I thought I would update you on my Etheregen experience and further upgrades/tweaks
I previously used a (secondhand Ebay) Cisco 2960 between my Synology NAS and Naim NDS. This was removed and replaced by the Etherrregen, as I felt the sound was better with only the Etherregen.
However, I found that the Etherrgen improved over around 2 weeks so I put the Cisco in *before* the Etherregen = big improvement with a **much** deeper sound stage. I had been sceptical that the two switch approach made ‘sense’ – but it really does seem to work. (I see reports that some invest in 2 Etherregens)
I was using a full BJC Cat6a loom and bought second hand Optical links (
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/27464291...d=link&campid=5338728743&toolid=20001&mkevt=1 ) to use between the Cisco and Etherregen = small improvement. It is good to know that optical cables wok in my system, as very long lengths are cheap and the cable is flexible.
Having read a few threads on the Naim site, I experimented with cheap Ethenet cables to see if they were better than the BJC 6a between the Synology and Cisco, and Etherregen and NDS.
I initially tried LinkinPerk CAT8 Ethernet Cable . I then tried **Floating** Premium Belden 1303E CATSNAKE Cat6a Ethernet Network Cable (
https://www.designacable.com/premiu...6a-ethernet-network-cable-flexible-s-ftp.html ) = *major* upgrade to the BJC 6a. Smoother more natural, less ‘screetch’. Several Naimees feel this is equivalent to cables costing 5-10x more
I power my Etheregen via a Balanced Mains unit – so am not sure how it is earthed.
I earthed the Etherrgen directly to an using a spare plug (UK plugs all have earths) and a turntable cable = less ‘noise’ and a change in sound with better resolution.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-METER-...wiseNativeBase&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851
I have previously reported that in my systems audiophile fuses improve the sound. I found a definite improvement with a Hi Fi Tuning Supreme 3 powering the Etherregen
. with a bigger volume to the sound. (I’ll try SR Orange at some stage)
Finally, I received a Paul Hynes SR4T to replace the standard switching supply. There was an immediate improvement with better depth and separation. Music is ‘smoother’ and flows better. I noted that the PH DC lead is very sensitive to positioning and needs to kept well away from other power cables.
One ‘loss’ is less sparkle with violin plucks sounding realistic but too smooth for my ears. Clearly the unit will take a few weeks to burn in, but I wonder if a silver DC cable might bring back the sparkle that I have lost with the copper cable.
All in all, I continue to be impressed that altering the digital chain from NAS to DAC can make such a difference (equivalent to several black boxes). Whislt this may or may not make scientific sense, the differences are real to my ears.
Given this, I have taken the plunge and ordered a cheap (repurposed) Clock which will take a month or so to come from China
https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/59419-master-clock-for-your-etherregen/#comments . The fun continues