OK reading lots of comments about using optical connection. For me as of now a Ethernet comes in from FIOS service to a Router Ethernet from Router to Server. USB to DAC. Where and how do I use Optical ? Would it be between Router and Server ? Service to Router ? All of the above ? Or can a Ethernet switch clean it up ?
charles
The optical u r referring to is fiber. 2 of the units below go before your streamer. Ethernet in and out with fiber to the receiver then out of reciever with ethernet to your streame. Short cales of course. The Fiber reduces noise.
.sorry pic is too large to post Amazon search ethernet to fiber convertor.
I?m just throwing this out there- maybe Charles is referring to the connection between his streamer and DAC?
If so, the optical cable would replace the USB to DAC that is currently in place.
It is thought by some that a non-metal device such as optical between the pieces prevents the transfer of electrical noise nasties.
Charles also mentions an Ethernet switch. I don?t know about that, but recently I changed from a Wi-Fi connection to wired Ethernet cable from my router to my streamer. As soon as I plugged in the Ethernet cable, the sound quality took a dive. Further ?research? found that the hard wired connection can also send noise through to the streamer, which a Wi-Fi signal does not.
So? I bought this to see if it would work as advertised, and it seemed to do the trick. https://stackaudio.co.uk/smoothlan/?v=0b3b97fa6688
There are many variations of similar devices, some for less money, some for more. I started a thread here about this and will add to this thread when I find it.
It?s not clear to me exactly what Charles was referring to, but I hope this helps someone out there.
It was discussed in this thread-
https://audionervosa.com/index.php?topic=9157.0
I tried the Smoothlan and I ended up with megativ e effectsYMMV.
I looked at optical briefly and specifically at Small Green Computer. More boxes and wires and pretty expensive too for some of the products. Thankfully I don't have a noise issue with my system.
http://smallgreencomputer.com/
Quote from: Nick B on February 28, 2025, 10:39:08 AM
I looked at optical briefly and specifically at Small Green Computer. More boxes and wires and pretty expensive too for some of the products. Thankfully I don't have a noise issue with my system.
http://smallgreencomputer.com/
The setup from Amazon is less than 100 dollars and highly praised
Quote from: ejk on February 28, 2025, 12:00:46 PM
Quote from: Nick B on February 28, 2025, 10:39:08 AM
I looked at optical briefly and specifically at Small Green Computer. More boxes and wires and pretty expensive too for some of the products. Thankfully I don't have a noise issue with my system.
http://smallgreencomputer.com/
The setup from Amazon is less than 100 dollars and highly praised
Can you provide a link to the Amazon stuff? Both my ethernet and Neotech silver/gold digital coax sound very good
Yes converting Ethernet from router to Fiber Optic to Streamer. Was talk of reducing noise. Also the copper wire of the Ethernet cable is noiser than Fiber optic according to reviewer. Installing a linear power supply on my router was a huge improvement over wall wart. Wall warts just suck. iFi makes the best however a linear power supply is much better.
charles
Quote from: Nick B on February 28, 2025, 06:56:05 PM
Quote from: ejk on February 28, 2025, 12:00:46 PM
Quote from: Nick B on February 28, 2025, 10:39:08 AM
I looked at optical briefly and specifically at Small Green Computer. More boxes and wires and pretty expensive too for some of the products. Thankfully I don't have a noise issue with my system.
http://smallgreencomputer.com/
The setup from Amazon is less than 100 dollars and highly praised
Can you provide a link to the Amazon stuff? Both my ethernet and Neotech silver/gold digital coax sound very good
https://a.co/d/gW0CuY7
Quote from: ejk on March 01, 2025, 10:57:32 AM
Quote from: Nick B on February 28, 2025, 06:56:05 PM
Quote from: ejk on February 28, 2025, 12:00:46 PM
Quote from: Nick B on February 28, 2025, 10:39:08 AM
I looked at optical briefly and specifically at Small Green Computer. More boxes and wires and pretty expensive too for some of the products. Thankfully I don't have a noise issue with my system.
http://smallgreencomputer.com/
The setup from Amazon is less than 100 dollars and highly praised
Can you provide a link to the Amazon stuff? Both my ethernet and Neotech silver/gold digital coax sound very good
https://a.co/d/gW0CuY7
Thanks. A nice simple box for a great price. When I was with the Vegas audio club, I can't recall any of those guys doing optical. I also have no idea what a really high-quality optical cable costs.
