that’s awesome. Yeah - so I’ve looked into some higher end modified switch and router solutions where they’ve upgraded the caps, clocks, etc. Definitely tempted by that, and the LPS was a way of dabbling into it. From a topology perspective, I ended up going this route partially for simplicity rather than having a separate set of LPSes, power cables, and etc gear for a cable modem, modified router, modified switch, etc.
What was the process to get SOtM to modify all the internals? I’m def curious about a modified modem/router combo.
I do - thank you for the compliments. Jay is one of my best buds and started the site. I’ve been more in the background in the past helping with the 2 channel stereo testing. But I’ve recently gotten more involved in writing my own pieces (Synergistic Ground Block).
I don’t believe you need every switch modem/router in your system to have fancy power supplies. I’m not aware of any vendor who modifies routers.
(1) I would move your router out of the room and just use Ethernet in the wall to connect.
(2) SoTM will modify a Dlink gigabit switch for $180 including shipping, this will include all linear internals and upgraded caps.
(3) Optional - use modified FMC’s from SoTM, these are about $200 I believe for the pair.
By using the FMC’s you negate power supply effects upstream. But for the switch and FMC’s make sure to use linear power supplies. I use Jameco 5V linear wall warts and the sound is phenomenal all with Belden cat6 cabling. Put your best supply on the last component. If you just want to do switch, put it there, if you have FMC’s too, put it on the last FMC. The modified components will reduce the RF contamination in your listening area.
I am growing increasingly suspicious that shielded ethernet is merely adding noise to the delivery chain. Your router is not grounded, so if there is a shield guess where the noise picked up is going… you got it - straight into your DAC. If you run a ground wire separately from switch or router then this is another story but this is not at all common practice and is conveniently not talked about by high end Ethernet cable manufacturers. By using non-shielded Ethernet you prevent (1) contamination from upstream router/switch into your DAC (at least from shield/ground draining into your DAC), (2) don’t introduce a ground loop.
Initial word is that their switches are very legit after some extended break in.
The router needs to be there as that’s where the Spectrum cable comes in - and I really have no functional use for a switch given the location; hence have not moved towards that direction yet.
Good to know about the SoTM switch note. Thanks for sharing your experience with FMCs. I do have the router grounded via the ethernet into the Synergistic Research Active Grounding Block right now.
Your experience may vary but I had extremely bad results when going straight from cable modem/router combo into my ultrarendu. Un-listenable and sounded like there was ultrasonic noise. Usually the cable internet is grounded at a different spot at your location which will result in nasty ground noise effects. The ground block may help but wouldn’t you want to have the noise gone in the first place?
BTW I asked SoTM if they are considering an audiophile FMC and they responded back to me that not planned right now but they will talk to engineering.
Their new switch coming out (price at $700 to $900) has a built in optical port so they are already starting to incorporate optical isolation into their products.
Ted,
How about going fiber optic TP-LINK MC200C that’s powering with a Wyred 4 Sound (4) channel linear low noise power supply. The (2) Ethernet - Fiber - Ethernet connections would be for the router to DS DAC and router to DS CD (I know, just infor; however, better galvanic isolation. I would love to see the P20 have an adjustable 5V-15V (5A), very low noise linear PS output for accessories.
Yes I have heard what bad ground loop sounds like from cable modem router. The cable systems have their own ground often and it can be inevitable. FMCs fixed this for me.
