Melco C1 SFP+ Direct Attach Cable : the first in audiophile market

audiobomber · Jun 9, 2024

A few things to watch out for when using a Direct Attach Cable:
1. There is no galvanic isolation, because there is no optical conversion. The devices on both ends of the cable need to be connected to the same ground point, otherwise there will be a ground loop. Ground plane current in a digital system does not show up as a hum or buzz like it does in an analog system, but will negatively impact sound quality from the DAC.
2. Unlike fiber optic cable, copper cable is subject to EMI/RFI. That's why the maximum length is usually specified at 15 meters and preferably no more than 9 meters. Shortest is best.
3. The C1-D20 is SFP+. If you connect to a 10Gb device upstream and a 1Gb device downstream. it will not work. A gigabit device cannot decode a 10G datastream. If the devices at both ends are equal, either 1G or 10G, there's no problem.

MacF said:
check out March (I believe) 2024 edition for a recent review. You may find it insightful.

That is a frustrating article, because he says "I swapped back to the standard optical SFP cable I was previously using", with no indication of which SFP or cable he was using.

I haven't heard a DAC cable in my system, but I suspect the results are the same as most everything in audio. Whether it is better or not will depend on system synergy and personal preference.

MacF · Jun 9, 2024

Mu

jaxdr said:
Agree with the overall assessments of the Melco Direct Attach Cable. I trialed one of these cables between a Taiko switch and my Extreme. The benefits were so significant that I will be trialing 2 more to add between my pair of SOtM sNH-10g switches and the Taiko switch.

I hear a more relaxed, more natural sound. A slight increase in transparency and soundstage depth/height. I am not sure the added benefits to transparency and soundstage would justify the expenditure. However, the more relaxed and natural sound leads to longer and more enjoyable listening sessions.

Up to now most of my listening is done with analog. I suspect these cables will tip the scales leading to much more time with my DAC?
Time will tell.

Much better job articulating! Thank you for that. For my modest, optimized streaming system that includes Network Acoustics Muon Pro filter & cable as well as numerous LessLoss products. The Melco 1 rose quickly above the already high bar the others products set. The performance space deepened, location of performers and instruments appear more defined and with more space between each performer. So far, 72hrs into the C1, I continue to be impressed!

MacF · Jun 9, 2024

audiobomber said:
A few things to watch out for when using a Direct Attach Cable:
1. There is no galvanic isolation, because there is no optical conversion. The devices on both ends of the cable need to be connected to the same ground point, otherwise there will be a ground loop. Ground plane current in a digital system does not show up as a hum or buzz like it does in an analog system, but will negatively impact sound quality from the DAC.
2. Unlike fiber optic cable, copper cable is subject to EMI/RFI. That's why the maximum length is usually specified at 15 meters and preferably no more than 9 meters.
3. The C1-D20 is SFP+. If you connect to a 10Gb device upstream and a 1Gb device downstream. it will not work. A gigabit device cannot decode a 10G datastream. If the devices at both ends are equal, either 1G or 10G, there's no problem.

That is a frustrating article, because he says "I swapped back to the standard optical SFP cable I was previously using", with no indication of which SFP or cable he was using.

I haven't heard a DAC cable in my system, but I suspect the results are the same as most everything in audio. Whether it is better or not will depend on system synergy and personal preference.

Yes, well put! Fortunately, for my purposes, the new C1 moved the needle in the right direction.

MacF · Jun 20, 2024

audiophilac1 said:
@MacF were your finisar SFPs FTLX1475?

Yes, I was using Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL SFP’s. I was pleased my results using fiber, but IMHO, the Melco C1-D20 SFP+ Direct Attach Cable between the Sonora Optical Modules Deluxe adds more soul to the music.

MacF · Jun 20, 2024

MacF said:
Yes, I was using Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL SFP’s. I was pleased my results using fiber, but IMHO, the Melco C1-D20 SFP+ Direct Attach Cable between the Sonora Optical Modules Deluxe adds more soul to the music.

And by soul I mean I can see & hear more deeply into the recording.

