Connecting a Streamer

ejk · March 04, 2025, 02:07:43 PM

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S98YLHM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_12

1 switch

ejk · March 04, 2025, 02:08:12 PM

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0716XT1QT?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_14&th=1

2 of these

ejk · March 04, 2025, 02:20:39 PM

Sorry for the separate posts. Multiple links would not post correctly

Nick B · March 04, 2025, 06:23:07 PM

Very interesting, but more boxes and more wires. I think a better route for me would be to first try a high-quality in-line ethernet filter instead. I think my system is so quiet already, but I guess unless I experiment with an in-line ethernet filter or the ethernet/optical boxes, I won't know for sure.

I am awaiting some items and need to make a decision on those, before I think about the items above....

ejk · March 05, 2025, 01:27:28 AM

Fyi Nick
I no longer use this. I use the LHY SW8 network switch with the Ifi lan filter

Nick B · March 05, 2025, 06:08:55 PM

Evan,

I'm looking at the SW 8 iiWi review right now and also comments at the What's Best forum. The SW 8 cost would be about the most I would want to spend on a network switch. I'm saving the info if I want to try this combo at some point

Jack · March 06, 2025, 06:10:21 PM

Nick

If you think you have an ethernet noise problem then start with ordering the iFi Lan Silencer from Amazon and try it for 30 days. If it changes anything for you then keep it. If not send it back no questions asked. Next step up the ladder would be the Stack Audio SmoothLan at $250. It's small and will fit behind Red on the shelf an includes the needed pigtail cable. From there it would be the SmoothLan Regenerator with even greater filtering capabilities at $750 and basically the same price as SW-6 which is the newer and more refined model in the LHY line. Not sure why you would need a switch with only one component. Like with Amazon the Stack Audio products have a 30 day return window.

https://stackaudio.co.uk/fi/smoothlan/?v=0b3b97fa6688

https://stackaudio.co.uk/fi/smoothlan-regenerator/?v=0b3b97fa6688

Nick B · March 06, 2025, 07:34:35 PM

Quote from: Jack on March 06, 2025, 06:10:21 PM
Nick

If you think you have an ethernet noise problem then start with ordering the iFi Lan Silencer from Amazon and try it for 30 days. If it changes anything for you then keep it. If not send it back no questions asked. Next step up the ladder would be the Stack Audio SmoothLan at $250. It's small and will fit behind Red on the shelf an includes the needed pigtail cable. From there it would be the SmoothLan Regenerator with even greater filtering capabilities at $750 and basically the same price as SW-6 which is the newer and more refined model in the LHY line. Not sure why you would need a switch with only one component. Like with Amazon the Stack Audio products have a 30 day return window.

https://stackaudio.co.uk/fi/smoothlan/?v=0b3b97fa6688

https://stackaudio.co.uk/fi/smoothlan-regenerator/?v=0b3b97fa6688

Jack,

Don't think I have a noise problem, but I've not tried any of these products either. Right now it's just cheap coax to the modem and a good ethernet cable to the Holo Red. Factory power supplies on the modem and TP Link. So definitely room for improvement I would think. I have Neotech silver/gold speaker cables coming and a Class D amp to demo as well. Then I can make a decision on either usb or coax cable from streamer to dac. Both are very good.

I like your stepped approach and you know I like to keep it simple if possible. I will take a look at those links.

Nick

Jack · March 06, 2025, 08:14:04 PM

I've got the spare LPS that I bought for the iFi Zen Stream that would work with the Mesh unit but haven't even looked for it as I really don't want any more cables running behind the rack. And yes the small step approach is the safest when going down this particular rabbit hole. I know multiple people that went to the trouble of setting up all the parts and pieces for fiber and then after a few months took it all out and went back to Ethernet cables just to get rid of the clutter. The fact that both of the companies have a return policy makes it easier to try for yourself. On the Coax or USB front, even though format wise you don't "need" USB for Hi-Res or DSD compatibility Holo does consider USB as the preferred input for their DACs. I though Cameron would have sent you the cables and amp by now.

Nick B · March 06, 2025, 08:51:25 PM

Quote from: Jack on March 06, 2025, 08:14:04 PM
I've got the spare LPS that I bought for the iFi Zen Stream that would work with the Mesh unit but haven't even looked for it as I really don't want any more cables running behind the rack. And yes the small step approach is the safest when going down this particular rabbit hole. I know multiple people that went to the trouble of setting up all the parts and pieces for fiber and then after a few months took it all out and went back to Ethernet cables just to get rid of the clutter. The fact that both of the companies have a return policy makes it easier to try for yourself. On the Coax or USB front, even though format wise you don't "need" USB for Hi-Res or DSD compatibility Holo does consider USB as the preferred input for their DACs. I though Cameron would have sent you the cables and amp by now.

