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GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Suncoast Audio is now a reseller of the GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter. We have been testing one out in the store for a few weeks and the improvements are not subtle. The GigaFoil removes all the noise from the line and improves a variety of areas sonically. Much more natural, more transparent, better microdetail retrieval, etc.
A review of the GigaFoil V4 can be found here:
https://www.audiostream.com/content/...thernet-filter
More product info here:
https://www.djmelectronics.com/gigaf...et-filter.html
MSRP is $570 including shipping. Contact me if you would like to order one.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
Suncoast Audio is now a reseller of the GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter. We have been testing one out in the store for a few weeks and the improvements are not subtle. The GigaFoil removes all the noise from the line and improves a variety of areas sonically. Much more natural, more transparent, better microdetail retrieval, etc.
A review of the GigaFoil V4 can be found here:
https://www.audiostream.com/content/...thernet-filter
More product info here:
https://www.djmelectronics.com/gigaf...et-filter.html
MSRP is $570 including shipping. Contact me if you would like to order one.
I’ve had mine for several months and it’s amazing. All noise is removed off the line. This improves transparency, dynamics and soundstage. There are no downsides. Put your best Ethernet cable between the Filter and your DAC and you’ll be amazed by what you hear (or don’t hear).
Best,
Ken
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Interesting. I wonder how it would compare to SOTM 10G switch (via fiber to some TP link receiver).
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Just to add, I will be able to add the iFi iPower for anyone who wants one for the GigaFoil. Highly recommended.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Mike
Where in the chain did you place the unit? Just before the MSB's or Lumin's ethernet input? Did you then insert a AQ ethernet between the GigaFoil device and the DAC/Renderer?
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
still-one
Mike
Where in the chain did you place the unit? Just before the MSB's or Lumin's ethernet input? Did you then insert a AQ ethernet between the GigaFoil device and the DAC/Renderer?
Ethernet cable from wall to GigaFoil to AQ Diamond Ethernet to MSB Select II Roon Renderer module.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
Ethernet cable from wall to GigaFoil to AQ Diamond Ethernet to MSB Select II Roon Renderer module.
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Thanks. That is what I figured.
By any chance did you try it with a more standard connection between the Gigafoil and Renderer? Actually this device would allow me to insert a "quality" ethernet cable after my long run of ethernet cable from my switch upstairs to the connection on my Upsampler.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
still-one
Thanks. That is what I figured.
By any chance did you try it with a more standard connection between the Gigafoil and Renderer? Actually this device would allow me to insert a "quality" ethernet cable after my long run of ethernet cable from my switch upstairs to the connection on my Upsampler.
Yes. The diamond is worth it. More details and transparency. It’s getting fed a clean signal and really shines.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
still-one
Thanks. That is what I figured.
By any chance did you try it with a more standard connection between the Gigafoil and Renderer? Actually this device would allow me to insert a "quality" ethernet cable after my long run of ethernet cable from my switch upstairs to the connection on my Upsampler.
Hi Jim,
I have 5 high-end Ethernet cables in my network and my GigaFoilv4 Ethernet Filter also resides just before my Select II DAC’s Renderer Input Module. I did some A/B comparisons with some low cost Blue Jean Ethernet cables and the high-end Ethernet cable located between the GigaFoilv4 and the Renderer Input Module by far has the greatest impact on the sound quality. That’s where you want to spend your money. A long run of a lower cost Ethernet cable elsewhere in the network has little impact on the overall sound quality.
Best,
Ken
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
Just to add, I will be able to add the iFi iPower for anyone who wants one for the GigaFoil. Highly recommended.
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I replaced the GigaFoilv4 Ethernet Filter’s stock power supply with the IFI 5 volt 2.5 amp power supply and it sounded significantly better. The IFI won’t be going anywhere.
Ken
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
iFI ps's are way over rated.....
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kingsrule
iFI ps's are way over rated.....
King,
What was the power supply you like again?
Ken
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Hi Ken
I really like the Sbooster MkII ps's
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
This is an interesting product and uses optic fiber internally for isolation. We're now seeing more audio products adopting this concept.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
wklie
This is an interesting product and uses optic fiber internally for isolation. We're now seeing more audio products adopting this concept.
I spoke with the owner of DJM and he said they do some things differently on the GigaFoilv4 Filter than the competition on which they have patents pending.
Ken
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
I’m looking into these PSU’s for the GigaFoil:
https://www.teddypardo.com/powersupplies.html
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
Wow Mike,
The IFI is really good but these look top-of-the-line.
