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+--- Thread: "Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation (/Thread-Audiophile-Grade-Ethernet-Switches-The-new-generation)
RE: "Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation - Antoine - 19-Oct-2019
(18-Oct-2019, 14:07)K4680 Wrote: Hello, apparently several companies have now discovered the potential of the "audiophile switch"!
https://www.audiolust.de/elektronik/streaming/thunder-data/6337/silent-angel-bonn-n8?number=THDTBNN8
https://www.hifi-zm.ch/produkte/zubehoer/digital/silent-angel-bonn-n8
Haha, in Holland many dealers sell this Bonn switch now too.
RE: "Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation - octaviars - 20-Oct-2019
The manual for the etherREGEN is online now.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6121/files/EtherREGEN_User_Guide.pdf?88
RE: "Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation - jandersonhill - 22-Oct-2019
(06-Jun-2019, 10:46)GuillaumeB Wrote: ...
I was very happy with the single SOtM switch, essentially replacing the AQVOX. As I think I reported previously this was an instant improvement.
Then 10 days or so ago the second switch arrived. I connected this to the other SOtM using an ethernet cable. Very happy with the result, basically more of the same.
Once I had received the correct transceivers (long story) I was able to try connecting the two SOtM units via fibre. This also had quite a big effect but one that I didn't really like. Switching back to an ethernet connection between the two units confirmed my impressions. I could hear that the optical connection did some good things (soundstage even deeper, noise floor even lower) but I didn't really enjoy the music. Perhaps the transceivers needed more time to settle? I have no idea.
I then installed a bridge between my router and office switch (which feeds my SOtM), using the same transceivers and some media converters from FS.com (https://www.fs.com/uk/products/35333.html).
Now this was REALLY interesting, it made a massive difference! To the point where my brain is almost struggling to make sense of things. I know it's better - in "hi-fi" terms - but there is some kind of cognitive dissonance going on. I am gradually coming round to the idea that perhaps I just need a bit of time to get used to things. It's like the presentation of music has changed quite a bit and I can't quite work out whether I like it or not. There are some good moments, then moments where I am not so sure.
...
Guillaume
Hi Guillaume
I realise I'm late to this party, but found your post online while researching ethernet switches and thought I'd add my own impressions.
I'm now running two SotM switches (with the master clock and silver upgrades) and agree there is a noticeable difference between them and the AQVOX SE. Where it became interesting was connecting the two SotM's via fibre, where I think I came to exactly the same conclusions as you.
With the fibre connecting the two (into a Meridian 818v3), the sound initially sounds sublime. The depth and accuracy of the soundstage is absolutely remarkable and it sounds silky smooth, however it is missing something. I think it is the silky smooth part of this that is causing the problem (at least on my setup).
Comparing SotM copper cable with two types of optical connection, with the optical connection everything has real presence and space but loses its 'edge' (becoming less enjoyable). Being specific, vocalists that have a rasp in their voice, have that rasp 'smoothed over'. Instruments sound squeaky clean, but slightly unreal...
Put the copper back and the depth and accuracy is gone, but everything sounds more real. My journey now is to try and get the best of both worlds! I bought an Sonore OpticalModule, but it won't connect to copper ethernet for more than five minutes, so haven't yet been able to try this out properly.
It sounds like you came to the same conclusion: optical sounds like it should win, but loses that important spark of a musician performing.
Maybe an external clock will help. Or, just maybe, an Uptone EtherREGEN - either on its own or used as an isolator before the SotM... I'm fortunate enough to be getting one, so will give an update when it arrives.
RE: "Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation - Snoopy8 - 22-Oct-2019
(22-Oct-2019, 02:01)jandersonhill Wrote: Maybe an external clock will help. Or, just maybe, an Uptone EtherREGEN - either on its own or used as an isolator before the SotM... I'm fortunate enough to be getting one, so will give an update when it arrives.Looking forward to your EtherRegen review as well as Guillaume's. Both of you have experience with other switches and I will be keen to see how it compares.
To date, I have been reluctant to try any "advanced" Ethernet solution (switch, cable, clock), beyond my budget. The EtherRegen, if the theory is correct, could be a game changer and within what I am prepared to pay.
RE: "Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation - K4680 - 23-Oct-2019
Introducing Melco S100 Network Switch!
Melco S100 is an audiophile-technology data switch for improved sound quality for any network audio device using an Ethernet connection.
Melco S100 makes its world debut at The UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2019 this weekend!
Exclusive launch of new Melco software, including Melco Intelligent Music Library!!
https://www.melco-audio-masters.com/uploads/1/0/1/5/101505220/mel_2073_s100_a4_2pp_info_sheet_v3.pdf
https://hifipig.com/melco-launch-s100-data-switch/
RE: "Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation - audio_engr - 23-Oct-2019
Looks like everyone's running this race now ...
I'm awaiting some solid reviews of the EtherREGEN early adopters before I plunge in that direction.
RE: "Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation - Antoine - 23-Oct-2019
(23-Oct-2019, 15:46)K4680 Wrote: Introducing Melco S100 Network Switch!
Melco S100 is an audiophile-technology data switch for improved sound quality for any network audio device using an Ethernet connection.
Melco S100 makes its world debut at The UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2019 this weekend!
Exclusive launch of new Melco software, including Melco Intelligent Music Library!!
https://hifipig.com/melco-launch-s100-data-switch/
Thanks for sharing, this must be the one Elztalbiker was talking about. Interesting purpose built product. Expensive though but I’d be interested in reading user comparisons.
Quickly scanning the link you provided and came across this:
Quote: as well as for streaming services such as TIDAL and Qobuz, where the data has been seriously compromised on its journey from the distant servers into the user’s home.
Exactly this type of nonsense marketing gives us audiophiles a bad name/is cause for ‘objectivists’ to ridicule us and these companies.
RE: "Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation - thumb5 - 23-Oct-2019
Ha, nicely spotted @Antoine. The next sentence is:
Quote:The S100 restores the magic of the source stream as no IT device can possibly do.Honestly, you couldn't make it up. Except that they have.
Joking aside, this is not the invention of HiFi Pig as I first thought. According to this article at Stereonet UK, it's a direct quote from Alan Ainslie, Melco Audio's General Manager. So a failure both of Melco and of the unthinking journalism.
RE: "Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation - octaviars - 23-Oct-2019
I think it is just silly this marketing stuff......If you have the slightest idea how TCP/IP works and what exactly is it that might get lost on the way over ethernet
Many of the companys selling stuff like this feeds on the Audiophile paranoia.
Writing this I am still looking forward to get the etherREGEN next month
RE: "Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation - Snoopy8 - 23-Oct-2019
Yes, some silly Melco marketing stuff but it does not get the same amount of vitriol that the EtherRegen gets.
Uptone has somehow attracted a cult dedicated to taking apart all of its products in many forums. Sad that hate for Uptone overrides any objectivity. I got questioned for stating that I was open minded and wanting to read the initial listening reviews of the EtherRegen.