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Advice on Optical Ethernet Conversion

Hello:

I'm looking for a high-quality convertor for Ethernet to Fibre, for streaming Qobuz to my Lumin U2's fibre input.  I've got two Finisar 1318 SMCs and am running a 40' fibre run.

Specifically, I'm looking at the Sonore opticalModule, the Uptone EtherRegen (version 2 forthcoming, ideally) or the SOtm sNH-10G switch.

All real-world experience with any of these is welcome.  I'd like to know what perceived SQ benefits were realized, ideally.  Personal experience/anecdotes would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance,

JAMES.

jimboman
jimboman OP
102 posts
 

Hey @mitch2 

Thanks for the detailed reply. I happen to have the exact switch you linked to.

In your experience, are you saying that you didn’t notice an SQ improvement/difference in using the opticalModule vs running the Trendnet switch direct via fibre?

Best, JAMES

jimboman OP
102 posts
 

@sns 

Thanks for taking time to run through your setup/process. Valuable information!

I’m leaning toward the opticalModule as the FMC, plugged directly into my 
Lumin U2.  I do have a Stack Audio SmoothLAN, which I would experiment adding to the chain before the OM.  Not sure if it would add to the SQ or be redundant with the OM..?

Best, JAMES

mitch2
4,109 posts
 

Yes, same result with either the switch or opticleModule, especially when feeding the Signature Rendu SE Optical.

sns
3,446 posts
 

Cleaning up LAN worthwhile, I use JCAT net xe, again powered by Uptone JS-2 with the Mundorf DC cable. Upgrading both LAN and optical conversion not redundant.

I should also add the Mundorf diy DC cables made a far larger difference than I was expecting, this compared to generic Uptone, diy Duelund tin plated copper, something along the lines of AC power cable changes.

 

Getting wifi off audio system LAN is another biggie, lot of noise injected with this. 1 gb net service and low latency, meaning gaming router, close by net provider servers all makes a difference. All in all every single little thing you can think of to make LAN quieter and faster is beneficial. Just have to find best chain to work in your individual circumstances.

jimboman OP
102 posts
 

Hi @sns 

Great information, many thanks.

I'm going to try running two optical 'moats', first one from the modem to a TrendNet 4-port switch w SFP going to my Cisco Catalyst 2960 via fibre//2 10Gtek SMCs.

The second one would be a Stack Audio SmoothLAN from the Cisco, feeding an FMC (perhaps the opticalModule?), and this would go via fibre cable to the Lumin, with two 1318 Finisar SMCs.

Then I could run my computer LAN by connecting a TP Link switch to the TrendNet (via RJ45), or from the Cisco.

* Would it be best to plug in the wifi into the TrendNet, even though it will be a hub that feeds the audio system LAN?  Or should it be connected to the downstream computer LAN TP-Link switch?

Any advice/comments welcome.

Best, JAMES.

 

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