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

@sns 

I see you're using FMC in front of Bonn switch and server, the most advantageous placement would be after, just before dac. Servers create noise, usb coming out of motherboard is not optimal. Have you ever tried this positioning of FMC? I've always found network upgrades most effective at tail end of network.

You have mentioned this before but I guess I don't understand.  My input choices between my server and DAC (both Mojo Audio) are USB, BNC, or AES/EBU, so I do not understand how I would use either FMC or Ethernet for that connection without some sort of converter.  The USB output from the server and USB input into the DAC are both well-regarded, optimized for audio, JCAT boards so USB is the connection recommended by Mojo Audio - the server/DAC manufacturer. 

I do have the option to put another type of Roon endpoint (Metrum Ambre) that I own between the server and DAC.  The connection would be from my server's Ethernet output into the Ambre.  I used the Ambre between my Antipodes DX server and Metrum Pavane/Adagio DACs so the DX would not be required to function as both the Roon core and Roon endpoint, and also because the Ambre outputs I2S, which was compatible with the Metrum DACs.  Is this the type of connection that you are talking about?  If I insert the Ambre between my server and DAC, then I will need to use coax or AES/EBU to connect from the Ambre to the Mojo Deja Vu DAC (since the Deja Vu does not support an I2S input).

For now, the FMC I use is for the 45-foot run from my router to the server. Although I haven't heard a significant difference between CAT8 and FMC for that 45 feet, the trade-offs are that FMC will not pick up RFI/EMI while using the CAT8 allows me to do away with two converters and their associated power supplies.  I do not have a clear favorite but I will first get the ENO set up and then try that comparison between FMC and CAT8 again to try and hear a difference.

@docknow Tail end is system end. The last noise producing component would be server or streamer, everything up to input to dac. Opticalrendu serves this purpose by eliminating noise at the last possible position in chain, it is usb renderer, streamer and network noise eliminator all in one.

@grannyring 

The new NA Muon ethernet filter and Ethernet cables are coming out the end of February. They are a nice step above the ENO line.  Both are wonderful. They will be offering both tiers the end of February.

You are killing me here! 🤔

This sub-industry requiring constant upgrades is one of the reasons I don't like small black boxes...the need for something new seems never-ending.  On one hand, I get that the digital world is constantly improving, and the sonic quality of the music coming from my system has certainly improved significantly over the past 5 years.  However, most to all of the sonic improvements to my system's digital playback have resulted from upgrading my DACs and servers, as well as the improved quality of streaming services, while I would classify the changes resulting from small black boxes and digital cables as sometimes audible but mostly underwhelming - particularly when compared with the hype and the higher and higher prices being charged for these items.  However, I hope I will be pleasantly surprised by the ENO Streaming System Ag.

Ha! I get it. We are at a time in history where improvements and innovation in this space is a reality.  In the end, it is all very good for music streaming sound quality. 

There are three issues at hand. Quality of usb out of server/streamer, combining processes within one box and separating server from streamer, aka two computer solution.

Many servers don't optimize usb out, take usb directly out from motherboard, this is subject to all the noise created from the many processes on motherboard. Now, some servers optimize usb out such as the Mojo with JCAT card or some may use Pink Faun, that takes care of that issue. As a matter of fact, I was contemplating the Mojo server as possible candidate for eventual replacement of my present server until Benjamin notified me he will no longer be manufacturing.

Next issue is single computer or server/streamer solution. In this case many more processes taking place within singular component, more noise means less resolution. Dividing up the processes between two components, separate server and streamer means less noise generated within each component. While that may be of some benefit, the greater benefit as I see it is the ability to optimize your network post server. With separate server one can do FMC or Eno post server where it does most good. Prior to server isn't treating noise generated within server and or server/streamer all in one unit.

With Opticalrendu one gets FMC, quality streamer and usb renderer all in one package. Noise eliminated with FMC, many choices of what to stream and usb optimization. One Femto clock is for network side, other Femto clock for usb, proprietary circuit board optimized for low noise.

As previously mentioned I've also modified my server for direct ethernet out which means no more detour back through another ethernet cable and switch. More direct path means less chance for noise to enter chain.