Questions about Ethernet Cabling

@arafiq

pls see my previous post re: InnuOS Phoenix USB. The utility is very much dependent on your DAC’s clocking accuracy and USB implementation. USB is a compromised transmission format; increasingly people consider going all fibre to the streamer and on to the DAC. Since we however live in the here and now I’d try and improve the USB connection first by inserting galvanic isolation. I use the Intona Isolator with Intona reference short (!) cables for that purpose. It’ll not get you what the Phoenix can do but will be a lower cost option. The expensive bit in the Phoenix is the clock; I am somewhat disenchanted with Innuos for trying to sell us the same thing twice rather than offer separate clock entries in one unit (Phoenix USB and Phoenix Ethernet) since clocking is important in both links.

tThe reason I am unconvinced about the Phoenix USB is mainly that in asynchronous USB the DAC slaves the server to its clock; so by getting better clocking on the Dac rather than inserting another box you actually kill two birds with one stone: not only do you improve USB clocking but you also, and in my mind even more importantly improve clocking of the D to A conversion with very beneficial effects on attack, reverb and soundstage.

All told, rather than spend too much money on USB consider whether going all fibre is a future solution and if you decide to stay with USB focus on isolation as well as the Dac’s clock.

"USB is a compromised transmission format"

@antigrunge2

Great post! I mentioned this to @arafiq yesterday to steer clear from USB reclocker type of devices. Before you know it, you end up cluttering your space with multiple boxes for a minimal gain. I been there, done that. The Ethernet based DAC/Streamer or server is the way of future and it is already here. I realize these devices like Lumin, Bricasti and Merging Technologies are not inexpensive but by the time you add the cost of individual boxes like DAC, Streamer, external Re-clockers, USB and Power cables, switches, filters, LPS...you are right up there as far as cost not to mention redundant features you end up not utilizing.

Personally, I don’t like to clutter my space so I went with a Ethernet based DAC/Streamer and couldn’t be any happier.

Audiophile switch with lps diminished sq in my setup, as usual YMMV. 

My issue with streamer/dac combo is limited choices, I understand the advantages. As usual costs and benefits with every choice.

At this point in time I percieve steaming solutions as consumables, tech in it's infancy, many innovations to come. I don't want to invest silly money in soon to be obsolete equipment. I suspect full chain of fiber capable equipment is on way, many more choices in near future. Now, if only we could get internet providers on board.

I owned the Innuos Phoenix reclocker and found it did not improve sound quality when paired with my Mojo Audio Evo dac. It changed the sound a tad, but not any better. The Ideon Master Time reclocker was better, but not as impactful as the ENO stuff in my system.

I was also told an LPS was not needed for the EE Switch 8 and that the switching wall wart supply was as good or better. My listening tests proved otherwise in my system. Again,  no absolutes in this space and each of us will have to try for ourselves. I think the quality level of the LPS used is at play here.

"Audiophile switch with lps diminished sq in my setup"

It would be helpful to know which switch you have tried? The impact of above largely depends on what’s ahead in the chain. If you’re using a device that is not designed or optimized for audio application, you will not achieve desired results. It’s like putting a lipstick on a pig! You need to address noise filteration on both input and output data stream. Even then, you won’t eliminate 100% of the noise. General purpose laptops and Mac mini’s have no place in audio streaming if you’re remotely serious about streaming. I see folks goes to great lengths in eliminating noise on these type of devices and often come away disappointed.