Affordable ethernet filters

[Republicoftexas69]

I read several reviews which stated that the EE1 emphasized leading egdes causing fatigue.

I am looking for a smooth, fatigue free sound.

Also, iFi makes a more elaborate pro model for $300. Has anyone tried it?

Disagree but that is my system and I am using an optical break.
The iFI pro is an optical break and may work for you but I have a quality optical break in place with the T-S212 and Sonore Optical Module, OCXO clocks.

 

[sbnx]

One can always use multiple filters. The ethernet is so freaking noisy more is better. I was oblivious to just how noisy it was until I started down the rabbit hole.

Here are my LAN setups.

In my front room I have a Router in the Data Closet --> Cheap Switch --> Cat6 Cable --> CAD Ethernet Control connected to the wall. --> 1m Reiki Raku cable --> Aardvark Ultra --> Reiki Master Swtich Pro --> 1.5m Reiki Raku --> CAD Ethernet Control --> Streamer

In my big room I have -- Router in the Data Closet --> 2 Cheap Switches --> Reiki Master Switch Pro --> Shielded ethernet cable --> Reiki Optical Decoupler --> Optical cable --> Reiki Optical Decoupler --> Shielded ethernet cable --> Aardvark --> Silent Angel Switch --> Reiki Raku --> Reiki Master Switch Pro --> Reiki Raku --> CAD Ethernet Control --> Streamer.

Although, this would not fall under the OP of "Affordable". All of this stuff works. If your main consumption of music is via streaming then I would suggest investing as much as you can cleaning up the pre-steamer signal.

 

[SoundMann]

Although, this would not fall under the OP of "Affordable". All of this stuff works. If your main consumption of music is via streaming then I would suggest investing as much as you can cleaning up the pre-steamer signal.

Yah, I don't use streamers or switches, just a direct connection between my router and computer.

 

[tony22]

Only one way to find out.

But… you’re the one who’s tried all the others!

 

[Republicoftexas69]

But… you’re the one who’s tried all the others!

No I own them all but one and use them. The Ifi and as @sbnx posted "The ethernet is so freaking noisy more is better. I was oblivious to just how noisy it was until I started down the rabbit hole."

The Eno 2 would be a step back from the Muon Pro.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Yah, I don't use streamers or switches, just a direct connection between my router and computer.

Using your router and a computer you need it more than you think!

 

[SoundMann]

Using your router and a computer you need it more than you think!

I have long suspected as much. But we will have to see what will prove to be sufficient for my setup.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

I have long suspected as much. But we will have to see what will prove to be sufficient for my setup.

Yes you will, and I hope you find the right combo. That is 1/2 the fun.

 

[SoundMann]

That is 1/2 the fun.

Having more money to try more things would make it even more fun?

Anyway, I have 60 days to try it out. If it fails to be satisfactory, I will try the Stack Audio Smooth LAN.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Review of the Stack SmoothLan. https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/stack-audio-smooth-lan-open-streaming/

 

[SoundMann]

I received the filter, and will create a new thread that follows my observations as it burns in.

 

[OrigTweaker]

The Eno 2 would be a step back from the Muon Pro

That’s what they say; but it’s definitely a step up from the original ENO filter which eno2 just replaced in my system. I rationalize not spending more money for the Pro because 1) my audio-only network segment is already filtered after a quality router by Finisar 1318 transceivers and singlemode fiber into EtherREGEN’s A ports which, in turn, feeds two cascaded switches coupled by Finisar 1475s and 2) the simple eno2 system, with two RJ45 ports on one side, fits nicely in my setup with just the right length of cables into the streamer.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

That’s what they say; but it’s definitely a step up from the original ENO filter which eno2 just replaced in my system. I rationalize not spending more money for the Pro because 1) my audio-only network segment is already filtered after a quality router by Finisar 1318 transceivers and singlemode fiber into EtherREGEN’s A ports which, in turn, feeds two cascaded switches coupled by Finisar 1475s and 2) the simple eno2 system, with two RJ45 ports on one side, fits nicely in my setup with just the right length of cables into the streamer.

Sure okay. Not sure why you quoted me as I have an optical break in place and Muon Pro on the dirty side. It would be a step back for me in my system. Glad it works for you. Cheers.

 

[OrigTweaker]

Not sure why you quoted me

-Just because you were first to mention an Ethernet filter I am familiar with and consider “affordable.” Muon Pro might be twice as much money, which disqualifies the “budget” category for me.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

-Just because you were first to mention an Ethernet filter I am familiar with and consider “affordable.” Muon Pro might be twice as much money, which disqualifies the “budget” category for me.

Whatever.Go back and read the entire thread. Cheers.

 

[treitz3]

Guys, how about presenting your observations, instead of challenging?

There is a plethora of options to get you where you want to go. Just ask how to get there.....

Tom

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Okay.

 

[audiobomber]

My first experience with a LAN filter was this one, made in South Korea:

LNF-C8G : 1Gbps LAN Noise Filter for Network Player | eBay

LNF-C8G : 1000BASE-T LAN Noise Filter for Music Server. High Quality Capacitor(No Acoustic Vibration) : Ultra Low Distortion.

www.ebay.com

The performance graphs at the bottom of the page are interesting. I used it on the end of a 50-foot length of CAT8 cable, from a Netgear switch to my EtherRegen. I could not listen to the system with CAT6 or CAT8 alone once I had heard the filter's effect.

Later, I replaced the long run of ethernet cable with a fiber optic system and moved the filter to the LAN output of my router, feeding a Silent Angel N8. This placed it out of my main listening chain, which was from my NAS to the N8. I was not listening to internet music through the main system.

I decided to get serious about internet music and subscribed to Qobuz, but the sound needed work. I borrowed an iFi Audio LAN iPurifier from a friend, and a Network Acoustics Muon from another friend. Initially I tried the Muon between my EtherRegen and streamer. It compromised the sound by softening transients, and added nothing useful. I relocated it to the router's LAN output, feeding the N8, and it did a great job there. The NAS still sounded slightly better, but I was finally able to listen happily to Qobuz.

In the end, I went with the LAN iPurifier on the router WAN input, and the modified eBay filter (replaced the captive cable with a Furutech LAN 8 NCF) from the router to the N8. In other words, a LAN filter on either side of the router. Bass is a bit loose on the eBay filter, but the highs are just right. The iPurifier has tight bass but the top end is a bit bright and can be sibilant. Combining the two matched the performance of the Muon, for far less money, and that is where I am now.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Interesting little read: https://www.alpha-audio.net/background/hard-evidence-a-network-affects-playback-quality/

 

[SoundMann]

Interesting little read: https://www.alpha-audio.net/background/hard-evidence-a-network-affects-playback-quality/

The difference in both noise and jitter clearly indicates the reason why these type of products sound so clearly different.