*NEW* Shunyata Omega Ethernet
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
Puma Cat
Well-known member
Cool, I'll have to try that...
MusicLover
New member
Hi Puma,
big thanks from my side as well! Your detailed technical yet easy to follow descriptions of what‘s going on are very helpful!! That’s real information and not some more random noise of throwing around facts to make some impression.
Always appreciated!
big thanks from my side as well! Your detailed technical yet easy to follow descriptions of what‘s going on are very helpful!! That’s real information and not some more random noise of throwing around facts to make some impression.
Always appreciated!
Hi,
I just came across this and thought I'd kick start some more experiments. I have been doing many myself.
Firstly, as context, my ethernet system has developed to include a Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X SFP, 2 x Gigafoil v4s, an EtherRegen (ER), high quality LPSs and power cords, grounding and US$1k ethernet cables. My endpoint is Devialet Pro 220 via Antipodes EX as roon core/server.
Presently, the direct link from the EX to Devialet is ...
JCAT Signature Gold > ER > Synergistic Research Atmosphere X Reference.
ER is powered by a spare Antipodes LPS and Shunyata ztron Alpha Digital (via Shunyata Triton V2 and Sigma power cord to dedicated wall outlet).
That link is considerable value/cost (collectively all those parts must've cost me US$ 3500 on used market) but each element brought an improvement via incremental upgrades.
Now for my question ... has anyone compared a link like this to Omega ethernet cable?
One cable would be a lot simpler. And far more aesthetic than what presently resembles a lab experiment. And importantly, perhaps more cost effective.
Incidentally, Downstream of EX is Gigafoilv4. ER and Gigafoil sit on Synergistic Research Tranquility POD.
Cheers
I just came across this and thought I'd kick start some more experiments. I have been doing many myself.
Firstly, as context, my ethernet system has developed to include a Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X SFP, 2 x Gigafoil v4s, an EtherRegen (ER), high quality LPSs and power cords, grounding and US$1k ethernet cables. My endpoint is Devialet Pro 220 via Antipodes EX as roon core/server.
Presently, the direct link from the EX to Devialet is ...
JCAT Signature Gold > ER > Synergistic Research Atmosphere X Reference.
ER is powered by a spare Antipodes LPS and Shunyata ztron Alpha Digital (via Shunyata Triton V2 and Sigma power cord to dedicated wall outlet).
That link is considerable value/cost (collectively all those parts must've cost me US$ 3500 on used market) but each element brought an improvement via incremental upgrades.
Now for my question ... has anyone compared a link like this to Omega ethernet cable?
One cable would be a lot simpler. And far more aesthetic than what presently resembles a lab experiment. And importantly, perhaps more cost effective.
Incidentally, Downstream of EX is Gigafoilv4. ER and Gigafoil sit on Synergistic Research Tranquility POD.
Cheers
Well, this is an apples to oranges comparison. If your antipodes EX would have been a perfect source, perfect OCXO clock/crystal. No digital grunge anywhere, perfect ground plane etc. and your Devialet Pro likewise, then you could absolutely replace the ER link with the best Ethernet, which I would say the Omega ethernet is.
Now, several of us use the ER with external OCXO clocks and then put in the Omega Ethernet.
I would propose this as a cost-effective solution:
Antipodes EX > Sigma Ethernet > ER > Omega Ethernet > Devialet
Now, several of us use the ER with external OCXO clocks and then put in the Omega Ethernet.
I would propose this as a cost-effective solution:
Antipodes EX > Sigma Ethernet > ER > Omega Ethernet > Devialet
Yes, it is not like for like comparison. Maybe more 2 different ways to make wine, but how good is the wine tasting from each.
The Antipodes EX has an integrated switch, with ability to connect directly to endpoint rather than via a switch. I previously found the direct link better than going via ER, although that was using a lower grade LPS and power cord and different upstream configuration so I should revisit that to confirm.
So, needless to say, the EX direct out is very good indeed.
Nevertheless, better grade ethernet cables achieved even better results, inserting Gigafoil better again, inserting ER instead of Gigafoil better again (although ER had a much better LPS), and changing power cords to the ERs LPS better again.
