PS Direct Stream Vs. Lumin X 1 Sound quality difference?

Ozzy

It’s hard to put it into the vernacular (not to mention that’s it so system/room dependent) but the optical cable is tighter with less air than hooking up with ether net. It’s a different sound.

From the EtherREGEN instructions “The optical should be alone on one side (the A) of the moat, users who connect an optical endpoint should avoid connecting any other devices to the other ‘A’-side ports  (the four RJ45 copper ports)” Obliviously the line in must go on the “B” side thus using up the EtherREGEN’s ports.

I also have a Roon nucleus and a Lumin music drive.....now they must go to another either net switch and that can't be where the system is. With out the optical, then it's all in the same place (making use of the power conditioner too).

Is Optical worth it? Would splitting the feed line into the EtherREGEN dilute performance?

wsrrsw,
I’m not sure I fully understand.

I don’t care about side A or side B on the EtherRegen. The only side where the fiber cable goes out on the EtherRegen is what I route to the Lumin X1. The other side is used for the Cat 5 cable input from the modem. I use cat 5 because it has less metal than the cat 7-8 versions.
I am using the Lumin app.
This configuration produced a much fuller, expanded soundstage than when using a cat cable to the Lumin. The sound is very enjoyable at least with my system. If you are not doing this you are missing out on the sound quality potential of the Lumin. IMHO that is...

ozzy

Ozzy

The EtherREGEN is an in one side out the other only if fiber optic is used. No other plug ins are recommended by the manufacturer. 
On my system with a thick as your finger cat 5 Ethernet cable I think I prefer the sound. I think? Clear as mud to me. 

I guess, so you are saying you have tried running a fiber cable to the Lumin X1?
If so, what transceiver's did you use?

ozzy

I have experimented with both fiber optic as well as Cat 5 and 6 to my Lumin X1 both with and without the EtherRegen.  Other equipment pieces have come in during this time.   I do think there are perceived sound signature differences I noticed with various RJ45 cables--inexpensive generic RJ45, Ghent JSSG360, Sablon 2020, and Audio Sensibility OCC Silver Signature cables.  For fiber optic, I have only used the SFP's and cable recommended by Chris Connaker to me on his Audiophile Style forum.  I have read there are differences in sound with different transceivers, but have been very happy with ones recommended and have not tested others.

I am back to fiber optic with the X1.    Sound quality is excellent and the fiber optic setup is relatively inexpensive.   It is also hugely convenient should you want or need to position switch further from the X1 due to low cost of the cable for length compared to higher end RJ45 cable.   I have repurposed my RJ45 cables for connections to my server and to an additional DACs and for upcoming change to separate modem, router, and end point in office area.   I really think the fiber optic option to the X1 was a great decision by Lumin.