This does help. I have been thinking of getting the N+ as I am a lifetime subsriber to Roon and love the interface. I did not think of using the N+ as the endoint becuase I had it in my head as just a server using ethernet to a renderer. Not a fan of USB but it sounds like the Matrix conversion two step wiht the NP is a good play. . Long term it looks like I will be getting the N+ when my Prodigy Server starts getting antiquated. (It is three years old and once my Roon Library gets pretty big I think I will need the N+).
I ordered the GigaFoil today and will place it right in front of the Bridge. When I inevitably get the N+ will put the GigaFoil in front of the N+. Thanks again for sharing all your ideas.
@minnesotafats - there are 5,000 ways to skin a cat and N+ is just one way… since I am a very stupid person, I decided to work the N+ as my 1st server… It took 5 min to set it up and each time I try something different… takes a minute to reconfigure… The surprise was the SQ, that’s what the surprise was. Also, you don’t really need the N+ if you are not doing a lot of filtering (convolution, parametric) and auto volume leveling. If I had it to do over I would have got a Nucleus… wait… take it back. Like when I showed up on the Chevy lot looking at the new 2019 Vette in JAN, 2019… saw the Z06 and went WTF is that Vette, looks like it belongs on a track, please sell me that car…
Also, the Giga FOIL is easily returnable. If you don’t hear better, tell the group thinkers on the forum your results and return it to the manufacturer. Your uniqueness will be added to the collective…
I have a 5,000 album local library (4TB Samsung EVO SSD) inside the N+ and that is nothing for the N+ to handle. 350K tracks are no big deal according to some. I also have (2) Samsung T5 (2TB) USB SSDs, just in case things get a little crowded in the N+. One of the USB outputs is for the Matrix and the other is for future T5 USB SSD. There are a few camps on the USB cable length and also how you connect (USB) the server to the Matrix. I’m in the short as possible “data only” cable camp of the forum collective. In addition, I use the Sbooster w/ Ultra LPS for the Matrix external power (5.15V). Some use the server power and others use different external power for Matrix. All good, no science needed, you buy an LPS and try it and if it sux, ship it back and get a new idea from the collective.
I’ve been using a Cisco Catalyst 2960 ($25 on eBay) based on Alex of Upton’s recommendation a few months back. It made a similar level of improvement as the Matrix did with my DS. He says the EtherRegen will enhance this improvement a number of times. I tend to believe him - he’s usually right.
I had a 2960 as well but it raised all sorts of problems connecting a new server. The solution was to get rid of it an get a dumb switch. I was stunned at the overall improvement was on getting rid of the 2960. Here I thought I was doing swell… Your situation may be very different than mine though.
Just had to wipe out the old config and set to auto 100mb full and all was well. Sonically it destroys any “dumb” switch" I’ve used with audio servers.
I probably should of said “I can’t argue”.
(That is about what I paid as well)
(I just couldn’t get the software to do what you did, make me happy and say it’s just button presses.)
I went with the 2960si 8 port 100mb switch based on Alex’s recommendation on the Uptone forums. Its an older discontinued switch with a built in PS. At the time it was around $25 on ebay.
And I just got my order in on Uptone EtherRegen´s launch. Now to sit tight and wait for it´s shipping date november 15th or so…
I have a fuzzy feeling that it will be bye bye Aqvox…as much as I like it though
234,000 Glastonbury tickets were sold out yesterday in 34 minutes, my son was one of the lucky ones as 2.4 million pre-registered (been every year since he was 15) and it’s less than half the price (£270) of an EtherRegen (£660). So now there are at least 234,155 happy people in the world.
Okay I probably shouldn’t share this but about 25 minutes before the time the etherregen went on sale today, my GF decided to get frisky. At an inopertune time I had to grab my phone and place my order. I believe I got my credit card info in the 6 minutes so hopefully I’m in the first batch.
Talk about aural priorities!!! I’m hoping this switch provides a nice upgrade in sonics. I have a passive medical isolator and like the subtle improvement. I wish I could afford the new PS server when released, but I figured etherregen is a good stop gap.
For those who got in on the EtherRegen today, I’d like to ask two questions
What switch/isolator are you currently using?
If the EtherRegen doesn’t perform to your expectations, what would you try next?
My answers
The often recommended Cisco 2960.
Probably nothing. I’ll keep the Cisco but don’t see myself venturing further into Audiophile network gear, especially at a higher price. I’m skeptical as it is and I can’t imagine a more thoughtful approach than Uptone’s. I won’t wonder if I’m missing out on anything with an SoTM, AVOX or GigaFOIL.
