Advice on Optical Ethernet Conversion

@jimboman 

"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."

My experience exactly.

@sfpeloton 

Thanks for the detailed response regarding your LPS adventures.

I've got a cheap 'n cheerful Topping LPS powering two switches: a TP Link for the computer network/wifi stuff, and a TrendNet switch for the audio side.

After experiment with a host of configurations for creating a fibre moat, I ended up using the fibre output from the TrendNet switch into the fibre on my old Cisco Catalyst 2960 switch.  Then copper ethernet out from the Cisco (via a SmoothLAN which may be overkill) into the OM deluxe, which then sends fibre via 2 1318 Finisar SMCs.  Phew!

Kind of a double moat, but it seems to sound the most musical and open of all the combos I tried.  Not sure @sns would agree with my selection, but I bet he'd applaud my efforts, haha!

@mitch2  Sure is a crazy hobby, ain't it!

Best, JAMES.

Also forgot to mention, don't have an LPS on the fibre modem...had issues with a previous modem that died after 6 months, with an LPS attached.  I like my fibre internet, and don't wanna risk messing it up!

@sns Would you have information about the Mundorf silver/gold DC cables?  I see there are various gauges/types available.  You DIY-ed the cables, correct?

I would be ordering from Parts Connexion in Canada.

Thanks,

JAMES.

Hi @jimboman I recently added an iFi Lan Silencer Pro (LSP) which converts ethernet to fiber optic and then back to ethernet and it’s brought a significant improvement. I would say almost more than adding an audio-grade network switch. The only caveat is that you have to get a separate iFi iPower PS (preferably the iPower X) as the stock one that comes with the LSP is junk.

My chain: Asus Router - Ethernet cable to Lan Silencer Pro (converts to fiber optic) - Ethernet cable to Silent Angel Bonn N8 Switch - Ethernet cable to Streamer.

I’ve tried putting the LSP downstream after the Silent Angel Bonn Switch but it sounded too squeaky clean and lost a bit of musicality so preferred it upstream right before the network switch.