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Stack Audio-SmoothLAN Network Filter- WOW!

I just received this item that I purchased from Stack Audio after being impressed with the AUVA 100 Speaker footers.

For any of the Audio Streamers out there, my initial comment as to this item: The SmoothLAN Network Filter is WOW!

From first plug in, the soundstage deepened and widened immensely. How the heck this occurs is nothing short of amazing. I have tried many of the major brand ethernet filters, and some of them, maybe, did something. But not enough to keep them. I either sent them back or sold them. I did however keep an iFi Silencer unit.

My digital streaming consists of an EtherRegen sending out the signal via Fiber to my Lumin X1. I have the Stack Audio device going into the EtherRegen from the Modem.

And, since I have my Apple TV coming out of the EtherRegen it will be interesting to see if the Video improves.

Check out the review in EAR.

Stack Audio Smooth-LAN For Clean Streaming | The Ear (the-ear.net)

ozzy

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tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
603 posts
 

Josh responded to my shipping update email and said that their new fulfillment service had a glitch and all orders after mine were filled but mine was not.  He also informed me now black was not in stock but he could immediately send silver Fedex. I asked when my preferred black was back in stock and he informed me by next Tues ( no big deal) and he would give me 40 Euro credit for their error.  Point being, Stack’s Josh is super responsive with communication and immediately solved  my minor issue with professionalism.  Great customer service!

 

 

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
977 posts
 

Since , it seems that I am out of topics for this thread , I decided to delete my posts .

Regards

Pierre

painter24's avatar
painter24
279 posts
 

@tksteingraber your experience with Josh/Stack Audio matches mine withe 2 purchases I've made with them so far. It's great to see.

Just a quick update on my SL; I swapped the Network Acoustics streaming cable for my DH Lab Reunion after work, between LHY SW8 switch and the SL. Yep, better again. As per @audphile1 even though I've enjoyed the ENO, I have been missing something I didn't realize I was. SL makes the ENO seem a little, I don't know ...dull maybe?

I'm surprised how much of a positive difference there's been (to me at least) between the ENO system and the SmoothLan, especially considering the gulf between their respective prices 

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,422 posts
 

Ok guys I have had the 2 SmoothLan in line now for 24 hours.

At first, I noticed the deeper soundstage, but the images seemed midrangy if that can be a word? I was concerned that it was over-kill.

I have always been a proponent of cable break in, but ethernet filter breakin in? I can just image all the ASR people rolling their eyes. But I hear a much richer soundstage today than I did yesterday.

And... I can now attest that as good as the original is, the added 2nd SmoothLan does indeed add more to the depth and realism. Perhaps not double as compared to just the one, but still significant.

ozzy

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,422 posts
 

So previously I posted that I just added another SmoothLan. I have 2 of them running back-to-back and then into my EtherRegen which then outputs fiber to my Lumin X1.

This is really revelatory! The sound is so pure, and the bass notes are really defined and powerful. The singers, guitars etc. are clearly defined but natural. I cannot detect anything negative.

Stack Audio should market a double version, it is that much of an improvement. I think I’ll send Josh a message.

I guess the only drawback is you gotta buy 2.

ozzy

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