Ken
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GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Mike / Ken
I have one long run to my AQVox SE switch using good stock cable, and from there high end cables to my DAC and Server, the switch is grounded with a Nordost QKore using their RJ45 grounding wire and the switch also has a grounding nut to support a chassis ground but I have not used that.
I am wondering with my current set up that also yields very good results and has climbed from non audio switches, and lesser quality cables if this will make a difference placing this before the switch as opposed to after. My switch feeds my Brinkmann DAC for Roon/Tidal and the Aurender N10 also for Tidal and downloads.
Also I’m thinking if the box has optic fiber, then shouldn’t the line in and out be the same?
Is there a try before you buy program?
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
I decided to give one a try and contacted Mike to send me a GigaFoil v4 and a AQ Diamond ethernet cable. Like the song says I am hoping the result is "you don't know what you got 'till its gone".
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GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
still-one
I decided to give one a try and contacted Mike to send me a GigaFoil v4 and a AQ Diamond ethernet cable. Like the song says I am hoping the result is "you don't know what you got 'till its gone".
Jim, thank you. I’m also investigating some possible power supplies for it as well. It may take some time.
Looking at:
http://www.kecesaudio.com
http://www.paulhynesdesign.com/page7.html
...among others....
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
I have several Teddy Pardo PSUs. They are good.
Other linear PSUs worth checking out:
https://www.mojo-audio.com/illuminati-v3-power-supply/
https://uptoneaudio.com/
http://www.paulhynesdesign.com/ (some say those are the best; be prepared to wait for weeks to get yours though!)
ifi Power is a great budget PSU.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Elberoth
Well I waited for 6 months with Paul Hynes and finally got my money back, IN 2016 he had some issues and moved his operation back to Isle of South Uist.. I instead purchased a Ken Lau Signature and couldn't be happier. Another budget supply SBoooster
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Ed, I believe best practice for optical isolation is last connection before the DAC. That way nothing inserts pollution after it.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
The average consumer who does not have a renderer built Into the dac should consider a PS with 2 isolated output rails. At some point your going to realize an endpoint is even better than your server direct to dac. You will want to power that endpoint too.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kingrex
Ed, I believe best practice for optical isolation is last connection before the DAC. That way nothing inserts pollution after it.
Thanks Rex! It makes sense.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Can someone start a list of all of the recommended digital dingleberries you need to make your system really shine? And digital dingleberries are anything you insert in the digital signal path that is not required to hear music play.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mep
Can someone start a list of all of the recommended digital dingleberries you need to make your system really shine? And digital dingleberries are anything you insert in the digital signal path that is not required to hear music play.
People can make all sorts of list but no one is going to agree for a few reasons.
There are some basic concepts you will have to decide when building a digital system:
Do you want to fiddle with DSD or just stick to PCM.
Are you going to purchase music, in what format, or will you just stream
Do you want to upsample
How much room do you have on your rack
Do you want to get rid of your preamp and start going more integrated
What performance level do you want to achieve.
I might have missed some deciding factors, but once you make a plan per above, you have to start building a system. That system will dictate what accessories are going to provide the best bang for the buck. Accessories are not across the board beneficial. You could spend all sorts of money for very small changes, or just do a basic install the correct way the first time and get amazing results. From there you might want to tweak, but where is your money best spent. I have personally heard some aftermarket accessories in my system and they are noticeable, but small. Some are bigger and I bought them. I bet an improved power cable to a DAC or server might give a bigger bang for the buck than spending $ on digital "dingleberries".
Mike can definitely put together a package together for you. If your still using your 7 year old DAC and laptop it wont take much to make you smile.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
I read the review from the link you posted. I thought the PS that comes with the filter is a linear PS. If so, what’s the problem with the PS that comes with the filter?
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mep
I read the review from the link you posted. I thought the PS that comes with the filter is a linear PS. If so, what’s the problem with the PS that comes with the filter?
We tested it. It's not as good as the iFi, let alone some of the others we are looking at. It's good to get you started, but the iFi (and SBooster, and others) take it up a notch.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Have you guys listened to this with anything other than Select II DAC. Have you compared it to a dedicated Ethernet switch such as an Aquavox or Linear Solution.
