Network Acoustics Eno Streaming System vs SGC Optical Isolation System

I've done exactly this experiment - using a Network Acoustics ENO (with their ethernet cable) - very happy with the improvement over running ethernet over a standard switch directly into my DAC (Bricasti M3 with network card). Just a more relaxed presentation, a touch more clarity.

Since I had a positive experience with the ENO, I bought the SGC fiber bundle when it was on sale (understanding I could buy the equivalent cheaper with Amazon, but hey, support small businesses and get something that has been curated to work together).  I found that using the optical fiber bundle - which has two ethernet-to-fiber converters and an LPS for the DAC side - made the music quieter - more 'blackground' and concluded noise was reduced with the fiber.  That said, after the immediate improvements, I noticed a much harder edge to the sound - much akin to the digital glare of old.  This seems to mesh with observations others have made.  

I put the ENO between the fiber and the DAC, and it improved things a little.  But I preferred the ENO on its own.

About this time, a Sonore Optical Module Deluxe appeared on TMR, and I bought it.  It did improve the hardness I noticed with the basic fiber converter, but it was still there.  Putting the ENO between them was difficult as the connection would drop - not sure why, so I can't say if the Sonore plus ENO would remove any issues.  That said, I still preferred the ENO on its own to the Sonore.

More recently, I upgraded the DAC to a Bricasti M21.  There, the hardness with the fiber is gone - it seems the more expensive Bricasti may have a better grounding scheme or something to remove the noise.  So I am using the fiber with the SONORE module.  The ENO is doing duty in my other system, where I moved the M3 as DAC.

I think it is hard to draw absolute conclusions - a lot seems to depend on your DAC/Streamer's ability to remove noise from its ethernet connection.  It is interesting that my observations about fiber do echo those of others - there does seem to be something in converting from optical back to wire that has some inherent noise. 

@toro3 only way to find out is to try. 
 

@wjob yup had same exact experience with fiber and Bricasti M3. Had that glsre. Ended up using the Eno alone, sent fiber FMC back. 

my 2 cents

if one experiences an added ’glare’ to the produced sound from incorporating fmc modules to cleanse one’s digital feed, then based on my own experience, i believe it is safe to assume the fmc links (modules, cabling, and incorporated power supplies, particularly on the clean side) were not implemented properly

For me less is more, ENO is amazing for what it does compare to all the clutter and complexities that accompanies Fiber Optic Kit. Is one better than the other, it comes down your components, personal preferences and budget. As @audphile1 pointed out, try it in your system. 

Appreciate the responses. I haven’t identified any hardening of the sound so far, but I’ve also been listening at lower volumes early in the morning. I will say, though, the clutter is more than expected with the FMCs and LPS. I’ve had to spend quite a bit of time with placement and organization.