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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. 
romney80
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,417 posts
 

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. 
Connected it first with my Supra Cat 8 cable out of my eero access point into the first module and the Monoprice from the second module into my Lumin U1 Mini. Allowed the system to warm up. Had a listen and didn’t like it. The new chain imparted a slightly artificial sound, air and details were missing. Overall sounded pretty dry. However I noticed slightly better definition of instruments within the soundstage and better focus. I then returned to the original configuration with the Supra directly from eero into Lumin, it came back to life but that focus was lost. 
Not giving up on it, I changed the config and ran the the Monoprice Ethernet cable from eero into the first module, fiber optic between first and second module and the the Supra Cat 8 from the second module into the Lumin. And I must say, that hit the nail on the head! Everything is in better focus now, better layering in the soundstage, sibilants sound more natural, the imaging is better defined. Bass has more texture, overall images are just more solid with blacker background. 
Now, these changes are subtle but noticeable. It just sounds more natural. Going back will be tough. This is the upside. Now the downside is - more clutter: more wires, each unit has its own power supply, just adds to already a spider web of wires. Have to figure out how to manage/hide these wires. 
Overall I’m pleased with this tweak!

@romney80 - thanks for posting this cheap and effective tweak!

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,417 posts
 

The links didn’t post correctly…here are the items:

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
 

LC to LC Fiber Cable Multimode Fiber Patch Cable, AllChinaFiber Duplex Fiber Optic Cable 62.5/125 OFNR (6FT, OM1, Orange)

Monoprice Cat8 Ethernet Network Cable - 0.5 feet - Black | 2GHz, 40G, 24AWG, S/FTP - Entegrade Series

sns
3,419 posts
 

@audphile1 Even with FMC, ethernet cable quality still matters, your experience illustrates that. Using your best ethernet cable closest to dac makes sense. Upgrade all your ethernet and be prepared for further gains. Upgrading from Supra and various other ethernet to AQ Vodka was well worth it for me.

 

Further gains with generic FMC can be had with even better lps, power cords, and connection to power conditioners.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,417 posts
 

@sns I got both units plugged into my Puritan PSM156. 
And yes planning on picking up a better Ethernet cable at some point.
Pretty amazed after another listen this afternoon. Less shouty and more relaxed presentation and it just sounds sweeter and more detailed.
Crazy stuff…but I think these units are benefiting from break in. Had them running about 20hrs. 

romney80 OP
150 posts
 

@audphile1 good to hear your assessment. I have gone a great deal in this and everything matters, including a separate 20 amp line, wall socket, power cables, ethernet wire, ethernet switch, SFP module. Some are small improvements and some are big ones. Depends on system and your preference in tonality. I like to have black background with low noise. Have never stopped trying different components in chain and still find the optical fiber to be the best bang for buck. 

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