Optical Ethernet has been around for a long time. Meridian was doing it years back and may still be. In the past it had warts. Its isolation, for the most part. There is still a lot to consider with the conversion of copper to optical and back to copper. They usually do nothing to time data packets (maybe not an issue for Select owners). If your just trying to eliminate noise, they have their own regulators that inject their own noise. PS Upgrades are showing you this. I'm interested to know what other solution have been tested to improve Ethernet transmission. I put a better switch in my house and was very noticeable when it came to streaming. Somewhat noticeable with music from my NAS. No difference with music from the internal drive.
My question as to the DAC is that MSB may be so good with its render er card that timing errors are not an issue. Others with more average DAC may get more bang for the buck with a linear powered switch employing high quality regulators and a femto clock to hand a much more consistent and quiet data pack to the DAC.
Just a thought.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Or just for the sake of streaming only you can just buy a Lumin X1 and not worry about all the added parts.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jack
Or just for the sake of streaming only you can just buy a Lumin X1 and not worry about all the added parts.
I wish, maybe hitting the lottery :D
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jack
Or just for the sake of streaming only you can just buy a Lumin X1 and not worry about all the added parts.
True, but even the Lumin benefits from either an fiber optic setup (it now has fiber inputs) or a GigaFoil. I have only compared the X1 and MSB with the GigaFoil and Fiber setup and prefer both the GigaFoil going Ethernet to Ethernet. I found the fiber more tipped up, whereas the GigaFoil just sounds “cleaned up.”
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
True, but even the Lumin benefits from either an fiber optic setup (it now has fiber inputs) or a GigaFoil. I have only compared the X1 and MSB with the GigaFoil and Fiber setup and prefer both the GigaFoil going Ethernet to Ethernet. I found the fiber more tipped up, whereas the GigaFoil just sounds “cleaned up.”
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I agree with Mike. The GigaFoilv4 Filter removes all the noise but changes nothing else. There are no downsides. It is an amazing product!
Ken
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Whats the real net gain. Jumps out and grabs you, very noticeable, noticeable, subtle or takes work to hear it but valued as a final dusting to make it all perfect.
I'm interested but I would like to hear from some people who own the Aquavox or Linear Solution switch who add this and what do they hear. I already have low noise and femto clocking switch. I could also use my money ($1600) and get an endpoint to increase my performance.
Just trying to figure where my money is best spent.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kingrex
Whats the real net gain. Jumps out and grabs you, very noticeable, noticeable, subtle or takes work to hear it but valued as a final dusting to make it all perfect.
I'm interested but I would like to hear from some people who own the Aquavox or Linear Solution switch who add this and what do they hear. I already have low noise and femto clocking switch. I could also use my money ($1600) and get an endpoint to increase my performance.
Just trying to figure where my money is best spent.
Major difference. Like when a power conditioner has been added. Maybe Mike will comment too.
Ken
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Alpinist
I agree with Mike. The GigaFoilv4 Filter removes all the noise but changes nothing else. There are no downsides. It is an amazing product!
Ken
What kind of noise are you talking about Ken? Is this actual noise you hear coming from your speakers with no music playing and your system in unmuted? Can you still hear the noise when music is playing? My Roon Nucleus Plus server and my DSJ DAC are both connected to my Netgear router via CAT 8 Ethernet cables and I'm not hearing any noise issues in my system.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Mark, this review is somewhat helpful in explaining:
https://www.audiostream.com/content/...thernet-filter
P.S. I am nearing the end of my search for the ultimate power supply for the Nucleus/Nucleus+ and GigaFoil. I have a customer who has been very helpful for the past several months buying and trying a variety of PSU’s. I think we’ve found the winner. Stay tuned.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
Mark, this review is somewhat helpful in explaining:
https://www.audiostream.com/content/...thernet-filter
P.S. I am nearing the end of my search for the ultimate power supply for the Nucleus/Nucleus+ and GigaFoil. I have a customer who has been very helpful for the past several months buying and trying a variety of PSU’s. I think we’ve found the winner. Stay tuned.
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I read that review Mike, but I didn't get much out of it besides his enthusiasm for the filter. I would like a simple answer from someone like Ken who says the GigaFoil removes all of the noise to explain what noise they are actually hearing from their system that disappears when they install the GigaFoil. All I'm saying is that I'm not hearing any noise in my digital signal path.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mep
I read that review Mike, but I didn't get much out of it besides his enthusiasm for the filter. I would like a simple answer from someone like Ken who says the GigaFoil removes all of the noise to explain what noise they are actually hearing from their system that disappears when they install the GigaFoil. All I'm saying is that I'm not hearing any noise in my digital signal path.
