Hi Bill, I am glad you have found your streaming nirvana with the Network Acoustics Muon ethernet system combined with their Rubicon switch. Any thoughts you can share on how your current set-up compares with your trial of the top level Tron Atlantic DAC that you enjoyed in your system a couple of months ago? I assume you were using the Muon system and English Electric 8Switch with the Tron, but not the Rubicon, correct?
Network Acoustics Muon ethernet filtering system - Improving streaming sound quality
Network Acoustics recently rolled out a new top tier ethernet filtering system named Muon. It betters their already highly effective ENO offering which I purchased some 18 months ago. I posted about the ENO filtering system back then and you can read it at the link located at the bottom of this member review.
Everything I said about the ENO filtering system also applies to the new Muon system. However, the Muon system offers even better sound quality by removing a greater amount of electronic and RFI/EMI noise. The Muon filter is a passive device so their is no need for a power supply or power cord. That’s great!
Like many of my fellow Agoners, I have come to depend on Qobuz and Tidal streaming for my music playback. I have not used any physical media in over 5 years, but also realize today’s servers/streamers can all benefit from digital noise blocking systems such as the Muon. From high end audio switches to high quality ethernet cables I have learned they can all improve the sound quality of our streaming front ends. I have tried going the fiber optic route and used other products such as the EtherRegen and while they do improve sound quality I find the MUON system more musically engaging and compelling. Here is my current digital front end:
(Netgear NighHawk modem/router powered by an LPS > Network Acoustics ENO ethernet cable> English Electric 8Switch powered by an LPS > Network Acoustics MUON ethernet cable > MUON ethernet filter > Innuos Zenith III > Tchernov Ultimate USB cable -Mojo Audio Evo dac)
The MUON system is made up of the MUON filter and Muon ethernet cable. You can buy these separately, but you’ll receive a nice discount by buying both as a system package. Here is a link to the Network Acoustics Website:
https://www.networkacoustics.com
I purchased the MUON system and have been enjoying it for several months now. I feel it betters the ENO range in several important sonic ways. The noise floor is further reduced revealing more inner detail of instrument and voice. This increased inner detail reveals subtleties previously lost. In the end my music sounds more real and less reproduced. For me, improving realism is everything!
With streaming it seems more difficult to obtain a nice 3D presentation as compared to a high end CD spinner. Sometimes streaming can sound relatively flat compared to CD playback. I found the Muon filter system delivered a more immersive experience due in large part to improving the 3D performance.
For me the Muon filter is well worth the asking price as it made my listening sessions even more enjoyable. The rest of my system includes a Circle Labs A200 integrated amp, Fyne F704 speakers with upgraded crossovers and internal wire, and both Hijiri & Tchernov cabling.
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The iFI Elite power supply is pretty darn good. Are you planning to use Nagomi with LPS feeding the Rubicon? I’m very curious to learn how much Nagomi is contributing towards what you’re hearing vs a PC in $500 range? You know where I’m going with this…I’m currently using Zavfino Majestic MK1 to power up my JCAT OPTIMO DUO LPS. Have you compared any other PC with LPS before settling with Nagomi?
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Hi @mitch2
I am actually using the Muon with the Rubicon! Sold the EE 8 switch. I had to have the Rubicon as it was much better. Oh well. I still have my Mojo dac as I could not spend the $17,000 on the Tron 😕. Maybe some day?
I compared three cords on the power supply. My DIY power cable made with Duelund 12 gauge conductors sounder better than a generic. Unfortunately, the Nogami sounded better than my very good DIY PC and made it clear to me that the power cord matters greatly on LPSs. I wish it were not so. It was apparent within a handful of notes. Try it yourself and find out in your system.
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Tron makes some very special gear. I have had the opportunity to hear their Atlantic dac, Atlantic 300b Int amp, and Converence preamp and stereo amp. All of these pieces have a special purity which is unmatched in my experience. Tron is all about purity and realism and all his designs share this magic. |
“the Nogami sounded better” Darn it 😊 I have requested Colin to sent over Nagomi for a head to head comparison with Zavfino Majestic MK1. As always, I appreciate your candid feedback. |
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