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Etheregen - doesn't seem right that it gets so hot, dangerous? Unpredictable?

This network device as glorious as it may be gets extremely hot, almost burning to the touch. Something doesn't seem right about that.

Is there a good alternative to using this thing, it was about $600 which isn't cheap. Optical connectivity which I like seems to be a good thing.

Frankly I'm not sure what the value is it with it vs something else that may be operationally more healthy to use.  So I disconnected it because the heat level seems kind of dangerous.  I have no confidence that it will Control itself and get absolutely and dangerously too hot in the future.

jumia
soma70
153 posts
 

An alternative to the etherregen is an Antipodes EX which you can find pre-owned for around £2,000.

The EX has more functionality than than the EtherRegen given that it can also work as a Roon End point and server, but i use it only as a renderer (which is the manufacturers recommendation) between the network switch and DAC and find it to be highly effective.

soma70
153 posts
 

To be clear, I am using only ethernet connection throughout the digital path.

The EX runs very cool.

 

fastfreight
799 posts
 

Thanks Ozzy for the easy and effective tip on heat sinks from Amazon.

I bought a four pack of 40mm x 40mm x 11mm Aluminum Heatsink Kit with 'Pre-applied Thermal Conducting Adhesive Tape'!  All for about $10.  My EtherRegen definitely runs quite warm, agree not hot.  I was more concerned about cables lying on top of it over time.  I placed three of the heatsinks on top (four would fit).  It has noticeably cooled the unit, and now if a cable rests on top it rests on the heatsink fins which are cooler.  The EtherRegen made an improvement in my system.  I have now added the Muon Filter, so need to try removing the EtherRegen and see if I miss it!  Network Acoustics recommends leaving the EtherRegen in front of the Muon filter.

jumia OP
528 posts
 

Antipodes EX, do you use this as a substitute for the ether regen.

Interesting putting heat sinks on the etherregen.  Frankly there has to be a better Ethernet switch that also accommodates an optical port.  Although maybe you have to get an optical converter.

Don't think the eitherRegen is worth the trouble to deal with heat sinks.  Still no answer on why it gets so hot.

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,486 posts
 

fastfreight,

I never heard of the Muon Filter I needed to look it up. Once I did it does seem promising, I’m not sure if it is available in the US or what it would cost.

Also, I am using the Ether Regen to convert the ethernet to fiber optical to run direct to my Lumin X1 so I’m not sure if it would have a use for the Muon Filter with this application. But I guess it could go before the Ether Regen.

ozzy

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