What I heard: black black black backgrounds. Better microdetail retrieval. Better instrument separation.
Although the home built Ethernet -> Fiber -> Ethernet did similar things, we didn’t like what it did in the upper registers. It sounded brighter to me.
The GigaFoil gave us all the benefits without any drawbacks.
But to answer your question, it’s not removing noise like a hum or buzzing, it’s just cleaning up the data stream - much like a power conditioner would or even a Sigma NR power cord.
What we haven’t tested is whether the input Ethernet cable really matters.
Here’s our current mess of a testing ground:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0d38c59e55.jpg
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
What I heard: black black black backgrounds. Better microdetail retrieval. Better instrument separation.
Although the home built Ethernet -> Fiber -> Ethernet did similar things, we didn’t like what it did in the upper registers. It sounded brighter to me.
The GigaFoil gave us all the benefits without any drawbacks.
But to answer your question, it’s not removing noise like a hum or buzzing, it’s just cleaning up the data stream - much like a power conditioner would or even a Sigma NR power cord.
What we haven’t tested is whether the input Ethernet cable really matters.
Here’s our current mess of a testing ground:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0d38c59e55.jpg
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Now if you could get your hands on a Ethernet Analyzer you could really test the device.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CPP
Now if you could get your hands on a Ethernet Analyzer you could really test the device.
Oooh...I like that idea. You have a link to a good one?
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
What I heard: black black black backgrounds. Better microdetail retrieval. Better instrument separation.
Although the home built Ethernet -> Fiber -> Ethernet did similar things, we didn’t like what it did in the upper registers. It sounded brighter to me.
The GigaFoil gave us all the benefits without any drawbacks.
But to answer your question, it’s not removing noise like a hum or buzzing, it’s just cleaning up the data stream - much like a power conditioner would or even a Sigma NR power cord.
What we haven’t tested is whether the input Ethernet cable really matters.
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So the noise that is being removed is not noise you can hear coming from your speakers? Are you using shielded or unshielded Ethernet cables? The whole purpose I thought of the GigaFoil is to remove whatever EMI/RFI artifacts that are riding on the signal from the Ethernet cable. What I don't understand is if your listening environment is generating enough EMI/RFI that you need a filter, what happens to the Ethernet cable on the output side of the filter? If your EMI/RFI levels are high in your room, I would think the Ethernet cable on the output side of the filter would suffer the same issues as the cable feeding the input.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mep
So the noise that is being removed is not noise you can hear coming from your speakers? Are you using shielded or unshielded Ethernet cables? The whole purpose I thought of the GigaFoil is to remove whatever EMI/RFI artifacts that are riding on the signal from the Ethernet cable. What I don't understand is if your listening environment is generating enough EMI/RFI that you need a filter, what happens to the Ethernet cable on the output side of the filter? If your EMI/RFI levels are high in your room, I would think the Ethernet cable on the output side of the filter would suffer the same issues as the cable feeding the input.
Excellent question. The noise is coming from all the other devices on the network: NAS, Router, switch, etc. they all share the same network and just like with power they create noise.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
What I heard: black black black backgrounds. Better microdetail retrieval. Better instrument separation.
Although the home built Ethernet -> Fiber -> Ethernet did similar things, we didn’t like what it did in the upper registers. It sounded brighter to me.
The GigaFoil gave us all the benefits without any drawbacks.
But to answer your question, it’s not removing noise like a hum or buzzing, it’s just cleaning up the data stream - much like a power conditioner would or even a Sigma NR power cord.
What we haven’t tested is whether the input Ethernet cable really matters.
Here’s our current mess of a testing ground:
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0d38c59e55.jpg
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The song Octopus’ Garden comes to mind. :D
Ken
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
Excellent question. The noise is coming from all the other devices on the network: NAS, Router, switch, etc. they all share the same network and just like with power they create noise.
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What is the Ethernet cable coming from the output of the filter plugged into?
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mep
What is the Ethernet cable coming from the output of the filter plugged into?
In my case - wall outlet, which is a CAT7 in wall which runs to a switch, which is connected to the Router.
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Re: GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mike
Oooh...I like that idea. You have a link to a good one?
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A few Flukes, DSP 4x00 for one,
Aukua MGA2510 Analyzer ( the cable guy had one of these (portable) last week when he worked on my daughters Ethernet
If wasn't retired I had access to all kinds of test gear and people that knew how to use them.