Galvanic isolation revisited.


Even using two switches and an Etherregen between router and server, inserting a EMO Isolator between Etherregen’s B side ethernet link to the server in my case brings substantial benefits. Likewise galvanic isolation between server and DAC on the USB link (I use an Intona Isolator) is indispensible. Given the Etherregen’s moat and modern DAC’s noise reduction circuitry I find this surprising. But obviously RMI/EFI and ground level noise intrusion in densely populated areas is difficult to fight.

antigrunge2

It seems Mouser is carrying some of them now, but those prices ... 😫

 

What I do like about them is they are taking the opposite approach of a lot of network surge protectors. From what I’ve been reading about lightning damage in Ethernet networks, the problem seems to be that lightning finds too easy of a path to ground, and surge protectors with ground connections want to make it even easier. When the surge protector trips, a huge current flows and anything in that path is toast.

These do the opposite and add ~ 6kV extra isolation with each isolator. A really good idea right after your cable modem. OTOH, at these prices using a fiber optic adapter ($60 for 2 + cable)  to create an air gap is going to become very affordable.

While I've not tried the EMO, in my comparisons optical has provided lower noise floor than a number of ethernet configurations I've tried. Optical is only solution that provides 100% galvanic isoloation, certainly not as many choices in equipment as ethernet.

OTOH, at these prices using a fiber optic adapter ($60 for 2 + cable)  to create an air gap is going to become very affordable.

That is what I use, with 45 feet of fiber from my router to the network switch at my system and it seems to work and sound great.  Of course I also use the Bonn N8 switch, a GigaFOILv4-INLINE Ethernet Filter, and the Network Acoustics ENO Ethernet filter and Streaming Cable.  I do not use anything on the USB cable from my server to DAC but the server uses the pricy JCAT USB Card XE, and my USB cable run is only 0.8M.