Thanks guys.
As much as I liked what it did for the depth of the soundstage the treble does seem to be a little subdued.
ozzy
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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Hey @ozzy hey @tksteingraber Did a bit of quick testing, pulling the SL out of the chain...and I gotta say, while there was a tad more treble, I did miss what the SL brings to the soundstage, and the musicality of my system. Just gives more weight to the music. More engagement. A little more outside the speakers. That said, I have been experimenting with trying to find a Ethernet/Fibre convertor to replace my old Cisco 2960 switch, and tonight's testing reminded me that, like all things in audiophilia, component synergy plays a big part. How does this relate to the SL/treble question? While I was using a cheap FMC box (albeit with a good LPS), I did think the SL softened the treble a bit. But when I replace that FMC with a different one, the presentation was a bit brighter again (perhaps taking a touch of slam with it...not sure). But the exercise reminded me that it really is a matter of finding balance between all the links in the chain -- at least, a balance that sounds good to my ears. With that in mind, I'm going to live with the new FMC awhile, and see if it stays in the system. And, I'm going to live with it while I do more research into 'the best FMC', haha. Of course, the obsession continues! Best, JAMES. |
- 218 posts total