Hello, I’m seeing various references on changing SFP cage to single mode to get better performance. What is the latest recommendation and also which exact model tp purchase (can u add a link please?)
My setup Switch → ER (side-b) → ER (side A, optical) → Sonore SE
Should I change SFP on both ER and SE?
There is some positive feedback about this setup.
So my new chain will be:
ethernet switch → ER (side-B) → ER (side-A) → ClayX Constellation SFP + cisco active cable → Sonore SE
I agree with most of what you said, @stevensegal. I mean I’d be stupid to argue with a Martial Arts expert! To the OP, I never understood the reasoning with going from MMF fiber to SM fiber for an audio streamer. I did not discount the methodology without trying first, though my findings showed zero change to SQ. So I went back to MMF and moved my single-mode setup (SFP modules and cable) to my LG OLED TV. I also don’t understand the reasoning behind SFP+ modules vs (1G) SFP modules. The entire network is 1G anyway, so how could placing a small run of 10G improve anything when the entire network, connections (streamer’s/router’s/switch’s RJ45 jacks), cabling, etc all max out at 1G? But again, I don’t dispute other’s findings based on my (minimal) knowledge, so I did buy a pair of SFP+ modules and gave them a shot. I witnessed no change in SQ, so I returned them. I didn’t post this in an effort to discredit you (maybe it was my system or ME that was the issue), I wanted to post this for anyone who may stumble across this in the future to experiment for yourselves and make sure you can return whatever you are trying out. That way, you aren’t out anything but a little time and freight.
And by the way, I have zero regrets in switching my LAN from copper to fiber. Absolutely love it.
Quite a bit of the advice I got from network engineers when I bought my Ubiquiti access point system. There is also a lot online, of course.
The audiophile’s temptation is when something newer or more expensive comes out, it must be better, but the fact that in the last 15 years the world has gone online means fast data transmission is super-critical. Which is great, but irrelevant for audio. I’m told that only people doing serious gaming need faster than CAT6a cable.
I read that SFP+ were designed for very fast transmission between data centre servers and switches in very close proximity. Just irrelevant for audio. I got a very reasonable Netgear PoE switch with 2xSFP. Cost £120, about $150.
In my system I can certainly feel the difference between stock SFP and what I got from Afterdark. Maybe they just resold Cisco SPF but when I searched for the model in US, I found the price was 50$ less than Afterdark but I was not sure buying from a no name website (since Amazon did not have it) hence I went with Afterdark who had lot of good reviews.
The difference between copper and fiber is not just about speed.
My understanding is that unshielded copper is sensitive to interference from bluetooth, transformers, RF, microwaves, etc. while shielded copper may introduce ground loops.
None of these issues affect fiber so I personally prefer fiber for this reason.
My modem comes in the house and there is a 5m cable to an IT cupboard with quite a lot of power cables running around, so I use a shielded cable (CAT7 or CAT8, can’t remember). There is them a 25m fibre optic from the switch (a Netgear PoE with 2 x SFP) to the audio system, which involves a 1m CAT 6a unshielded cable from the media converter to my server because there is unlikely to be much electrical noise around there an 1m is not exactly a long cable.
My electrician told me that as long as you run copper ethernet 30cm away from power lines, there’s nothing to worry about.
My next audio adventure is to try reclocking with an Innuos Phoenix Net. Just have to arrange a loan. Already with a Zen Mk3, looking at a component upgrade to Zenith Mk3, they advised that Zen Mk3 + Phoenix Net is a much better route.
I was discussing it yesterday with the UK/Ireland sales manager and he said there are different ways of wiring it. Basically, use it as a switch, not an in-line reclocker, like this, I think.
