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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

128x128ozzy
macg19
950 posts
 

My SL just arrived. I ordered it on Fri June 21. They are busy, it shipped on June 28 and arrived today, I'm in SoCal. Pretty impressive shipping.

Whatever this thing does, it does make an immediate change to the sound - it is NOT subtle. So far I like what I hear. I'll try some more familiar tunes, a/b test a bit, and see if I can describe the changes better.

Here is my digital chain:

  • Cox Panoramic Modem/Router 
  • DH Labs ethernet cable
  • BlueSound Node N130 with LHY LPS
  • DH Labs USB cable
  • BlackIce Tube DAC with NOS Mullard tubes

I'm curious what some of you think would be the next upgrade: switch, streamer, streamer/DAC single box solution, DAC only (keep the Node).

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
986 posts
 

@antigrunge2 

So you use EtherRegen    .   Do you have any informations about EtherRegen  generation 2 ?
Reading this thread , I have been looking for informations .

antigrunge2
1,437 posts
 

@maxwave Sorry: no, I don’t. Suggest you get in touch with the guys at Uptone directly. They are very responsive.

ozzy's avatar
ozzy OP
7,512 posts
 

I think the change to the EthereRegen 2 is because some of the original parts that were used in the original EtherRegen are no longer available.

Not sure if this means it will sound better.

ozzy

agisthos
507 posts
 

What you guys said about the ENO having reduced dynamics is exactly what I would expect having seen a picture if it’s internals - it just has each wire pair wrapped around a potted ferrite ring.

My experience with testing ferrite rings (for signal and power) is they clean up the high frequency noise but reduce transient speed and dynamic impact. They give but take away more. I don’t like them.

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