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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
clive101
8 posts
 

@romney80 

S100 by AfterDark technically is a re-branded Melco with upgrades and a choice of clocks.

 DELA S100 - Audiophile Network Hubs #日本製 - AfterDark (adark.co)

vs

A double stacked Buffalo GS 2016 with clock customized.

AfterDark. Project ClayX Buffalo BS-GS2016 Cascade x Giesemann OCXO Bl (adark.co)

See the rabbit hole I am digging ;) 

To keep on topic, I wonder how these expensive switches compare to the cheap FMC, Cost vs SQ ? 

 

esarhaddon
137 posts
 

I would caution you on expecting a Fiber Optic cable to be GLASS. Now recently some better manufacturers are starting to put out these cables in the glass but if they don't specify glass, you can bet it is Plastic. and even that isn't so bad unless you get the cheap stuff. By that, I mean how they treat the ends of the plastic fiber. Is it just heated and smudged on a flat surface or is it POLISHED in a special process? it can make a huge difference. Also, Plastic is not as good as glass in long runs. I am using a 20 ft cable and it is Plastic but it has polished ends and does fine. There could also be some problems with Jitter, but I don' know if I have ever experienced jitter in either a S/PDIF cable or from disk players.

sns
3,291 posts
 

@esarhaddon Good catch, completely forgot about that. Who makes the good polished plastic and/or glass optical cables? I'd like to try this.

esarhaddon
137 posts
 

For SNS, As far as cables go, I find the product descriptions on AMAZON quite nice, I also have a subscription to the AudioAdvisor catalog which has a few dedicated retailers they like. I have found that Pangea, Audioquest, Cardas, and even Kimber (but they have a long list of haters) are names you usually won't go wrong within the 'Cables' and you can get about any price range you want. I usually look up something on Amazon and then contact the dealer listed directly. Something else is what you are connecting this up too. I was in a So-Called High-End store yesterday looking at an Anthem AV rec, and everything was nice and they had all of the best stuff except the speakers they had connected were Cheap Junk baby towers that were flat, dead, and had no presence at all. I won't mention any nmaes here, but it ruined everything. that and they had thin walls without any sound dampening and I was overwhelmed by every other display room that was being used at the moment. I won't EVER go back.

esarhaddon
137 posts
 

SNS; Also when looking at TOSLINK fiber cables look at the materials and the stiffness. Too stiff of a cable makes them hard to manage, many consumer reports will mention this. and the ends, I DO NOT like plastic connectors. Not that a gold plated end on a TOSLINK cable will enhance the sound but they don't wear out and change as much with things like temp or humidity. The longer cable I mentioned I got is an off-brand named FOSPOWER, but they lay and rout nicely and have a nice snap when inserting them. Mine had 'Polished' ends. The one connected to my SACD player is a Cardas and it is sufficient. There is a brand named 'Glass' that looks nice, but I know nothing about them other than their brag of using actually glass. I saw one thing you want to watch for. and TOSLINK ad that states it uses only the finest Oxygen free copper in it. You know you are in trouble with this one.

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