow for any ‘electrical’ noise to get through, but, inside your streamer there will be a conversion process back to electrical, and this may generate some noise which is hopefully managed internally.
We have no direct experience with the Sonore you have, so cannot say 100% for sure, but in this particular case I wouldn’t expect our cable to make a difference, but it’s a funny old world!
veroguy
139 posts
 
Thanks to all who shared their experience.  I just ordered the ENO AG.  Front end chain will be:

  1. Router - powered by Sbooster LPS
  2. Cat6 ethernet cable (long, Blue Jeans)
  3. Gigafoil v4 - powered by Sbooster LPS
  4. Cat6 ethernet cable (short, Sablon)
  5. ENO AG
  6. Streamer - DCS Network Bridge
  7. DAC - Mojo EVO

I'll try the ENO with/without the Gigafoil, and with/without the LPS's in the chain.  Will report back.




rareace
113 posts
 
@veroguy I A/B'd with and without Gigafoil in my chain which is similar to yours with ENO Ag right before my streamer. I won't say anything to create bias for you. Looking forward to your findings!
-Alex
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