One step forward: ER +lpsu

I think an implementation of a fiber connection between the HiFi and the rest of the house network should be better - it was just not happening right with the ‘in-box’ ER module…and others posted back when I tried it and got my mixed results that there were far better Optical Modules that were audibly superior. That is then a direction I will at some point explore.

I think I did hear the Optical do some good things, but also some poor things - I have never been an ‘all better or all worse’ person with HiFi stuff - I find there are blends of strengths and weaknesses in the implementations and you either have to spend a lot to flush all that out or carefully select and match to achieve satisfaction.

Since I also found the PS on the ER matters - and probably more than the Optical mode for the musical SQ aspects I enjoy, then I will bottom-out that first and then re-try Optical and then ‘better Optical’.

But there are what are at first subliminal musical things that I know when they are there are making a positive difference - then when they get removed I can hear it and eventually I become conscious of what was there and can - at least for myself - intellectually grasp and attempt to describe what is happening.

So it is a process where I never accept anything unless it ‘works’ - then I tend to puzzle-out first ‘how’ so I can repeat it, then ‘why’ so I may perhaps do it better.

The HiFi is for me a means to an end that has to communicate music to me and refresh life for me - I know when it is better or worse and the hobby-aspect of all this is to get improvements - then stop and appreciate what you have attained. It is otherwise easy to go onto loops of dissatisfaction after making what seemed an ‘upgrade’ that really may not have been and then chase things elsewhere for something that is irritation you. This may please the Dealer, but I’ve done enough of that in my youth and hopefully learned a better approach.

…Optical later - for me! :bear:

DB.

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There is some recent discussion on the Uptone sponsored site for ER about harshness when using fibre and utilising optical attenuators to overcome the problem. May be of interest to you, way over my head.

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Interesting thoughts DB.
And I share your approche.
Things are always I tad more complicated than they appear to be.
Clear-cut opinions never really help.

There is an alternative to the ER for fiber connections.

Sonore just released the Optical Module Deluxe.

This new version of there standard Optical Module is now 100/1000 and therefore compatible with the ND555.

Probably an interesting option to consider.

I’ll check that. Thanks.

Interesting that harshness some did experiment.

I perceived quite the opposite.

Those differences might be hardware related. Using fiber connection is not as straightforward as twisted pairs might be.

Some use dual mode, others go for single mode (which is surprising. Single mode is for really very long distances, up to 40Km) and add attenuators.

I guess the new Sonore Optical Module Deluxe (dual mode) might be an interesting alternative to the ER.

There was a sfp module that was put forward as not needing attenuators…it was being discussed on page 50.

There is no need to use an attenuator with dual mode fiber. I therefore suppose they use single mode.

Wasn’t able to find the forum you mentioned. Do you mind copy/pasting a sentence from page 50 of that forum. I’ll then easily google for it. Thanks :slight_smile:

Hi Thomas, a paste of a few paragraphs
I think I remember reading in one of the OpticalRendu threads, that John said something about implementing improvements to the way SFP noise was handled (in the OpticalRendu). Its a vague memory and it might have even been before the etherRegen was released so it may already be in the etherRegen.

In rereading some of the older posts about optical connections there were quite a few people saying that the sound was a little harsh until they added optical attenuators. However people also reported that the PlanetTech SFP didn’t need them.

I have been talking to an optical networking guy, who does solely optical networking for a living and he had this to say. He said that these days to make things simpler parts wise they only do single mode installations even for short runs, and use attenuators. He uses a meter to take readings then calculates which value attenuator to use. For 20km strength and greater they always use attenuators. In the absence of a signal strength reading he can also do calculations from the spec sheet to give a really rough approximate of what attenuator to use. For the PlanetTech he said that you probably wouldnt get into a situation where you could burn the receivers out but still recommended a 5db attenuator as a starting point.

Maybe this is it? I know someone - was it you kennyb123?, mentioned that attenuators on the PlanetTech dulled the sound. Do you still feel this way? have you revisited attenuators? And could dulling actually be the removal of artificial ‘sharpness’?

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Thanks Gazza, found the thread.

The only reason I see to use single mode fiber for short distances is bandwidth, which could make sense in a high load context.

For audio, we are fine with 100 Mbits. So dual mode fiber is more than sufficient.

As I understand/read it, there are both positive and negative experiences with ER+Fiber (either single and dual mode).

This is probably due to the variety/quality of the hardware used, and perhaps the way it’s used. And taste, of course, which is what matters.

Glad you found the thread…the detail is lost on me.

To be honest, me to :joy:

The part of the thread I read sounds like a witch brew experiment :laughing:

Some of the guys seem to pick haphazardly SFP modules and single/dual mode fiber based on tech friends who use it in a totally different context. I suppose there is some fun experimenting new toys.

I wouldn’t take those comments to seriously.

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I came across this interesting alternative to both the EtherRegen and the Sonore Optical Module.

The YellowBrik OET 1510 from LYNXTechnik.

LYNXTechnik is a german company specialised in high quality products for professional audio-video broadcast.

Interesting. Cannot see indication of cost after quick search online. Any idea? Would you use single mode or multi mode variant…?

Around $630 last time I checked.
Multi Mode, for short lengths.

Ok - ta. So, fairly expensive then if a pair (plus linear PS) is needed go to between, say a Cisco switch and a Naim streamer…

You just need one :

[Cisco]----[YellowBrik]----NDxxx

Same price as the EtherRegen.
It’s an alternative, but not a cheaper one.

Hi @Darkebear ,

The following setup could be a way to use a fiber connection while avoiding using the ER’s SFP slot.

[Cisco]–(fiber)–[Sonore OM]–(copper)–[ER]–(copper)–[ND555]

All copper for the ER, and fiber isolating the audio part of the network.

ATB, Tom

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Yes - that is probably the sort of thing I will do ahead at some point.

Want to keep the ER box ‘quiet’ so having just one ‘in-out’ feed using Ethernet keeps it potentially quietest - and then a now-noise good LPS.
Fewer ports used on the ER lowers the power required and possibly any noise - it certainly runs a bit cooler.

DB.

My ER runs really hot and I only use the SFP port.

I might try this, I have a Sonore Optical Module (don’t use it).

I could try this :

  • Sonore OM + UltraCap LPS-1.2
  • UpTone ER + ???

I still need an additional LPS for the ER.
But is has to be a small, my network cabinet is getting crowded.
Don’t know which one to choose…

You could get a pair of Sonore opticalModules for that price. Many of us know those sound good; no idea about this - it seems more aimed at industry which has different needs than audio.

I prefer my Finisair single mode SFP’s over the TP-Link multimodes I was using. Just be sure if using single mode to get the shorter range (LX) models so no attenuators needed. Also, pretty much any SFP you want can be found used so saving you lost of $. I have a different pair of Finsiar’s coming to try - cost me all of $30 for the pair (retail I believe is/was $75 or more each).

That product has been designed for long distances audio-video transmission.

Indeed, it’s pricey. But usually highly reliable network devices are expensive.

I chose Swiss-GBIC SFP modules. It’s a well established company in Switzerland that provides a large choice of SFP modules, especially those compatible with CISCO devices.

I wonder why you use single-mode over multi-mode connections. Single-mode are usually used for very long distances and/or for its large bandwidth capability.

Using single-mode involves using attenuators or SFP modules that can handle short runs of fibre.

At some point, I’ll probably try the following setup :

[Cisco]–(fiber )–[Sonore OM ]–(copper )–[ER ]–(copper )–[ND555]

But I need an additional LPS (I already have the Sonore OM)