2. digital
  3. 164400-25

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

Like many of you fellow Agoners I am striving to get the best sound quality out of my digital streaming front end. To that end I have invested in various high end switches, re-clockers, ethernet cables, various USB filters/re-clockers, high end servers and delved into fiber optic conversion configurations. All of these measures did improve sound quality at varying levels. I felt my system sounded as good as a decent CD transport on many streaming recordings in Qobuz. However, I still felt there was something missing. I felt my system was still being held back. You can see my system under virtual systems here.

Well, I stumbled across something that has finally enabled my digital system to be all it can be. I cannot fully express the level of sound quality improvement realized with the addition of the Network Acoustics ENO Ag filter and ENO Ag streaming ethernet cable. It has been 10 days now since I added these to my system and I can now confidently say my streaming and system are all they can be sonically.

Here is the set up that has caused me to sell off and move past many other powered filters, reclockers, fiber optic options, and other streaming tweaks and gadgets. Frankly, the ENO additions are miles ahead of these other options sonically in my system and experience. Miles. This is my personal experience and please understand this perspective.

Netgear NighHawk modem/router power by an LPS > Supra cat 8 ethernet cable > English Electric 8Switch > Network Acoustics ENO Ag streaming cable > ENO Ag ethernet filter > Innuos Zenith III > Mojo Audio Evo dac

The English Electric 8Switch is also wonderful. Will a lower cost, standard switch sound as good in this set-up? Not sure as I have not tried. I am so ecstatic with my sound system that I don’t want to touch it!

There is a certain rightness from top to bottom that’s intoxicating. The tone is so beautiful and natural with no hint of electronic glare or digital artificiality. Music flows with far greater ease and has an uncanny, unforced nature to it. The stage is far deeper with the music flowing from a plane that is layered and completely separate of the speakers. This aural sensation, at this level of nuance, is new to my system and experience. The ENO products made this possible.

Instruments are presented with a new realism that is arresting to my senses. There is a wholistic presentation that spreads out all around me and my space. Just a joy to experience. Yes, the speakers seem to float the music into my space without any attention or localization of the speaker box or physical presence.

No part of frequency spectrum is out of place or forced. I am sure this has to do with the absence of noise. My music is equally articulate and resolved at low or loud volumes. Music stays controlled and enticing no matter how complex or bombastic the recording.

The ENO filter is passive, not powered, so there is no need of any power supply or plug. This is a huge plus.

Hope you streaming audiophiles find this helpful.

Bill
grannyring
mitch2
4,374 posts
 

Reevaluating my general philosophy that less is usually better, at least when it comes to digital stuff.  The Gigafoil arrived so my digital chain is now, 

  • Comcast cable
  • ARRIS SURFboard Modem
  • Netgear switch
  • Orbi Mesh Router into switch
  • FMC converter into switch
  • 45 feet of fiber from FMC
  • FMC converter at receiving end
  • Bonn N8 switch
  • Gigafoil into switch
  • Network Acoustics Streaming cable
  • Network Acoustics ENO
  • Mojo DejaVu Server

With the exact same configuration, except without the Gigafoil, my system was sounding really good.  The sound changed when I added the Gigafoil.  An interesting change, maybe a bit more incisive.  It still sounds very good but I need to listen more before making any better/worse judgements.  I will probably move some power supplies around in order to have the best PS (HD Plex) just before the ENO.  I may also move the Gigafoil and was wondering if just before the first converter on the upstream side may be a good spot.  I sure have enough stuff now, so just a matter of moving it around to achieve the best sound. 

rareace
113 posts
 

@mitch2 I have my Gigafoil right after my router and before the ENO. It improved with a better LPS and I couldn’t take it out of my system. Great combo!
-Alex

debjit_g
288 posts
 

As far as I am aware, the Gigafoil scales well with better power supply. So if you have one handy, try it. I think keeping the Gigafoil as close to the music server makes most sense but you never know if a different topology sounds better unless you try it.

debjit_g
288 posts
 

I have the Eno streaming system and the latest version of the USB cable in my system playing 24x7 for few days, I think about 150 hrs. Initially I put all of them together as I didn't want to burn them separately and waste time.

Its probably too early to tell but listening in between the burning period, I felt there are lots of up and down - initially I liked what it did but after couple of hrs of playing time, I just couldn't bear it. So far after 100hrs, it looks like they are settling down and I am liking what I am hearing so far. I can't tell which one effected the most. I don't know if it will change further but after 200 hrs (which I hope is sufficient ?) I plan to put one at a time and evaluate.

rareace
113 posts
 

I also placed a Perfect Path E-Card on the ENO and it made a nice improvement.

-Alex

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