I received the Corning SMF28 singlemode Fiber optic cable ($30) earlier, and I replaced it with the Flypro ($9) that I was using before dinner.
So, is there a SQ difference? Yes, Corning beats Flypro easy! There is nothing “added” to the SQ, I just heard clearer and fuller SQ. The tone and timbre accuracy has not changed at all, but everything just sounded better. Okay, it is a small improvement, but it is obvious!
Another pointer for people who are interested in U2, Lumin people told me it needs 200 hours of break in, and some users even heard improvement after many weeks. I have had it for one week and tonight the streaming system just sounds incredible! The combination of U2, FO direct link, and SW-10 switch has brought the SQ to a level that easily matches PST playing SACD (frankly I have not turned-on PST for days, and that has never happened). In fact, I just did not remember PST has produced the SQ level like tonight.
So, I do not care how fiber optic cannot make a difference from whatever reason. In my system there is no question from Corning’s improvement! The thing about hearing cable difference whether it is analog, digital, or fiber optic, once you heard it, you cannot be persuaded otherwise. Long ago nobody believed a wire would make difference is SQ. Overtime audiophiles turned into cable believers because they heard the SQ improvement. I never heard any believer turn back into a non-believer. It is a one-way street!
Sure, for whatever reason some just could not hear the difference from cables and tweaks. Man, I am so happy I can hear every little change in mine. It is so fun!
In a few weeks I will receive the Optoscan transceiver/cable, and I will compare them to Finisar/Corning. I will report.
I’m curious for your comparison in SQ, resolution and soundstage between the PST, the U2 and your previous streamer, but perhaps wel’ll need a little more time until your unit is nicely burned in and you’ve received all F.O. extensions.
Based on your enthusiasm, it’s all promising!
@dchang05 did you notice how much the vocals moved forward/in from the back wall with your U2? I’ve only experienced that realism with my turntable setup before.
I have recorded many Qobuz hi-resolution downloads into DVDs. So, the comparison can be easily made between the two. But I will wait for a week or two to give U2 more time. I also want to try the power cord that came with it to see if it will improve SQ more.
The external SSD (Samsung T7) continues to be the weak link. Based on TMR recommendation, I ordered a Nordost Frey 2 USB instead of AQ Diamond. I need a C to A connector and not many companies make these, and Nick thinks I will like Nordost better in my application. It is interesting to know he thinks I will hear improvement from a little SSD. I will find out how much SQ difference it can provide.
After I added the M-1 fuse, the soundstage flattened. But this is normal for it during break-in. I will also wait for at least one more week to compare it with PST.
Edit: U2 gives a more solidified vocal with an excellent focus I have to say. But I need to compare the same recordings from both, and that will come later.
I heard similar changes going from copper ethernet to just optical multimode LC to LC fiber. Just ordered a 15m single mode corning cable and I’ll lay it side by side to the multimode to my streamer so I can A-B.
I have no doubt I will hear a difference, but at some point, everyone will need to draw a line. I thought I drew my line couple updrades and tweaks ago, so let’s see what happens this time. LOL
There are concerns with short runs of single mode fiber burning up the spf module, we’ll see how it goes. I’ve never seen that happen but word is single mode is only suppose to be used when the distance is in miles. We might need an attenuator to avoid the spf module getting damaged over time.
That is interesting to know. I probably should order a longer one. But how long is long? Will 2M be better than 1M? Or I should order even a longer one.
BTW, did you consider the Lumin L2? This might solve the fiber conversion/connection and the SSD storage issue you’re experiencing. That might be the next step for me, although a bit pricier than the regular straightforward conversion/connection solutions. And, as been mentioned around here: another box to fit in in the rig…
The Finisar1318 is rated for 10km. I think for single mode transceivers, this is the lowest power rating avaible. I’m just gonna run my multimode modules with the single mode fiber and see what happens.
My Finisar 1318s (two pairs) are nearly 2.5 years old with daily use and I bought them used from an IT company back then. I don’t think burning out is a real concern. I have monitored them from time to time and the voltage is not any higher than MM SFP modules. And the temps feel about the same as well.
I should add that I own some attenuators but never found a need or reason to use them. If you’re concerned about some expensive transceivers, you can always add in some attenuators. No clue how or if they’d affect SQ though. Just make sure you buy the correct ones for your connectors. They’ll look something like these: https://www.fs.com/products/11819.html
The L2 looks like a great product, but for me it will be only for library storage. The LHY SW-10 has a fiber optic output that works well with U2 already. But who knows.
If I am getting another gear, then I also need to upgrade P15 to P20 or get a Puritan 156.
If Nordost c/a USB cable provides enough SQ improvement for my SSD, then I am all good. It should come within 10 days.
I would guess chances are they have adverse effects to sound quality, if we have to use them in order to go single mode, it might defeat the purpose of the entire excersice/experiment.
That Finisar module is overkill. It is rated as LR for 10km. It is also iTemp meaning it works from -40C to 85C external temps and is used for hardened facilities without cooling or heating, like cell-site routers outdoors. At least when cell backhaul was 1Gbps or less.
Let’s see how long these modules will last. I might just order a longer one to compare.