Tesuka · Jun 28, 2024

I have been using the Melco SPF+ cable between my Taiko Switch and the Taiko Extreme since yesterday and the sound performance is superlative... Improved sound scene, crystal clear highs and more open bass.A more than recommended investment from my point of view

wil · Jun 28, 2024

Tesuka said:
I have been using the Melco SPF+ cable between my Taiko Switch and the Taiko Extreme since yesterday and the sound performance is superlative... Improved sound scene, crystal clear highs and more open bass.A more than recommended investment from my point of view

Were you using the Taiko supplied DAC cable before switching to the Melco? Is there something special about the Melco DAC cable?

My suspicious mind wants to first know that the Melco is not just an audiophile rebranding of an $11 DAC cable.

Tesuka · Jun 28, 2024

I used to use the SPF cable provided by taiko, but, from my point of view, the Melco cable is clearly better and allows a really very pleasant sound improvement...
As for the manufacturing, you have to refer to the Melco site, which is a recognized brand, and which would not have fun doing cheap rebranding...

C1 - Melco Audio

The Melco C100 Ethernet cable provides the very best quality cabling solution for Melco libraries and other Ethernet audio-enabled devices.

melco-audio.com

wil · Jun 28, 2024

Tesuka said:
I used to use the SPF cable provided by taiko, but, from my point of view, the Melco cable is clearly better and allows a really very pleasant sound improvement...
As for the manufacturing, you have to refer to the Melco site, which is a recognized brand, and which would not have fun doing cheap rebranding...

C1 - Melco Audio

The Melco C100 Ethernet cable provides the very best quality cabling solution for Melco libraries and other Ethernet audio-enabled devices.

melco-audio.com

The Melco site does say it was designed “in house.” I’d just like to hear specifically what is different about it from your typical inexpensive DAC cable — materials, design concept, specs?
Maybe I’ll try it, if it can be returned, to see if I hear anything .

MacF · Jun 29, 2024

wil said:
The Melco site does say it was designed “in house.” I’d just like to hear specifically what is different about it from your typical inexpensive DAC cable — materials, design concept, specs?
Maybe I’ll try it, if it can be returned, to see if I hear anything .

Why not give the C1 a try? Leaves out the step of converting copper to fiber & back to copper because cable itself is copper & silver. It sounds really really nice! Transients are faster & more defined. Bass tighter & more musical. Soundstage is wider, deeper & taller. More space between musicians creating exceptional layering. Very holographic presentation with a beautiful center image. Overall natural & relaxed without sacrificing resolution. In fact, a quieter noise floor allows for even more detail to be revealed. Low level listening is more dynamic. I purchased my Melco C1-D20 Direct Attach from Walter at Underwood HiFi for around $840 including fast shipping. I saw it offered at several other places for $100 more. I’m fairly certain he offers a generous return policy. Call Underwood to verify.

Nils · Jul 8, 2024

wil said:
The Melco site does say it was designed “in house.” I’d just like to hear specifically what is different about it from your typical inexpensive DAC cable — materials, design concept, specs?
Maybe I’ll try it, if it can be returned, to see if I hear anything .

Taiko's original DAC cable is a standard IT cable.

Melco's cable conforms to same spec but can obviously improve on audio rendering - how they achieve this is their IP and they will not disclose that.

I have ordered with 14 day return policy from this site :
https://www.auditorium.de/en/cables...uffalo-c1-d20-spf-direct-attach-network-cable

Hope to perceive an incremental SQ upgrade in my system - will update later.

audiobomber · Jul 8, 2024

UpTone Audio owner Alex Crespi, @Superdad, provided some technical reasons why a properly implemented Direct Access Cable (DAC) may outperform a fiber optic setup:

EtherREGEN: The long development thread. [Some Gen2 dev. pics and update starting on page 92.]

audiophilestyle.com

audiophilac1 · Jul 8, 2024

Nils said:
Taiko's original DAC cable is a standard IT cable.

Melco's cable conforms to same spec but can obviously improve on audio rendering - how they achieve this is their IP and they will not disclose that.

I have ordered with 14 day return policy from this site :
https://www.auditorium.de/en/cables...uffalo-c1-d20-spf-direct-attach-network-cable

Hope to perceive an incremental SQ upgrade in my system - will update later.

do you have other cables for comparison?

audiobomber · Jul 8, 2024

According to UpTone Audio, " we believe that the quality of the dielectric insulation used on the twin-axial wire pairs is the most important performance factor (assuming proper 100-Ohm pairs)."

