Lumin X1 Fiber Optic Network Discussions

Ok, so It's inside the X1 - It doesn't have to be purchased like the fiber cable and the converter.
 
Ok, so It's inside the X1 - It doesn't have to be purchased like the fiber cable and the converter.

The SFP module is to be plugged into the X1, which only has an SFP socket (not a module). It's likely that the user will need to purchase a SFP module and plug it into the X1. It's unlikely that X1 will bundle with a SFP module because the choices of SFP need to be considered with the rest of the optical network for compatibility.
 
We've created a diagram which should hopefully make some of the options clearer.

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I hadn't paid attention to fiber connections until the Lumin X1 was announced and posted about, here at Audioshark.

On that second link, for the SFP module, there are a number of choices that look like they have the same output connector. Are all of these compatible, and just different specs, or is there only one (or more) that is compatible and should be chosen if one were going to implement its use with the Lumin X1?
 
On that second link, for the SFP module, there are a number of choices that look like they have the same output connector. Are all of these compatible, and just different specs, or is there only one (or more) that is compatible and should be chosen if one were going to implement its use with the Lumin X1?

I would not say that all will be compatible, but so far the few ones we tested for X1 work. There are different wavelength spec of SFP. If you buy a pair of SFP in an optical switch configuration, it makes sense to buy a pair of the same SFP module. We will test more SFP and post them here, and in the future X1 users may also share their findings.

Tested so far:

Single-mode SFP:
- TP-Link TL-SM311LS (compatible with TP-Link MC210CS)

Multi-mode SFP:
- 10Gtek GLC-SX-MMD SFP-SX 850nm
- TP-Link TL-SM311LM (mentioned before but is just retested)

The two multi-mode SFP are compatible with each other in an optical switch configuration, both are compatible with TP-Link MC200CM in a FMC configuration.

We found that:
- The SFP module has to be inserted fully into the SFP slot of X1 otherwise it would not work. This tricked a beta tester and our staff.
- Note that the orientation of the SFP slot in X1 is up-side down compared to typical optical switches, so that lever of the SFP module should face downwards. This is easier because otherwise there is not enough space to insert a finger between the top of the X1 chassis and the SFP lever, when it is necessary to pull out the SFP using the lever.
- The two connectors in a SC duplex fiber cable may not be labelled, so it is possible the TX and RX fiber to be inserted into the wrong slot of the FMC. Check the LINK LED on the FMC.
 
At work we use fs.com for media converters, SFPs, and fiber jumpers. The cost is cheaper than what you might find off Amazon, etc. I have not used these with Lumin of course, but we have good luck in an ISP environment.

$23 - MC that supports 10/100/1000 copper and standard (dual fiber) and BiDi (single fiber) SFPs:
https://www.fs.com/products/35333.html

$11 - Standard single mode SFP:
https://www.fs.com/products/29848.html

$9/$12 - BiDi single mode SFPs:
https://www.fs.com/products/29894.html
https://www.fs.com/products/29895.html

Fiber jumpers are around a few dollars each, depending on length. Just make sure you order with LC connector (single or dual) with UPC polish (blue connector). A 2mm thick jacket is good.

Note - For the BiDi SFPs it runs two wavelengths over the same strand of fiber, one for Tx and one for Rx. Therefore, you need to order in reverse pairs such as 1310/1490nm and 1490/1310nm

Based on your suggestion we ordered some SFP from fs.com for compatibility testing:

multi-mode 1000BASE-SX 850nm 550m Cisco-compatible:
https://www.fs.com/products/22138.html

multi-mode 1000BASE-SX 850nm 550m D-Link-compatible:
https://www.fs.com/products/15234.html

single-mode 1000BASE-LX 1310nm 10km Intel-compatible:
https://www.fs.com/products/15464.html

single-mode 1000BASE-ZX 1550nm 80km Cisco-compatible:
https://www.fs.com/products/22140.html

We bought several types of SFP (in pairs) including: SX 850nm 550m, LX 1310nm 10km, ZX 1550nm 80km. All pairs work normally in Lumin X1 with our optical switch.

Even the SFP for 1000Mbps copper Ethernet RJ45 port work in Lumin X1 too. So people who prefer to have two copper Ethernet ports on X1 can use that. However, 100Mbps Ethernet does not work in the SFP.

Copper RJ45 10000BASE-T Cisco-compatible:
https://www.fs.com/products/11773.html
 
Since we shipped some Lumin X1 Black, I'd like to give an update on the optical network stuff.

In order to answer questions about choice of optical network switch from dealers and for review purpose, at this point we're looking at Cisco SG112-24 Compact 24-port switch (USD119) as a potential candidate considering the brand, availability, price, and subjective listening results. We have received a preliminary positive report from a dealer, but are still waiting for the switch to arrive to do our own testing. While most unmanaged switches will work with Lumin app, when it comes to Roon further testing is required (especially for this particular brand).

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833422828

https://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Sg112-24-Compact-24-port-Switch/dp/B00Z1N2ON2
 
Since we shipped some Lumin X1 Black, I'd like to give an update on the optical network stuff.

In order to answer questions about choice of optical network switch from dealers and for review purpose, at this point we're looking at Cisco SG112-24 Compact 24-port switch (USD119) as a potential candidate considering the brand, availability, price, and subjective listening results. We have received a preliminary positive report from a dealer, but are still waiting for the switch to arrive to do our own testing. While most unmanaged switches will work with Lumin app, when it comes to Roon further testing is required (especially for this particular brand).

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833422828

https://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Sg112-24-Compact-24-port-Switch/dp/B00Z1N2ON2

Good to learn of another option and look forward to the results of your tests.

On another note, the Cisco WS-C2960-8TC-L (EOL though) was all the rave on the Linn / Naim forums.

It's interesting that the reportedly better sounding Cisco switches are EOL items or expensive when new.
 
If Lumin X1 reports network error when you use optical fiber, the #1 cause is the SFP not properly inserted into the X1.

This photo from a customer shows the correct orientation on the X1:
luminx1-06.jpg


Note that the orientation is very likely to be different from the optical network switch side:
DSC01337.jpg


The reason for the opposite orientation is because Lumin X1 / S1 / A1 / T1 have their circuit boards mounted upside down. This helps with the use of really heavy interconnects, which can physically pull the connectors away from the board.
 
I have wondered a little why the USB connectors on the S1 are upside down compared to every other USB port I use. Thanks.
 
It has been brought to my attention that a Hong Kong company AfterDark. has produced an audiophile network switch with optical network, with different clock and IEC options. Although we have not tested it, they claim to have tested their product with Lumin X1, so I thought I'd mention it here in case anybody is interested.

https://www.afterdarkdot.com/collec...etwork-switch-x-black-handhartilo-mini-series
I don't get the point of getting a switch since the Lumin needs a wifi connexion to be controled.. A simple ethernet / optical converter after, properly LPS powered, the wifi router should do the main job.

Envoyé de mon LG-H933 en utilisant Tapatalk
 
An optical network switch (with a SFP module) can be used as a FMC. Whether this expense brings better SQ over a simple FMC is up to debate.
 
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