SOtM SMS-200

[Rama]

Thanks for all the input folks. Since moving to the iFi ipower I have to put my plans of moving to a LPS for the SMS-200 on hold. The performance is very satisfactory, and it feels like the sound is only improving as the iFi has been settling in. I however have decided to use Ethernet isolator specifically the TP-Link MC210cs went with single mode for its higher bandwidth rate. Now I am going to try two different tests to see if i notice any sonic improvements:

Baseline: Using the AudioQuest Diamond ethernet cable straight from the Melco to the SMS-200.

1)Use the isolator between the melco player output and the sms-200 input. Use my cheap QED performance cable.
2)Use the isolator bettween the melco LAN input and my Netgear switch. As mentioned by @K4680.

Obviously the ultimate test would be to put LPS on both isolators and connect diamond ethernet on each end between the melco and sms-200. This however shall not be attempted by me as i feel there are better solutions out there which will have a better price/performance ratio.

Ok I have played around with all the different configurations. Just not hearing that much of a difference nothing to justify the extra spend,  which is around $150. I thought that the most benefits would be derived if i put the FMC between the Melco Player output and the SOTM input. So I connected the first FMC to the Melco Player output with a AQ Cinnamon, on the second FMC I connected it to the SMS-200 via AQ Diamond. Well I was initially very impressed, but then after switching back and forth i realized that there was not much of a difference. Actually to be honest the direct connection from Melco to SMS-200 sounded better. 

I think initially I was listening very critically and was noticing different layers within the music that I had not noticed before. I had to take a step back and relax and then listen again to the music, it is at this point that I realized that the direct connection was the best. Our brain is funny and plays these tricks on us without us even realizing. When you install new equipment you sit there in your seat and pay very close attention and by magic everything sounds better.

When the difference is negligible our brain compensates, saying come on it has to be better I just spent all that money, and commands you to pay more attention. Of course at this point you realize this is the best thing in the world.  So my conclusion is that its cool to have FMC's in your setup but don't expect any gains if you are using a Melco. However a point to note is that I did not hear any degradation in the sound, it sounded fantastic with the FMC so that is definitely a good thing.