Anyone tried fiber into EtherRegen SFP?

@chilli42 EtherRegen in reverse order like I use with my X1. The Sonore OpticalModule Deluxe, and a lot of other lower cost FMC’s. But these are not streamers.

I tend to think that the Ethernet input on a DAC is not good as USB. I have not bothered even to listen to the Ethernet on the X1, when fibre is available.

However, the easiest way of getting the Ethernet converted to fibre is getting a network switch which has both Ethernet and Fibre SPF. Such as this one that I have. I paid $125-$150 for this one, It has been jacked up to $400. I have another similar switch in the Livingroom that cost $75.

Amazon.com: Ubiquiti Networks Networks UniFi Switch 8-Port 150 Watts, White : Electronics

There is a long thread on another site with a lot of talk about using fiber media conversions into streamer. The upgrade results are saying it is one of the biggest bang for the buck improvement you can do. You need two fmc’s run by a linear power supply and the shortest cate8 cable that will work for the final run into streamer. All in it is a little over $100. I am waiting for one more shipment to hook mine up. Secondary benefit if it does nothing for sound improvement it gives you lightning protection for your streamer as a surge can’t go through fiber.

Lots of trade offs both theoretically and in actual listening. I've compared optical and ethernet on both sides of two streamer setups, where first streamer used only as server, SOTM and OpticalRendu used as streamers. Also with only one streamer, in this case optical only in front of streamer. Results have been varied and its difficult to pinpoint the reasons. If one has ethernet ISP there is issue of adding extra unneeded conversion, seems logical there would be trade offs in this case, adding extra equipment to streaming chain is always chance for more noise and jitter to enter chain. Sure, optical blocks noise, but it doesn't eliminate noise creation within any particular optical component. Now if I had optical ISP I'd likely want to stick to full optical chain for same reasons.

So, in listening tests with optical conversion in front of my streamer I preferred ethernet over optical via two generic FMC, both lps powered with quality DC, AC cables into power conditioner or lithium ion battery pack. Optical and ethernet noise floors very similar, optical sound somewhat thinner, less natural. Now, optical POST server, as in two streamer setup, I prefer optical with OpticalRendu vs ethernet with SOTM, also prefer it over my new custom build streamer using it's usb output. Now is purely due to optical or is OpticalRendu simply better streamer than SOTM SMS200 Neo?

So leaving out complications of my two streamer setups, in thinking about  only one streamer, so ethernet vs optical post router to streamer. Comparing fully optimized optical and ethernet is difficult. I already have fully optimized ethernet setup which beats best optical I've tried. Now my idea of what makes up a fully optimized optical path is, two Sonore OpticalModules both lps, good power cords into power conditioning, and then optimized optical transceivers such as Finisar 1475 into each, and don't forget about optical cables which may or may not affect ultimate sound quality. Now I don't know if EtherRegen can even operate with these Finisar receivers, if it can would be good upgrade to try.  I just installed AfterDark Project ClayX Constellation Finisar setup post first streamer last night, this package offers two Finisar 1475 receivers which plug into my OpticalModule and OpticalRendu and upgraded ref quality optical. Based on my research this is likely to be ultimate optical offered at present. This setup with two OpticalModules or perhaps even with generic FMC with removable transceivers could be used in front of one streamer setup.

Bottom line, the above may be hard to follow, but essentially I will be testing if optimizing optical pays off. I've already discovered a single OpticalModule vs generic FMC in front of opticalRendu is superior, this will up my game even more. As mentioned previously two OM with these modules or possibly one OM with etherregen if it will accept Finisar, or to make things even less clear, router with optical OUT capability with one OM, if router can handle Finisar receiver. Not easy to follow, I know.

Based on reports of many these Finisar receivers far superior to stock receivers, I shall find out this week, letting Finisars and cable burn in at present.

I had audible gains putting a Cisco 2960 switch before my Etherregen and using fibre between the 2.

Which SFP modules you use apparently will affect the outcome though,  I've only tried a pair of very cheap 2nd hand cisco ones that are not particularly fast nor particularly long ranged. I can look up what they are if necessary.

I've got a rfi/emi filter on the powerstrip for the cisco and a power cord with a pretty chunky ferrite for it. I have it on black ravioli base and footers too.

@discopants , @sns 

Thanks.  Useful info there.  Regarding the SFP modules, they would be supplied as part of an audiophile fiber kit, so am assuming they're fit for purpose - though this would seem to be a highly subjective area.  As far as I can tell from an email with the ADOT guy, he just tried loads of different modes and modules until it sounded right for him.

True, I have tried previously a very cheap fiber bridge (2 old FMCs from eBay for £11) and it wasn't pleasant.  

However, based on putting better quality ethernet cables in front of the ER I suspect a quality fiber hop may allow the ER to sing a little better.