Stack Audio-SmoothLAN Network Filter- WOW!

Thanks @greg_f .  I am using the Finisar 1318 you suggested.

I tried bypassing my Cisco Catalyst 2960 with a cheap Mokertek FMC I had lying around, and the Finisar modules work (including one in the Lumin U2)!  This confirms that the compatibility issue was with the Cisco switch.

I find the sound quality to be just a touch more 'full', particularly in the low bass region, with the Finisar modules.  It's a subtle difference, but for the cost, worthwhile IMHO.

With that in mind, I'm wondering what people are recommending for FMCs with good SQ?  @ozzy @audphile1 @tksteingraber @maxwave  (and others) care to chime in?

Best, JAMES.

@jimboman Perhaps an Etherregen or an Sonore optical Module? How are you connected to the Cisco 2960? What is your network structure?

@jimboman Can’t help here. I use generic FMC/SFP’s with an LPS. I tried TP Link and couldn’t hear a difference and was happy with the sound improvement when I added the LPS so left it there and focused on filtering after the optical. I would also be interested if upgraded FMC/SFP’s impact SQ.

Thanks for the quick replies.  Much appreciated.

@greg_f  I'm on Bell Fibe 500Mbps, then using a cheap TP-Link router to split the ethernet signal - one trunk going into the SmoothLAN, then into the Cisco 2960, then out via fiber port to Lumin (effectively using the Cisco as a FMC) - and the other trunk feeds a newer Cisco switch that has all my 'dirty' computer network on it (wifi, LAN, etc).

Now that I might stick with a dedicated FMC instead of the Cisco 2960, I would probably use the 2960 to replace the cheap TP-Link switch.

I wondered about the Sonore FMC, although it's hard to tell exactly what separates it from a generic FMC.  Guess the usual audiophile caveat applies -- gotta try it to find out!

@tksteingraber Thanks for the perspective.  What LPS are you using?

The experiment continues!

Best, JAMES.

@jimboman I use a Topping LPS. Reasonable price, nice build quality with dual 5V plugs to supply both FMC’s.

https://apos.audio/products/topping-p50-linear-power-supply?srsltid=AfmBOooMMQutDzFtoM75ULbqbDbuUJwE3IsRAoHBheDqfsS3VfWO7yqh