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Quote:

Originally Posted by Still-One (Post 967619)

I have been considering my options for inserting the opticalModule into my network. I am trying to determine which of the two connections will be least likely to offset any gains I might realize from isolating my Upsampler using that short run of fiber optic cable between my switch and the opticalModule.

Currently all of my "network" devices (Modem, wireless router, Small Green Computer i5 and switch) are located in a upstairs closet. I have 50' run of Ethernet (which I could shorten a bit) from the switch to my dCS Upsampler in my lower level 2-channel room.

When the opticalmodule arrives tomorrow I can either place the optical module 1 foot away from the optical connection on the switch. In theory that will be isolated from the network noise "but" will that long run of ethernet potentially add back in any noise.

The second option is to insert my older non optical switch in the closet and move the optical switch downstairs close to my Upsmapler after the long run of ethernet. The long run of ethernet would connect to the switch then the output of the switch would be a short run of optical to the opticalModule and then a very short run of ethernet to the Upsampler.
This option adds another switch into the mix which "could" add noise.

The only other option might be to leave the optical switch in the closet then using a long run of optical cable down to the opticalModule placed near the Upsampler.

Thoughts

In my own experience, the best thing to do would be to use a long run of fiber. That's what I'm doing and it has worked very well.

I just got my Jameco 5V LPS in about 30 minutes ago, and am using it to power the OpticalModule instead of the Uptone Audio LPS-1 (as mentioned above, when I was using the LPS-1 to power the OM, I was using a Jameco 9V LPS to power the microRendu; still trying to decide which sounds better...:scratch2:)

I've been reading a very lengthy, very technical thread at CA originally started by John Swenson (the designer for the Uptone Audio LPS-1 as well as all of the Sonore streamers) on the impact of low-impedance and high-impedance leakage currents from, in particular, switch-mode power supplies (aka SMPS) in digital streaming playback....it is been quite enlightening and lays quite a solid foundation as to why we hear such notable differences between USB cables, Ethernet cables, and Ethernet switches. Its very much a technical discussion about low-impedance and high-impedance leakage currents and their deleterious effects.

Anyhoo, I digress; back to the OpticalModule....

The opticalModule and LPS arrived this morning. I am all connected and so far everything sounds very good. There is a difference but it will take some time to figure out what I am hearing (or not hearing). It does sound quieter.

Initially I inserted the device right after the switch with the long run of ethernet to the Upsampler. I have ordered a long optical cable that should arrive this weekend. At some point I will replace the long run of ethernet with the longer optical cable and place that between the switch and the opticalModule which will be very close to the Upsampler.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Still-One (Post 967752)

Cool, Jim, thanks for the update.

Play around with various configs and see what sounds best. I'm interested in what you find out. Are you using your Keces to power the OM? It runs VERY warm (hot, actually) at 9V; it runs considerably cooler at 5V.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puma Cat (Post 967754)

I ordered the SGC LPS. It is funny that the power supply is about 4 times the size of the opticalModule. The display shows about +/- 5v so far.

When I had the GigaFoil I also had the Keces P3 for a couple of days. The dropouts were driving me nuts so it never received a fair review. My initial thoughts were that the Keces muddied up the sound and I was tempted to go back to the power supply that came with the GigaFOIL . I returned the GigaFoil, Keces and AQ Diamond cable.

I received the long optical run this afternoon so I was able to replace the long Ethernet cable and move the opticalModule close to the dCS Upsampler. I will probably pick up a better short cable for that last .75 meter between the module and upsampler.

What really surprised me was how hot both the opticalModule and its power supply were as I disconnected them for the move from upper to lower levels. That is by far the hottest any piece of my gear has been.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Still-One (Post 968107)

Jim,
What voltage was the OM being powered by? I found the OM got REALLY hot at 9V; it runs MUCH cooler at 5V.

The display says about 4.8.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Still-One (Post 968109)

The display says about 4.8.

Hmmm....mine is running pretty cool at 5V; cooler than my microRendu.

Mine is sitting up on two little rubber blocks to allow it to get some air underneath it.