I have a good power supply...19 v I think...that I bought from a guy on AC and I probably used it on the iFi Zen. That's the only good lps I have. I still need to get some of that organized. All the cables and other accessories are labeled and in boxes. I think I want to stay away from optical and all those wires. What I'm getting now is very very good and I think it would be a better idea just to clean up the incoming ethernet. Yes, you mentioned ethernet being the preferred connection. It's really a win-win for me as both my USB and coax are so good. Now it's been a while since I've put the USB in, but I'll be experimenting with it again soon enough. Cameron can be a bit slow, but those cables sound so good. I just had a hunch I wanted to try the Neotech silver/gold and it has worked out great so far. He does meticulous work and every part is cryoed. I do use the Hagerman on those cables as the user manual states that silver takes longer to break in than copper. With a little bit of time, these wires sound good but they do keep getting better and better.

Jack · March 06, 2025, 09:06:08 PM

I think those Mesh units we are using need a 9v LPS which is what I had for the Zen just haven't bothered with it yet. Would require a different type of cable for the connection though.

If you just want to try cleaning up the Ethernet signal a bit I would give the iFi Lan Silencer a try as it's no risk and cheap.

Nick B · March 06, 2025, 09:37:27 PM

You just triggered my memory on that 19 v power supply. It was for the Auralic Aries Mini. The Holo Red is so much better than that Mini.

Yes, I think the iFi would be the next step.

ejk · March 07, 2025, 02:23:13 AM

Quote from: Jack on March 06, 2025, 06:10:21 PM
Nick

If you think you have an ethernet noise problem then start with ordering the iFi Lan Silencer from Amazon and try it for 30 days. If it changes anything for you then keep it. If not send it back no questions asked. Next step up the ladder would be the Stack Audio SmoothLan at $250. It's small and will fit behind Red on the shelf an includes the needed pigtail cable. From there it would be the SmoothLan Regenerator with even greater filtering capabilities at $750 and basically the same price as SW-6 which is the newer and more refined model in the LHY line. Not sure why you would need a switch with only one component. Like with Amazon the Stack Audio products have a 30 day return window.

https://stackaudio.co.uk/fi/smoothlan/?v=0b3b97fa6688

https://stackaudio.co.uk/fi/smoothlan-regenerator/?v=0b3b97fa6688

I have said the same for years about needing a switch especially since there is not multiple devices but the answer I always got was that the combination was better

rollo · March 07, 2025, 10:14:50 PM

Quote from: Nick B on March 06, 2025, 07:34:35 PM
Quote from: Jack on March 06, 2025, 06:10:21 PM
Nick

If you think you have an ethernet noise problem then start with ordering the iFi Lan Silencer from Amazon and try it for 30 days. If it changes anything for you then keep it. If not send it back no questions asked. Next step up the ladder would be the Stack Audio SmoothLan at $250. It's small and will fit behind Red on the shelf an includes the needed pigtail cable. From there it would be the SmoothLan Regenerator with even greater filtering capabilities at $750 and basically the same price as SW-6 which is the newer and more refined model in the LHY line. Not sure why you would need a switch with only one component. Like with Amazon the Stack Audio products have a 30 day return window.

https://stackaudio.co.uk/fi/smoothlan/?v=0b3b97fa6688

https://stackaudio.co.uk/fi/smoothlan-regenerator/?v=0b3b97fa6688

Jack,

Don't think I have a noise problem, but I've not tried any of these products either. Right now it's just cheap coax to the modem and a good ethernet cable to the Holo Red. Factory power supplies on the modem and TP Link. So definitely room for improvement I would think. I have Neotech silver/gold speaker cables coming and a Class D amp to demo as well. Then I can make a decision on either usb or coax cable from streamer to dac. Both are very good.

I like your stepped approach and you know I like to keep it simple if possible. I will take a look at those links.

Nick

The amazing thing is when you find out you do have noise. Thought my system was DEAD silent until I tried something else. Until we try whatever ya never know. The fun of our hobby.

charles

P.I. · March 08, 2025, 10:19:44 AM

Quote from: rollo on March 07, 2025, 10:14:50 PM

The amazing thing is when you find out you do have noise. Thought my system was DEAD silent until I tried something else. Until we try whatever ya never know. The fun of our hobby.

charles

The iFi lan filter in my friend's (another Dave) system resulted in a more relaxed presentation, improving detail and soundstage.