Melco does not specify which dielectric they are using. These inexpensive Amphenol DAC are recommended over generics, because they use the preferred dielectric.

SFP+ Cables (SFP+ Direct Attach) Cables for Sale | Cables on Demand

SFP+ Cables (Direct Attach Cables) Now On Sale at Amphenol Cables on Demand [CablesOnDemand.com] -- Amphenol 10-Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ Direct Attach Copper Cable Assemblies are available in lengths up to 10m (33ft) everyday. Now available in both SFP+ passive copper and SFP+ active copper...

cablesondemand.com

It would be most interesting to compare an Amphenol DAC vs. the Melco C1 and this new entry from AfterDark, which claims to be a modified Amphenol cable.

Amphenol DAC SFP Cable ADS1 for Audio Grade Network Switch (Group Buy for Audiophilestyle.com)

Amphenol DAC SFP Cable ADS1 for Audio Grade Network Switch (Group Buy for Audiophilestyle.com) The Amphenol DAC SFP cable will improve the perfromance on data transfer. Since signal transfer is so sensitive to vibration on SFP module, vibration countermeasures are most effective to reduce...

www.adark.co

audiophilac1 · Jul 8, 2024

also the qsa-landeri gamma infinity dac cable too

Superdad · Jul 8, 2024

audiophilac1 said:
also the qsa-landeri gamma infinity dac cable too

$4,000 for a $20 with their mystery treatment? Good grief!

engadin · Jul 8, 2024

Amphenol DAC SFP Cable ADS1 for Audio Grade Network Switch (Group Buy for Audiophilestyle.com)

Amphenol DAC SFP Cable ADS1 for Audio Grade Network Switch (Group Buy for Audiophilestyle.com) The Amphenol DAC SFP cable will improve the perfromance on data transfer. Since signal transfer is so sensitive to vibration on SFP module, vibration countermeasures are most effective to reduce...

www.adark.co

As already mentioned by audiobomber, After Dark offers an Amphenol direct attach cable at a very reasonable price, comparable to the normal Amphenol direct attach cable prices.
One of the small pop up windows says SkewClear. A few more audiophile modifications are claimed by Afterdark.
Hmmm.
Interesting, I ordered a few.

Cheers, Ulrich

engadin · Jul 9, 2024

There had been a problem with another Afterdark product:

Fake products from forum sponsor

Bit of a problem here: I purchased an item from forum sponsor Afterdark (a Cisco active optical cable). It turned out to be a fake. It was advertised and badged as a Cisco item (rather than a much cheaper unbranded clone), so no chance of any ‘misunderstanding’. I did get my money back, but the p...

audiophilestyle.com

Probably fake, most probably.

The Afterdark ADS1 doesn’t show the same writing on the cable as the normal Amphenol.
Otoh, AD states 24 awg silver plated ofc copper, which is not the same as normal Amphenol.
This might explain the different writing. Btw, Melco also states 24awg silver plated copper for their dac cable.
I have asked AD whether they have SkewClear in this cable.
No answer up to now.

Hmmm.
Should I worry?

Nils · Jul 9, 2024

audiophilac1 said:
do you have other cables for comparison?

Just the original DAC supplied by Taiko - so I will do A|B between those when I receive the Melco.

Nils · Jul 18, 2024

I've had the MELCO DAC cable in my system for 24h now - I just did a switchback to the Taiko original DAC cable - MELCO DAC cable is a clear SQ upgrade in my system -> it is staying.

This is the Taiko original cable - a standard IT cable retailing at 11$ https://www.fs.com/products/21254.html

The SQ upgrade that the 900€ MELCO cable provide is rather significant, I have a feeling that timing is improved which leads to improved soundstage (mainly depth) and more separation between instruments - very nice!

In terms of balance low-level bass rendering is improved but otherwise 100% neutral.

Improvements I feel are result of improved transfer of information - not non-linear/tone-control cable.

Highly recommended - in my mind should be the standard DAC cable used by Taiko. Ping @Taiko Audio - both Extreme and Olympus would benefit.

Melco C1 SFP+ Direct Attach Cable : the first in audiophile market

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