22-Oct-2019, 02:01
(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.
