And then it might depend on the DAC/streamer it is used with, the rest of the network, and the listener’s preference…!
The goal of those devices is to somewhat lower the noise floor. So, not sure about the listener’s preference, unless the listener enjoys noise - which sometimes is the case, just like with room related distortion.
In this video Hans Beekhuyzen reviews the ER and compares it with other switches. Not sure it includes the EE. This might be of some interest to you.
Yes iirc Hans rates the ER as extremely good VFM, beating more expensive switches.
And beating the cheaper Bonn Silent Angel.
Have you tried the following setup:
[Cat.2960] ----- Fiber ---- [ER]----[ND555]
Would make much sense then using ethernet cables.
The ER would then be isolated from the rest of the network while benefiting from the IGMP Snooping provided by the Cat.
You’re nagging about this @Innocent_Bystander ,.and in theory you’re probably right.
BUT,.in practice…
Think of all the hundreds and thousands who have installed a Cisco 2960 in their music-systems.
Only on this forum,.is a predominantly large part positive after installing a Cisco 2960.
AND,.I personally have installed Over a Hundred Cisco 2960 in various music-systems,.and in different environments over the last two years.
Only in one system was the owner unsure if he experienced any improvement or not.
He was 27 years old,.this was his first music-system.
And it was a simpler system.
• Naim Unitiqute 2.
• Linn 109 speaker.
• Linn Kan-stand.
• Naim Naca5,.6m.
• Audioquest Vodka 0,75m.
• Dedicated mains.
• Cisco 2960.
• Vulkan wall-shelf.
I,.who installed the system heard the difference,but at the time he was unsure.
So,.as usual,theory and practice may differ in this interest.
/Peder🙂
The Sonore Optical Module being out of the game due to its incompatibility with Naim’s streamers network interface, here is another challenger.
An expensive one!
But not an “audiophile” one
In combination with a Cisco Catalyst 2960 or 3560 it could be an efficient and reliable alternative to the EE, ER, SotM, etc. switches.
Does that covert both ways?
Copper Ethernet to fibre And vice versa?
And do you need it to do both?
If not, then perhaps find one that does just fibre to copper?
I think I’ll have to try this quite soon.
What is a good length of fibre?
Say 2 or 3M?
It does the exact same job done by the Sonore Optical Module: fiber to copper. It’s an Ethernet to Fiber Transceiver.
It’s intended to be used in audio/video context where high reliability is needed. It’s quite expensive ~640 euros.
There is no such thing as directionality in Ethernet comms. Data always flows in both directions.
I didn’t hear much difference with my Cisco’s when I put them in either Then no switch has made any noticeable difference to me. But then I really don’t listen for noise just music so perhaps this is why. They have been out many months now as swapped for Unifi ones for reasons other than audio and no change no regrets.
I notice the SFPs are rather expensive too. Perhaps another used Catalyst would make a more economical media converter.
Lower the noise floor of the audio, or lower the electrical (typically RF) noise getting into the DAC and modulating the signal in some way?
Different switches may reduce the electrical noise compared to other switches ches, or modify it in different ways, may or may not have any effect on the audio noise floor, but may have other effects such as, but not limited to, a perceived brightening of the sound, or veiling of the sound - and some people may prefer the effect with a certain level or frequency range of noise present, or removed. E.g. with the perceived brightness that apparently RF ground plane modulation can cause with at least some DACs, preventing the modulation (i.e. improving accuracy) and so removing the ‘brightness’ may be perceived by one person as an improvement, and by another as a negative effect.
Fibre has pros and cons and I have more than enough boxes in the system. In addition, removing the Cisco improves the sound quality with the EtherRegen. My system is probably too simple to benefit from any of the potential advantages of IGMP snooping.
And I have said nothing that suggests the Cisco will not sound better than Switch X, Y or Z in any given system, theoretically or otherwise - but maybe when people start comparing Cisco with Switch U, V or W (or switch ER vs Ee as per the subject of this thread) some will find one way and some the other.
All I was suggesting is indeed trying for oneself is the only way of being certain, given specifics of network, electrical environment, streamer/DAC, system and ears, while in reporting observed effects identifying the components would help readers to make reasoned judgements as to what it may be worth their time comparing, given that in reality many people may not have time, or even care to, keep comparing things themselves, there seemingly being a continual stream of new switches and cables being named as beneficial.
So does your router not get general use for the whole house as well as your hifi?
Clearly not enough for the Cisco to have anything other than a negative effect. The Ethernet connections are only for my work Mac, the Roon Nucleus and ND555, while there are never more than 3 Macs/iPads/phones connected wirelessly.
On my first and only test of it I also found the system sounded better with the router connected directly to the ER.
Anyway I’d like to test a Cisco - fibre - ER combination… if it ever gets to the top of my workstack.
Just noticed the etherregen price has been slightly reduced, from £675 down to £640. Presumably on the back of the improved pound versus the dollar😁