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.
I wasn’t trying to downplay the legitimacy of NA gear when I reiterated Hans B initial impressions of minor improvements with MU1. I was taken aback by his comment about superior noise rejection capabilities of MU1 Ethernet board :-) I was one of the early adaptor of ENO filter system and their USB III cable so I know from experience that NA makes great products. In any case, I am looking forward to your impressions about MU1 in your system. |
No worries, I didn’t take it that way. I’m actually thinking more long term. I would prefer to purify at the earliest possible point.
I concur on the Ether Regen. Its a great device and is really quite an achievment. For its price, the ether regen does a terrific job of integrating a clean minimalist switch and a cleansing of the ethernet signal. I have been pleased with its effects. What Network Acoustics has accomplished though is a head scratcher…how much MORE was capable is confounding. Does it raise overall system performance by 5%? 7%?
I did NOT try the Muon following the ether regen. I kindof came at it from a slightly different angle than Grannyring. I actually compared the Rubicon vs the ether regen and found the Rubicon was transformational in comparison. If you think about it, thats really what we are talking about. The apples to apples comparison is between those two. The Rubicon with the ether regen next in the chain there was no discernable difference. The ether regen with the Rubicon next in the chain was radically better. So in my opinion, I believe the Rubicon does everything better than the ether regen. You have to decide if the 4X cost of the Rubicon vs the ether regen is worth the additional investment. The Muon takes all of those improvements up exponentially.
In summary, I would have been thrilled with just the improvements that the Rubicon provided. The Muon takes it to another level of improvement. I would use the old example that these are each the equivalent to a component level upgrade…but they are components right? LOL. |
“I would prefer to purify at the earliest possible point”. I couldn’t agree with you anymore. A high quality switch + filter in digital streaming are no longer considered accessories, IME they are essential components in a high resolution system. As you said, if your system is revealing enough, the improvements from the addition of high quality switch and filter are transformational. I experienced the same transformation when I stepped up from ENO to Telegartner M12 Switch Gold with JCAT Optimo 3 Duo LPS. Speaking of how much MORE, I have been strategically introducing mineral base grounding devices from Entreq and Acoustic Revive in my system. They’ve managed to unlock another layer of resolution and transparency. Prior to introducing grounding and Telegartner switch, my system sounded pretty darn good but this is a whole new level with greater dose of ease, tonal density and richer mid-range. IMHO, these qualitative differences small or large in the context of your system simply enrich our musical bliss and soul! If you like jazz, cue up WHO CARES? by Scott Hamilton / Andrea Pozza. Enjoy! |
@ghasley Would love to hear your impressions of the Grimm MU1, both with and without the Network Acoustics gear, once you have a chance to settle in with it. I have loved the Grimm MU1 digital output (through a Black Cat TRON AES cable) into a number of dacs, from totaldac, Mola Mola and Nagra (tube, not classic). Part of the MU1 appeal for me was the promise of simplicity...my hunch is that some ethernet cleaner-uppers may still have a sound impact, but for me the music sounds so good without the add-ons (MU1 is fed with a no-frills Supra ethernet cable), that simplicity won out and I lost interest in further network adjustments. My choice of ethernet de-junkifier (Gigafoil) became obsolete, to my ears in my system (with the Grimm, I couldn’t tell a difference with or without the Gigafoil, where formerly it was a positive addition). |
