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A better way to stream

Recently I've been proposing a two ethernet port solution as optimal for a streaming setup with optical conversion and/or separate server and streamer/end point.

 

Originally, I used a simple server only setup, using usb out to dac, but over the years my research showed many converting to two computer setups (server/streamer) with great results. At the time I wasn't using a switch so in trying to figure out how I could make this happen I came across this interesting thread, https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-audio-streaming/#comment-613370

 

As a result I was able to convert to two computer setup with great results. Since then I've tried any number of devices, both prior to and after server. By far the most effective have been post server, with optical conversion and quality streamer being amongst best overall upgrades.

 

With the two ethernet port setup one can do away with audiophile switch (the idea of which is quite contentious anyway). Why detour back  through an ethernet cable, through the switch, then yet another ethernet cable only to end up in the same place you could with a single ethernet cable with the two ethernet port setup. More possibility for noise to enter chain is never a good thing with streaming. 

 

It seems very few server manufacturers understand the inherent advantages of dual ethernet port  setups with exception of Antipodes and Small Green Computer, perhaps others I'm not aware of, please inform if there are. They should at least offer it so people can at least try optimum setup for server/streamer with present server.

 

Say what you will about server/streamer setups vs. servers alone, but the mere fact you have to go back through the same circuitous route mentioned above to try optical isolation is another demerit for the single ethernet port solution. Optical conversion, in my experience, has been easily one of the best, if not the best streaming upgrade I've experienced. This, and the optimal interface to separate streamer, together make the dual ethernet port solution a deal breaker for servers without.

 

I can only tell people to try for themselves different streaming setups, there are so many varieties sometimes its hard to keep track of. I can only say the opportunity to optimally interface with optical and/or separate streamers/end points makes dual ethernet port servers inherently superior to servers without.

 

 

sns
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,438 posts
 

Fiber does reduce noise greatly and is a good streaming solution/upgrade. No doubt. I have found the Network Acoustics ENO combo filter and cable package simply sounds better. More natural tone and improved musicality. The filter is small and passive. It is easy to use, takes up little room, as does not use a power supply. They have a new combo cable and filter package coming out late next month that is even better! I have tested it. Wonderful results. Yes, you should use a good Aphile switch with it. I found the switch I use to be a big plus in sonics. The fact that some don’t believe in switches has never bothered me. Folks think USB cables don’t matter. A great USB cable is a must in my experience.

I think fiber and the system above both accomplish the task well. I tried both and like NA’s approach more sonically in my particular set up. It could be results vary by system and listener.

sns OP
3,003 posts
 

@fuzztone Playing a hard drive on network, NAS. If hard drive in server you have to go through network switch.

 

If not using fiber out from server, things get more complex because the conversion required. However, the ultimate optical setup can be pretty damn simple, server with optical out>optical in usb renderer/streamer/end point>dac. Three items, you could cut it down to two if there was such a thing as streaming dac with optical input.

 

One of the major points I"m making here is the liability of vast majority of usb outs on servers. Many have discovered improvement by using various usb renderers, filters, etc., this complicates what should be simple. An atx motherboard build with Pink Faun or Jcat usb board takes care of the usb problem, but at a cost, $500-$2,000, then add need for dedicated lps for these boards.

 

So, there is less than optimal usb out and not enough processing power for those who wish to use full potential of HQPlayer dsp. Two inherent flaws of too many off the shelf servers.

 

Also, there is hierarchy of optical products as well, at low end the generic FMC like TPLInk powered by smps, next up is products like Sonore Opticalrendu, these have Femto clocks and powered by LPS, at the top are Sonore Signaturerendu SE.

 

My recent upgrade from TPLInk FMC, both powered by lps to Opticalrendu powered by Uptone JS2 was not a small upgrade. Heard within seconds, another layer of noise removed, this easily one of the most meaningful streaming upgrades I've made in four years of streaming.

 

@sdl4 Perhaps Innuos is referring to the cheap FMC when speaking of adding noise. Adding lps to these certainly lowers noise floor. Sonore observed some modifying internals on these generic devices, thus, was born inspiration for the Opticalrendu line.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,084 posts
 

“It could be results vary by system and listener.”

I agree with @grannyring. The bottom line is, you must filter inherit noise from your router or modem. There are many ways to skin the cat, if one device doesn’t work try another. The degree of audible improvements from switches or filters will vary and largely depends on downline components.

I am using a Telegartner M12 Ethernet switch (w/NADAC +player) which does a superb job of eliminating noise and has been instrumental in surpassing my Analog setup (SME15AV).

Keep it simple and don’t bog down your system with band-aid solutions. 

sns OP
3,003 posts
 

@fuzztone Neglected to mention Small Green Computer Sonictransporter I9. Checks nearly all the boxes, Sonore Opticalmodule optical out, fast Intel I9 processor, should be able to run high level HQPlayer dsp if desired. Also has on board storage in various capacities.

 

https://twitteringmachines.com/review-sonore-signature-rendu-se-systemoptique/

This example of what opticalrendu product can do for system.

sdl4
206 posts
 

Like @grannyring, I have achieved excellent results using the ENO Ethernet filter system with a decent switch (EE 8switch) preceding it in the Ethernet chain that feeds my Innuos Zen Mk3 server/streamer. However, I have not compared my set-up to a fiber-based system as grannyring has done. I do not use Roon, so separating the server and streamer would add unnecessary complexity to my system.

@sns You may be right about noise being added by cheap FMCs. My comments about Innuos preferring the use of copper connectors in their PhoenixNet switch comes out of a review of the PhoenixNet from Jason Kennedy at hi-fi+.

I have noticed that PS Audio has been promoting their use of an internal optical connection to provide better isolation from noise in their newest SACD player and in their upcoming streamer.

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