Somewhere in that journey I removed the SSD and its data and power cables from EX and placed a Synergistic Research ECT on the direct out ethernet port. This also provided an improvement.
There is also an ECT inside the Devialet, on the ethernet chip (not enough room to fit on ethernet port or isolation transformer. And an ECT on the ara side of the ethernet cable plugged into Devialet. Also an ECT adjacent to ER Side B port. In my experience the ECTs are quite cost effective
This final link is very sensitive to changes and therefore critical. To illustrate this, at this point the expense of parts I'm using for this link is similar to the cost if EX itself, and is easily twice the cost of the speaker cables or any other link in the system. For that matter, its about the same cost as the power conditioner. This link is a component grade importance.
My incremental tweaking of this link has fortunately involved only incremental cost or use of things I already owned. But now I should consider the possible alternative being a large single cost for 1 product that may perform at least equally as well.
Antipodes EX > Sigma Ethernet > ER > Omega Ethernet > Devialet would surely be outstanding.
I guess what I am attempting to discover is, are the NICs and TAP equivalent to the ERs MOAT.
The Antipodes EX has an integrated switch, with ability to connect directly to endpoint rather than via a switch. I previously found the direct link better than going via ER, although that was using a lower grade LPS and power cord and different upstream configuration so I should revisit that to confirm.
So, needless to say, the EX direct out is very good indeed.
Nevertheless, better grade ethernet cables achieved even better results, inserting Gigafoil better again, inserting ER instead of Gigafoil better again (although ER had a much better LPS), and changing power cords to the ERs LPS better again.
Somewhere in that journey I removed the SSD and its data and power cables from EX and placed a Synergistic Research ECT on the direct out ethernet port. This also provided an improvement.
There is also an ECT inside the Devialet, on the ethernet chip (not enough room to fit on ethernet port or isolation transformer. And an ECT on the ara side of the ethernet cable plugged into Devialet. Also an ECT adjacent to ER Side B port. In my experience the ECTs are quite cost effective
This final link is very sensitive to changes and therefore critical. To illustrate this, at this point the expense of parts I'm using for this link is similar to the cost if EX itself, and is easily twice the cost of the speaker cables or any other link in the system. For that matter, its about the same cost as the power conditioner. This link is a component grade importance.
My incremental tweaking of this link has fortunately involved only incremental cost or use of things I already owned. But now I should consider the possible alternative being a large single cost for 1 product that may perform at least equally as well.
Antipodes EX > Sigma Ethernet > ER > Omega Ethernet > Devialet would surely be outstanding.
I guess what I am attempting to discover is, are the NICs and TAP equivalent to the ERs MOAT.
The moat is more like a pond where grunge falls to the bottom. Omega ethernet is more like unveiling what you did not know existed in the first place IMHO.
But the ER with a Sigma CGC grounding cable to Denali/Everest and external OCXO clock does so much more for the signal that when it finally reaches the Omega you have everything you wish for IMHO.
But the ER with a Sigma CGC grounding cable to Denali/Everest and external OCXO clock does so much more for the signal that when it finally reaches the Omega you have everything you wish for IMHO.
For what it's worth I compared the following:
- Mac Mini with LPS > Omega Ethernet > ER + OP21A clock + Grounding cable > Omega Etheret > Devialet 1000 CI
- Mac Mini with LPS > Omega Ethernet > Melco S100 > Omega Ethernet > Devialet 1000 CI
And found the latter significantly better in my system. I have then replaced the S100 by an S10 and it was even more impressive... and then replaced the Mac mini by a Mojo Audio DejaVu Evo and... it's probably the best sound I have heard anywhere regardless of price.
The next 2 attempts will be:
- Stream from the Mojo to the Esoteric N-01XD +Cybershaft OP21A (Sigma clock cable) using an Ethernet Omega + analog from the Esoteric to the D1000 CI through Chord Company Sarum T RCA cables - that is once the N-01XD is Roon certified. Until then I'll try the USB route (see option 2)
- Stream from the Mojo through its JCAT XE USB card to a Mutec fed by a Paul Hynes SR7/T LPS (still waiting for it) > conversion to XLR > Sigma V2 XLR cable to the D1000 CI
I'd be interested in the comparison between these 3 options. It's really hard to guess which will be best.
