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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
tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
632 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?

 

sns
3,334 posts
 

@tksteingraber The only reason lps on at least second FMC would be lack of resolving ability of entire audio system, or lps not of sufficient quality. I can hear differences with lps on only one or two FMC, with different lps,  with different power cords used with the lps, and with lps connected to battery storage device or ac power conditioner. Try a Teradak lps with decent power cord and report back.

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
632 posts
 

@sns Thanks for input.  Ordered the higher quality LPS to give it a try.  

On a separate topic I thought I would give battery power a try for kicks.  I already had a Solar back up power outlet (a 24 volt set up) with a pure sine-wave  inverter.  I ran a 14ga 25 ft extension cord from the outlet to my system and connected all components.  Wow....background got quieter, volume appeared louder, could hear all the separate instruments, vocals, noises much clearer and stage expanded.  What a change for no added expense.  Prior to this my system did not have noise issues and running on regular ac power does sound warmer/softer in a good way.  Just different. I think I am glad I gave it a go.  Ughhh...Now I have to figure out how to hard wire the battery power in with romex and a electrical box.

sns
3,334 posts
 

@tksteingraber Well that's good, proves your system resolving enough. Don't know if I mentioned in this thread, but I have tried battery power with dacs and lps for various streaming devices, always went back to ac with my BPT 3.5 Sig. power conditioner as superior. I too hear warmer/softer with battery, but this less satisfactory with time, noticeable decrease in transients, micro dynamics, music lacked excitement, involvement with battery power.

 

My take is battery power could likely be preferable to non optimized ac, but with dedicated lines, top notch grounding and power conditioning, ac better.

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
632 posts
 

@sns ok my LPS (paid under $100) arrived today and I must say the higher quality LPS  moved the needle right out of the box.  The bass is a bit heavy but I will give it some time to break in.  Anyway it’s a keeper. Similar improvements, to a lesser degree, than what the battery power gave me that I mentioned above. Contrary I would not recommend the Ifi ipower LPS wall plug...it did nothing for my system. Amazing how an LPS can make quite a noticeable improvement on a FMC. Thanks for the suggestion to give it another go.

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