Stack Audio-SmoothLAN Network Filter- WOW!

@evank I had a similar impression at first, especially the treble issue.  Had it in for a few weeks and then took it out. Yes more treble, but I would suggest you examine the quality of that treble closely. I put the Smoothlan back in and did not like the sound for a couple days, but it improved and I adjusted, with the end result I think is a net improvement in sound quality. All that said, my ears are not great with the highs, so you may be noticing more change than I did.

@zlone I too took it out and put it back in due to the decreased noise. I only have about 2 days so I am hoping it just needs to settle in

Finally got to sit down now and listen since last night. The SL has smoothed out. Everything I heard last night has changed for the better. My soundstage is back as well as the highs. Added bonus is the reduced noise floor which gives more definition to the music.

@evank Finally got to sit down now and listen since last night. The SL has smoothed out. Everything I heard last night has changed for the better. My soundstage is back as well as the highs. Added bonus is the reduced noise floor which gives more definition to the music.

Good to hear that it is working for you again. This pretty much mirrors my experience.

I thought I would revisit this smoothlan; it has been 2 months and the honeymoon period is over, and my "purchasing bias" has worn, right? I must have regrets. Skeptics would be elated to hear my confessions: I imagined the whole thing, and I must have justified this "huge" $300 purchase by convincing myself it sounded better. Otherwise how could I live with myself and the foolish decision I made.

I admit it is possible that just when I hooked up the smoothlan before all my neighbors coincidentally stopped arc welding, and when I unplugged it they plugged in their electric cars and did laundry, right? Could be?

Nope. With a different amplifier this time, I will concur what I heard before- massive factor in the believability in voices, more presence, and more easily distinguished low level details with it in. I only needed to take it out and heard the degradation in mere seconds. You know, that proverbial vail that covered the music. But I put it back in and out several times just to convince myself I am not dreaming, and to remove any doubt of neighbours playing with the grid.

I am still in shock with the improvement a few hundred bucks can make in my streaming signal. Like I mentioned before I could spend thousands and if it made this difference I would justify the purchase. Seriously. Now I have to debate trying a second one, or just going crazy and prepare for a Network Acoustics Tempus purchase? How much more cleaner of an ethernet streaming signal can be had?

Here is a fantastic track (Qobuz) to easily hear the differences, and a wonderfully recorded track regardless of what you have in your streaming chain:

Kuwai 45 and Sweet Cocoa- Just the two of us

Just 2 minutes of a sensational recording!