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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
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.

sns
3,197 posts
 

@esarhaddon I don't run Toslink, only network optical cables. I'm using optical cables  Small Green Computer sells with Sonore equipment, assume they are polished.

 

I do recall reading something about differences in optical cables some years ago on Audiophilestyle forum, forgot about this until your post.

gladmo's avatar
gladmo
363 posts
 

I use glass Toslink optical from Amazon for connecting my TV audio to my HiFi system, and it sounds excellent. I'm actually amazed how good it sounds through my DAC/audio system, given the bitrate/sample rate.

romanesq
90 posts
 

Just an update from February with this inexpensive approach. I had been looking around and examining 5v linear power supplies. Finally pulled the trigger on a unit by Solupeak.

So of the two media converters with the fiber connectors, I have one on the "dirty side" as they call it. Result?

Astounding, simply astounding. I was hoping to see a little improvement but once again, it just made me regret not doing it sooner. 

Again, my system is unique but consists of 65w tube monoblocks, RME ADI-2 DAC, McIntosh LS340 speakers, using a 2011 Mac Mini running Audirvana's Studio software. 

The depth of the sound, the separation and black space all take another major leap. I'll add that my setup is especially sensitive to changes, even a small tube can offer some nice change/improvement. 

Also running a LPS on the RME DAC. That was very nice but this is more than I could have imagined. It's going to be a spell digesting this one. 

Thanks again to @sns  and @romney80 as this is a superlative low investment for big bang results. Thanks to everyone else who also shared their experience. 

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
610 posts
 

Good to hear another success story.  The 2 generic FMC’s with fiber optic cable made a significant improvement on my system as well.  I tried adding an iFi ipower LPS plug to my FMC’s and it made no sonic improvement over the stock wall plug.  Ended up being a return.  Scratching my head as to why?  Anyone else have no improvement using a LPS on FMC’s?

 

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