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

@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.

@mitch2

Once you get ENO setup in your existing chain (as outlined in your first post), I would like you to experiment by simplifying the chain i.e. 45foot CAT8 from Orbi mesh router to Silent Angel Bonn N8 switch ➡️ ENO ➡️ Mojo server.
You may find, by eliminating 45Foot fibre optic cable run plus two Optical converters and Netgear switch, you actually prefer the SQ of your streaming setup. 

Nice post, I agree with your idea.