Etalon ethernet isolator.

[octaviars]

Anyone tried out the Etalon ethernet isolator?

http://www.etalonacoustics.fr/FR/PAGE_Isolator.htm

[nduchatel]

Yes I put one on my system. The sound seems to be closer than AIR WIFI (when it works), more air beetween instruments, less noise

[octaviars]

Did you buy it from the Etalon page?

[nduchatel]

No I bought it in a shop in Paris that made some bulk orders on this item

[Antoine]

We briefly discussed it here and in subsequent posts: http://devialetchat.com/showthread.php?t...2#pid49852

Jfp is going to try one as well to replace his optical bridge as he calls it. (fiber optic to copper ethernet converters). I personally use two of those as well, a high quality isolator outperforming that solution would surely be interesting as it allows one to remove up to two devices with each their own PSU.

[Celts88]

Does this mean it would be possible to run standard Cat 5 from Router to switch, Cat 5 to wall plug, Cat 6 cable throughout walls of house, then Cat 5 cable from wall to Switch and also Cat 5 (or 6) to the Etalon then into Server (I'm getting an Antipodes DS).

No need to spend extra money on a fancy ethernet cable from switch to Server (not having a dig here Antoine, with your new Audioquest Diamond  ).

[Antoine]

Haha no problem Celts88, we all have our own truth(s) and beliefs. Baconbrain asked a similar question (whether using a GISO isolator which is similar in function to the Etalon would negate the need for an expensive/HQ ethernet cable) in my system topic. My view on the matter here: http://devialetchat.com/showthread.php?t...8#pid50138

But I'll also copy-paste it here: (just my $0.02 in a hobby where logic and general/common knowledge of computer science don't always seem to apply, at least not when there's a sensitive D to A conversion involved)

Could be, though I employ optical isolation and the ethernet cable still matters significantly. Of course the fiber media converter is an active device so produces its own noise. The AQ cable is connected between this converter and the microRendu BTW. I'd like to think only this last cable after the optical bridge matters and anything before it doesn't but I haven't tried any before so can't be certain.

Often many of these isolator/re-clocking/regenerating devices, even while working in tandem, all help in some way. There's really no silver bullet I know of. So there's only one way to find out when and how enough is enough and that is to try it in one's own system. 

At least in theory the complete isolation due to the optical conversions should be superior but even that to some people who tried this Etalon isn't true. It could be this is because of the FMC (fiber to copper ethernet converters) creating its own noise. Even the PSU powering the FMC matters.

[octaviars]

I intend to try the Etalon between my router and my D400. I will use Supra CAT8 cables (1m is around 35€, they are available up to 20m) for all hifi related ethernet cables in my system.

[jfp]

Been very busy this week, buying a new bike (bye bye the D upgrade 6000 euros program)
So I did not have time to get the Etalon. Maybe today...

[Hifi_swlon]

So is it self-powered? I thought at least one additional power supply was required for full isolation (for the output side)?

Would be interested how it compares to optical isolation as I was going to try that next but does lead to a fair bit of clutter and two more power supplies near the hifi...