Quote from: Nick B on March 01, 2025, 06:31:45 PM
Quote from: ejk on March 01, 2025, 10:57:32 AM
Quote from: Nick B on February 28, 2025, 06:56:05 PM
Quote from: ejk on February 28, 2025, 12:00:46 PM
Quote from: Nick B on February 28, 2025, 10:39:08 AM
I looked at optical briefly and specifically at Small Green Computer. More boxes and wires and pretty expensive too for some of the products. Thankfully I don't have a noise issue with my system.
http://smallgreencomputer.com/
The setup from Amazon is less than 100 dollars and highly praised
Can you provide a link to the Amazon stuff? Both my ethernet and Neotech silver/gold digital coax sound very good
https://a.co/d/gW0CuY7
Thanks. A nice simple box for a great price. When I was with the Vegas audio club, I can't recall any of those guys doing optical. I also have no idea what a really high-quality optical cable costs.
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/ do a search here for fiber optic amd sfp's the rabbit hole is deep. I would post linls but I in the Carribean and service stinks
Quote from: ejk on March 02, 2025, 06:45:21 AM
Quote from: Nick B on March 01, 2025, 06:31:45 PM
Quote from: ejk on March 01, 2025, 10:57:32 AM
Quote from: Nick B on February 28, 2025, 06:56:05 PM
Quote from: ejk on February 28, 2025, 12:00:46 PM
Quote from: Nick B on February 28, 2025, 10:39:08 AM
I looked at optical briefly and specifically at Small Green Computer. More boxes and wires and pretty expensive too for some of the products. Thankfully I don't have a noise issue with my system.
http://smallgreencomputer.com/
The setup from Amazon is less than 100 dollars and highly praised
Can you provide a link to the Amazon stuff? Both my ethernet and Neotech silver/gold digital coax sound very good
https://a.co/d/gW0CuY7
Thanks. A nice simple box for a great price. When I was with the Vegas audio club, I can't recall any of those guys doing optical. I also have no idea what a really high-quality optical cable costs.
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/ do a search here for fiber optic amd sfp's the rabbit hole is deep. I would post linls but I in the Carribean and service stinks
Thanks. A good website and maybe high quality cables as well. Enjoy your vacation and be careful about too much sun and too many tropical drinks 🍹
Ok I will post the fiber optic/switch I was using. Like I said previously this has worked very well based on Youtube reviews and forums.
qty
1 or as many as you want https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VVFB8VX?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_9&th=1
1-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S98YLHM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_12
2-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0716XT1QT?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_14&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S98YLHM?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_12
1 switch
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0716XT1QT?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_14&th=1
2 of these
Sorry for the separate posts. Multiple links would not post correctly
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....
Fyi Nick
I no longer use this. I use the LHY SW8 network switch with the Ifi lan filter
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
:thumb:
The iFi lan filter in my friend's (another Dave) system resulted in a more relaxed presentation, improving detail and soundstage.
Quote from: rollo on 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
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 🎶
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..
Yes the Ifi becomes a 1 box solution
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 ....
Quote from: Nick B on March 09, 2025, 08:30:01 PM
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.
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.
Quote from: P.I. on March 10, 2025, 10:27:24 AM
Quote from: Nick B on March 09, 2025, 08:30:01 PM
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.
Quote from: Jack on March 10, 2025, 11:48:39 AM
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.
So these amps of Cameron's are based on TPA boards from Texas Instruments?
Quote from: Jack on March 10, 2025, 06:28:45 PM
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
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! 👍