Thread: EtherRegen network switch

Anyone using one of these with your Lumin? How much SQ improvements (if any) did you hear?

Originally Posted by ozzy

Yes, I am using one.
Along with the AfterDark clock and power supply. With all, it seems to be quite an improvement. Biggest surprise was running the fiber to the Lumin, big sound quality upgrade.

ozzy

Ozzy,
Would you think there would be noticeable improvement with the T2?

If you decide to get one, please note two things:
1. The recommended connection is router -> side B - EtherREGEN - side A -> Lumin T2 / X1 / U1 (MINI)
2. Please use unshielded CAT-6 cable

A number of Lumin users reported they are using it. As for SQ, I don't have any comment as I've never heard it. We do not endorse third party accessories anyway.

Originally Posted by wklie

If you decide to get one, please note two things:
1. The recommended connection is router -> side B - EtherREGEN - side A -> Lumin T2 / X1 / U1 (MINI)
2. Please use unshielded CAT-6 cable

A number of Lumin users reported they are using it. As for SQ, I don't have any comment as I've never heard it. We do not endorse third party accessories anyway.

Thanks for the advise Peter. I am using a Shunyata Sigma Ethernet cable, which I think is a Cat6, but I think is shielded? Hopefully someone on here can guide me.

I think I will stay with the hard-drive directly connected to my X1. Sounds great, and much less complicated, and much less expensive, than a network connection. The only function of the network for me is to control the X1. That works fine with basic Ethernet hardware.

However, it just occurred to me that this might be a streaming discussion, and I have never tried that.

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Don't worry about it. I've used Shunyata Venom, Alpha, Sigma and Omega Ethernet cables with my EtherREGEN, and they're all superb within their respective price classes, and outperform all the other Ethernet cables I tested them against (including AQ, WW, Belden, Supra, etc.)

Peter's comment about using unshielded Ethernet is, based, I think, on the fact that shielded Ethernet cables where the shields are connected at both ends can carry high-source leakage impedance current generated by SMPS down the shield. This leakage current can cause increased threshold jitter and phase noise, and the impact of this is audible. Moreover, Ethernet cables are also particularly susceptible to "common mode" noise*, and the CMode filter on Shunyata Alpha level and above Ethernet cables ameliorate this noise factor.

You don't need to worry about these factors with Shunyata Ethernet cables.

* – Common-mode noise: Differential (Normal) Mode Noise and Common Mode Noise－Causes and Measures

Thank you Puma Cat. I do primarily steaming and use a mesh network as my router is upstairs. I assume the EtherRegen will give improvements in this scenario as well.

Originally Posted by BlueFox

I think I will stay with the hard-drive directly connected to my X1. Sounds great, and much less complicated, and much less expensive, than a network connection. The only function of the network for me is to control the X1. That works fine with basic Ethernet hardware.

However, it just occurred to me that this might be a streaming discussion, and I have never tried that.

If you ever decide to move to NAS to store and play your local music it might also apply

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

...Peter's comment about using unshielded Ethernet is, based, I think, on the fact that shielded Ethernet cables where the shields are connected at both ends can carry high-source leakage impedance current generated by SMPS down the shield.

Doesn't Uptone Audio also recommend unshielded Ethernet cable into the EtherRegen (A-side)? It's in my manual, although there are also the qualifiers you describe.

Originally Posted by rbbert

Doesn't Uptone Audio also recommend unshielded Ethernet cable into the EtherRegen (A-side)? It's in my manual, although there are also the qualifiers you describe.

Using unshielded network cables solved a few user cases of abnormal network behavior when using EtherREGEN. This is not to say that using shielded network cable must cause a problem - most of the time they work.

I have tested EtherRegen with multiple DACs and it has always been an improvement in my system.

I use EtherRegen to connect DACs to my home network, both to play music from my NAS drive and all streaming (Tidal).

Never had any problem with generic Cat.7 and Cat.8 cables (both shielded), although settled on an optical Ethernet from the router to EtherRegen (with TP-Link transmiter) and wired Ethernet from the EtherRegen to whatever DAC I'm using.

Originally Posted by wklie

If you decide to get one, please note two things:
1. The recommended connection is router -> side B - EtherREGEN - side A -> Lumin T2 / X1 / U1 (MINI)
2. Please use unshielded CAT-6 cable

A number of Lumin users reported they are using it. As for SQ, I don't have any comment as I've never heard it. We do not endorse third party accessories anyway.

Peter, are your saying I connect the Ethernet from the router to side B, and the Lumin to side A? I thought I read somewhere that I should connect the Lumin to side B.

router -> side B - EtherREGEN - side A -> Lumin T2 / X1 / U1 (MINI) / M1

router -> side A - EtherREGEN - side B -> Lumin S1 / A1 / T1 / D1

Originally Posted by wklie

router -> side B - EtherREGEN - side A -> Lumin T2 / X1 / U1 (MINI) / M1

router -> side A - EtherREGEN - side B -> Lumin S1 / A1 / T1 / D1

I am curious why there is a different connection route with the different Lumin models.

Originally Posted by Audiofan57

I am curious why there is a different connection route with the different Lumin models.

Minimize the chance of abnormal network behavior.

Originally Posted by further

I have found shielded ethernet cable, Audio Sensibility, does not work on A side of etherREGEN

This is an example of post #17.

Originally Posted by wklie

This is an example of post #17.

I ended up purchasing an EtherRegen. I use Shunyata Ethernet cables. Wow. What a difference!

Originally Posted by Audiofan57

I ended up purchasing an EtherRegen. I use Shunyata Ethernet cables. Wow. What a difference!

Can you break that observation down into EtherRegen with vanilla LAN cable, and no EtherRegen and Shunyata cable? Which alone brings the best improvement?

Originally Posted by brodricj

Can you break that observation down into EtherRegen with vanilla LAN cable, and no EtherRegen and Shunyata cable? Which alone brings the best improvement?

I am not sure I understand your question, but I would say if I was only going to make one improvement, I would get the EtherRegen switch. I noticed very subtle improvements when I added the Shunyata sigma v2 cable, but noticed much better bass, treble and soundstage with the EtherRegen.

Which side of EtherREGEN did you use to connect to the T2? Side A or B?

Originally Posted by wklie

Which side of EtherREGEN did you use to connect to the T2? Side A or B?

Side B. Seems to be working fine.

Originally Posted by Audiofan57

I am not sure I understand your question...

Question answered, thanks. I was contemplating buying an EtherRegen and clocking it with my Esoteric master clock generator but I've read a few owner reports of reliability issues, and shady warranty repairs. Instead of the EtherRegen my other option for about the same money is to buy a 10m Shunyata Alpha to connect the end point to the router.

Originally Posted by brodricj

Question answered, thanks. I was contemplating buying an EtherRegen and clocking it with my Esoteric master clock generator but I've read a few owner reports of reliability issues, and shady warranty repairs. Instead of the EtherRegen my other option for about the same money is to buy a 10m Shunyata Alpha to connect the end point to the router.

Both good options. I have not had any reliability issues with the EtherRegen thus far.