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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
sns
3,690 posts
 

@sfpeloton Yeah, I was skeptical DC cables could make that much difference until the Mundorf. Thinking about upgrading to deluxe versions of both OpticalModule and OpticalRendu.

 

jimboman OP
108 posts
 

Thanks for your comment, @sfpeloton 

I meant to circle back to say I ended up purchasing the OpticalModule Deluxe with a SGC linear power supply.  In testing it with the cheaper FMC, I would say the audible difference was marginal, but the overall quality seemed more refined.  And, it seems that part of this hobby is checking off boxes: so even if it's not a dramatic improvement, you know you've got that area of your system covered with a quality piece.

I also took @sns advice, and added LPS to my router and have split my network into computer side and audio only.

Finally, I just acquired a Bricasti M3 to replace my Benchmark DAC3 -- and that is proving to be a meaningful upgrade.  Really enjoying the music more now.

Best, JAMES.

mikhailark
387 posts
 

If you could explain how Ethernet protocol benefits from it? Conversion is performed hundreds of time when data travels to you - optical, electrical, satellite, etc. Makes no difference. There is no 'stream' from server to you.

sfpeloton
22 posts
 

@jimboman Congrats on the Bricasti M3, that is what I also have and I like it a lot. As I mentioned previously, I run an ethernet cable directly from the OM into the Mdx network card on the M3. Is that how you are also using your OM? For me the OM sounded better than the Etherregen, but it seems like for your system/network, the results were less significant. Yes, checking the boxes seems to be what happens sometimes and at least now you know you have that part sorted.

Hope you enjoy your Bricasti!

jimboman OP
108 posts
 

@sfpeloton 

I’m loving the M3.  It’s a significant improvement to my system. Very musical and articulate.

I run the OM via fibre direct into a Lumin U2, then to the Bricasti via Lumin’s dedicated USB port.  My M3 doesn’t have the Ethernet option.

im looking forward to experimenting further with DSD upsampling, just to see how the M3 DSD sounds versus USB.  Fun!

Best, JAMES

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