Connecting a Streamer

[Nick B]

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

You're absolutely right, Charles. I am in the category of .... "I don't know what I don't know"

I am going to go through all the devices listed and then figure out which ones to try. Stay tuned 🎶

[Nick B]

Interesting video from The Greek Audio Geek about stacking switches.

https://youtu.be/uSPEmwlxbrI?si=naodumhi9ANT5BKO

I have just started looking, but one device that I really like is the iFi Lan iPurifier Pro for $299. Cameron recommended that one to me. Ethernet into the tiny box, converted to fiber and then converted back to ethernet and completely noise free into the final device... the Holo Red streamer for me.

Just found the iiWi review on another optical isolation device from the UK.

https://youtu.be/eNry13Si7SY?si=q2gS1U_K6yOUteX9

Will look at the other options too. Takes me a little time and repetition to assimilate..

[ejk]

Yes the Ifi becomes a 1 box solution

[Nick B]

I am still awaiting some gear and cables, but once those items are evaluated and maybe incorporated, then I would be leaning towards getting the iFi Lan iSilencer. Only $89 on Amazon ....

[P.I.]

I am still awaiting some gear and cables, but once those items are evaluated and maybe incorporated, then I would be leaning towards getting the iFi Lan iSilencer. Only $89 on Amazon ....

Do it.

[Jack]

Agree, I would try the iFi Lan Silencer before you change any more gear or cables as for now you have a baseline.  With the return policy you have nothing to lose.

[Nick B]

I am still awaiting some gear and cables, but once those items are evaluated and maybe incorporated, then I would be leaning towards getting the iFi Lan iSilencer. Only $89 on Amazon ....

Do it.

Am hoping to have the speaker cables with 2 weeks and the class d amp within a month.

[Nick B]

Agree, I would try the iFi Lan Silencer before you change any more gear or cables as for now you have a baseline.  With the return policy you have nothing to lose.

Well, I am a bit methodical and wanted to judge the system after the new speaker cables and maybe if I keep the class d amp.... with 3e modules and Micro smps. But I guess putting it in now would be fine too.

[Jack]

So these amps of Cameron's are based on TPA boards from Texas Instruments?

[Nick B]

So these amps of Cameron's are based on TPA boards from Texas Instruments?

As I understand it, these are the parts in Cameron's amp

3e Audio  TPA 3255 2 channel 260 w boards
Micro Audio smps
Mundorf caps
silver wiring
probably AECO silver binding posts
probably a Ghent case

As you know, I like Leo's Starkrimson Ultra amp a lot. I have the V1 and I don't believe it uses the Micro smps. I believe the V2 does

That's all I know right now

[Nick B]

A brief note to advise that I bought the $89 iFi LAN iSilencer from Amazon per the recommendation of a few of you. To start, I put it between the router and my TP Link mesh unit right next to my gear. It's only been playing a few hours and I quite like the improvement. A more focused soundstage and more realism with vocals and instruments. Am just playing random music via Roon for a while.

Thanks for the suggestion, gents! 👍