When doing the cheap fiber mod, using stock wall warts isn't extracting full value of mod. LPS on second fmc is next step, I found lps on first fmc also helps just a bit.
With ethernet solutions, cable quality matters.
Cheapest way to enhance SQ with digital streaming
I could not stop but post my observations on remarkable SQ improvement with just a small change. I have been using digital streaming predominantly and have tried many things (cables, conditioner, room treatment). Everything does matter and they all did improve the quality without doubt and are definite investment. But after going through some reviews of fiber optic for Ethernet and their noise reducing properties compared to copper cables, I thought of giving a try. I connected Ethernet cable from router/Ethernet switch to media converter and fiber optic from this media converter (need SFP module) to second media converter (with another SFP module). Then regular Ethernet cable went from this second media converter to server/streamer. Basically the idea is to add fiber optic cable between the router and streamer, which will reduce the noise. But, wow, the difference was huge and amazing. Not sure how to explain the improvement, but the SQ was more fluid, melodious, fast, clean and separation of instruments were clear. The total cost for this was less than 150 (on Amazon). Apparently, as the fiber optic cable conductors are made of glass, they carry less noise compared to copper and also cost very cheap. Compared to money spent on other component in my system (have spent quite a lot), this is the most cost efficient and gave more improvement in the SQ. I am still amazed by this and very happy with what I heard. I feel negligent not to share with my fellow audiophiles, who are trying to get the best out and improve their system, sometime spending quite a bit for small difference. I guess, since the cost of trying this is so cheap (please don’t make me feel guilty for telling 150$ is cheap), try yourself and see the difference. On a different note, have been reading that use of Ethernet switch also does some “saucery” (I am no technical guy, but do read quite a bit of articles on audio) to reduce this noise to improve SQ and combination of fiber optic and the Ethernet switch takes SQ to different level. Will try some audiophile Ethernet switch sometime (may be uptone ethergen or Sotm snh-10g) to try out as I am very intrigued.
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I added the OEO pieces per@tksteingraber a couple weeks ago. Plug ‘n play. The audible improvement was quite noticeable... well worth the investment. A couple days ago I found that I had an old IFi 5volt $50 wall wart hiding in a desk drawer. I replaced the stock wall wart on the OEO device closest to my DAC with the IFi unit. As@sns predicted, a further improvement was immediately noticeable. Crystal clear mids and noticeably blacker background. I’m tempted to buy another 5v supply. Thanks for doing the R&D. I’m enjoying Qobuz now more than ever. |
@mre28m5 Glad you had a positive outcome! |
I’m going to revive this thread… I ordered a Pack of 2 Gigabit Ethernet Multi-Mode LC Fiber Media Converter (SFP SX Transceivers Included), up to 550M, MMF, 10/100/1000Base-Tx to 1000Base-SX with LC to LC Fiber Cable Multimode Fiber Patch Cable, AllChinaFiber Duplex Fiber Optic Cable 62.5/125 OFNR (6FT, OM1, Orange) as well as Monoprice 0.5’ Ethernet cable to try this tweak out. @romney80 - thanks for posting this cheap and effective tweak! |
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