Cheers,
Bernard
- Mac Mini with LPS > Omega Ethernet > ER + OP21A clock + Grounding cable > Omega Etheret > Devialet 1000 CI
- Mac Mini with LPS > Omega Ethernet > Melco S100 > Omega Ethernet > Devialet 1000 CI
And found the latter significantly better in my system. I have then replaced the S100 by an S10 and it was even more impressive... and then replaced the Mac mini by a Mojo Audio DejaVu Evo and... it's probably the best sound I have heard anywhere regardless of price.
The next 2 attempts will be:
- Stream from the Mojo to the Esoteric N-01XD +Cybershaft OP21A (Sigma clock cable) using an Ethernet Omega + analog from the Esoteric to the D1000 CI through Chord Company Sarum T RCA cables - that is once the N-01XD is Roon certified. Until then I'll try the USB route (see option 2)
- Stream from the Mojo through its JCAT XE USB card to a Mutec fed by a Paul Hynes SR7/T LPS (still waiting for it) > conversion to XLR > Sigma V2 XLR cable to the D1000 CI
I'd be interested in the comparison between these 3 options. It's really hard to guess which will be best.
Cheers,
Bernard
Very true.
But I decided to post this here because spending large amount of money on digital cables truly only makes sense once the best transmission chain is identified.
Believing without proof that one is better without trying others may result in overlooking a better option.
Of course at some points we all settle for some level of « good enough », and I am frankly already probably way past this point as we speak... but what if?...
But I decided to post this here because spending large amount of money on digital cables truly only makes sense once the best transmission chain is identified.
Believing without proof that one is better without trying others may result in overlooking a better option.
Of course at some points we all settle for some level of « good enough », and I am frankly already probably way past this point as we speak... but what if?...
Puma Cat
Well-known member
Yep, that sounds about right.
MusicLover
New member
Mike/Puma,
can you tell me, if my Aurender (N100) benefits from an high end Ethernet cable like the Omega?
In my simplified world the data is preloaded to the SSD internal play back cash of the Aurender so that‘s in my mind where the source is and the way from Internet to router is „irrelevant“ (haha, probably a word not found in an audiophile dictionary).
An analogy for me would be: A high end CD transport when the playback takes place right when the CD is read (= the music is transferred from router via Ethernet for instant playback)... but not when there is internal buffering via SSD in between.
Anyone tried the Omega with a Aurender? Probably His Mikeness
Cheers!!
can you tell me, if my Aurender (N100) benefits from an high end Ethernet cable like the Omega?
In my simplified world the data is preloaded to the SSD internal play back cash of the Aurender so that‘s in my mind where the source is and the way from Internet to router is „irrelevant“ (haha, probably a word not found in an audiophile dictionary).
An analogy for me would be: A high end CD transport when the playback takes place right when the CD is read (= the music is transferred from router via Ethernet for instant playback)... but not when there is internal buffering via SSD in between.
Anyone tried the Omega with a Aurender? Probably His Mikeness
Cheers!!
- Thread Author
- #56
Mike/Puma,
can you tell me, if my Aurender (N100) benefits from an high end Ethernet cable like the Omega?
In my simplified world the data is preloaded to the SSD internal play back cash of the Aurender so that‘s in my mind where the source is and the way from Internet to router is „irrelevant“ (haha, probably a word not found in an audiophile dictionary).
An analogy for me would be: A high end CD transport when the playback takes place right when the CD is read (= the music is transferred from router via Ethernet for instant playback)... but not when there is internal buffering via SSD in between.
Anyone tried the Omega with a Aurender? Probably His Mikeness
Cheers!!
I have Omega on all our Aurender’s including mine at home. On the N100H, the Alpha is what I would use.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Puma Cat
Well-known member
Mike/Puma,
can you tell me, if my Aurender (N100) benefits from an high end Ethernet cable like the Omega?
