2. amps-preamps
  3. 178965-155632

Is optical mostly a waste of time versus Ethernet?

The only value I see with a fiber optical cable is if you have a long long run.

All the noise coming into an optical fiber is preserved and comes out the other side. I guess there is a value in not creating more noise while it is traveling through the optical cable. But if it's a short run of two Feet then is it really worth it.  Seems a well shielded Ethernet cable would do just as fine without all the hassle of converting to optical which is a pain in the ass.

I always thought there was value with optical but it seems they're really may not be. Maybe I'm wrong.  It seems a switch likely produces a lot of noise and inserting an audio grade switch is very prudent and going optical really doesn't solve switch noise problem.  The benefit of re-clocking offered by a decent switch to clean up the signal is worthwhile.

jumia
mitch2
4,055 posts
 

None of this is "one size fits all."  The results/performance can vary depending on what is being used as a "server."  With my Mojo DejaVu server (and with the Antipodes DX3 I still own), I have the option to output an ethernet cable from the server to a separate Roon endpoint, or renderer, such as the Bricasti M5, Metrum Ambre, Sonnet Hermes, or similar.  In some cases, removing the renderer from the server unit can be sonically beneficial, but not always.    

I also have the option with both of the above servers to output USB directly from the server into my DAC.  In other words, both of those servers can also function as the renderer.  In the case of the DejaVu, the USB output board is the excellent JCAT USB Card XE, which results in the USB output performing at least sonically equal to using a separate renderer (when using the renderers and DACs I have tried in my system).  I suppose, I could try inserting the ENO between the server and the renderer to evaluate whether that makes a sonic difference.  

sns
3,321 posts
 

@mitch2 I'm waiting on completion of Taiko Extreme diy clone to experiment with. Initially, build will only have Jcat ethernet card, so used with streamer. Eventually, Pink Faun or Jcat usb card for rendering within server. Should be interesting.

 

Eno between server and renderer would be interesting vs. prior, at this point my experience is post server more important than pre. Upcoming Muon trial in pre server position will be my last attempt at pre server upgrades for time being.

goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
1,380 posts
 

The Muon seems reasonably priced if it delivers what it says it will. I've spent three times that on Quad panels over the past couple of years. Anyone have an opinion on the Ether Regen from Uptone Audio? I use their ISO Regen and it improves upon an already well thought of Ayre QB 9 Twenty DAC.

mitch2
4,055 posts
 

Eno between server and renderer would be interesting

I tried that today - Ethernet from router to switch (located near router) then 45 feet from switch to GigaFOILv4 (located near the server) then short Ethernet to server and short Ethernet from server to ENO then captive Ethernet from ENO into Metrum Ambre renderer.  AES/EBU XLR cable from the Ambre into the Mystique EVO B4B21 DAC.  

Simple without the fiber converters and accompanying power supplies.  It sounds really good.  I don't know why exactly but the sound was full, rich, and musical with a wide range of music from Coltrane to Chili Peppers.  I want to next compare this to the same set-up into the server, but then running a USB cable from the USB output of the server directly into the USB input of the DAC, without using a separate renderer.    

goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
1,380 posts
 

@mitch2 I’m envisioning Stockhausen’s WDR Studio;

https://120years.net/wordpress/wdr-electronic-music-studio-germany-1951/

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