In my simplified world the data is preloaded to the SSD internal play back cash of the Aurender so that‘s in my mind where the source is and the way from Internet to router is „irrelevant“ (haha, probably a word not found in an audiophile dictionary).
An analogy for me would be: A high end CD transport when the playback takes place right when the CD is read (= the music is transferred from router via Ethernet for instant playback)... but not when there is internal buffering via SSD in between.
Anyone tried the Omega with a Aurender? Probably His Mikeness
Cheers!!
I would recommend the specifically the new Omega QR-S (S for Source) for the Aurender.
MusicLover
New member
... Puma, isn‘t that a power cord?
BTW. I now ordered a Ether Regen, apparently it works with EU (plus adapter); once I see the improvement I can try a Ethernet cord like the Omega.
I first need to compare the standard cheapo Ethernet cable with my Aurender hard drive. Then with Regen. Then with Regen and Omega.
The big elephant in the room for me: Can it get better with this last combo (and Tidal/Qobuz) then FLAC from Aurender hard drive?
BTW. I now ordered a Ether Regen, apparently it works with EU (plus adapter); once I see the improvement I can try a Ethernet cord like the Omega.
I first need to compare the standard cheapo Ethernet cable with my Aurender hard drive. Then with Regen. Then with Regen and Omega.
The big elephant in the room for me: Can it get better with this last combo (and Tidal/Qobuz) then FLAC from Aurender hard drive?
ozzy
Member
So, a couple of questions:
1. Why not use a fiber optic cable from the EthereRegen to the Dac? Or in my case the Lumin X1 which also has a fiber optic connection?
With this connection the only Ethernet cable required would be from the router to the EtherRegen. Or am I missing something?
Or perhaps those of you with a dac or streamer without a fiber connection, perhaps use 2 EtherRegens one at each end connected together by fiber optic cable
2. With either of these approaches, is the ethernet cable from the router to the EtherRegen important? Enough to consider a Omega ethernet cable?
ozzy
1. Why not use a fiber optic cable from the EthereRegen to the Dac? Or in my case the Lumin X1 which also has a fiber optic connection?
With this connection the only Ethernet cable required would be from the router to the EtherRegen. Or am I missing something?
Or perhaps those of you with a dac or streamer without a fiber connection, perhaps use 2 EtherRegens one at each end connected together by fiber optic cable
2. With either of these approaches, is the ethernet cable from the router to the EtherRegen important? Enough to consider a Omega ethernet cable?
ozzy
kennyb123
Member
Re: *NEW* Shunyata Omega Etherne
I have fiber in my setup: wired Ethernet -> Sonore opticalModule -> fiber -> EtherRegen -> Shunyata Sigma -> Innuos Zenith. I have not experimented with the wired Ethernet feeding the oM - but the Sigma downstream really brought a nice improvement.
Network components upstream from all this still matter, but not as much. I haven’t done much more to further optimize this due to how pleased I am with the results of the span mentioned above. The SFPs matter greatly and the Finisar models I use disappear better than others I’ve tried. The oM was a big deal because when I added it to the ER it was as if my network stopped doing obvious harm.
A good test is to kill the network while a song is playing. In my case I was able to connect the oM to a smart plug and kill the juice using my iPhone while listening. There’s an obvious improvement in sound quality - though the delta has diminished with all the optimization such that I don’t feel a need to kill the power.
I have fiber in my setup: wired Ethernet -> Sonore opticalModule -> fiber -> EtherRegen -> Shunyata Sigma -> Innuos Zenith. I have not experimented with the wired Ethernet feeding the oM - but the Sigma downstream really brought a nice improvement.
Network components upstream from all this still matter, but not as much. I haven’t done much more to further optimize this due to how pleased I am with the results of the span mentioned above. The SFPs matter greatly and the Finisar models I use disappear better than others I’ve tried. The oM was a big deal because when I added it to the ER it was as if my network stopped doing obvious harm.
A good test is to kill the network while a song is playing. In my case I was able to connect the oM to a smart plug and kill the juice using my iPhone while listening. There’s an obvious improvement in sound quality - though the delta has diminished with all the optimization such that I don’t feel a need to kill the power.