Optical Network Configurations

[MartinT]

I'm just joining in as I have moved to optical connection between my EtherREGEN and a new Sonore Signature Rendu SE.

 

I have been enjoying myself trying out a few SFPs and LC fibre to listen for differences in replay, which can be quite noticeable.  Having tried multi-mode I have recently moved up to single mode and the current best sound I have attained is using HP JD094B-C 10Gbps SFPs from old servers at work, with a 5m single-mode LC cable.

 

I have tried to source the Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL but there appears to be no stock anywhere that I can find.  However, perusing a German supplier I have come across a compatible BlueOptics BO35J13610D SFP that seems to be at least as well spec'd as the Finisar, with laser not LED senders.  I have therefore ordered two SFPs plus a true glass fibre optic 4m cable.

 

Has anyone else come across the German BlueOptics brand?

[MartinT]

When I get the chance to test the BlueOptics SFPs I will report back on their sound quality.

[MartinT]

I have now put the BlueOptics BO35J13610D 10Gbps SFPs into my EtherREGEN and Signature Rendu SE, together with a 4m length of BlueOptics single-mode LC-LC cable.  Everything negotiated and connected after a restart at both ends.

 

Although the difference is small, and the HP JD094B-C performed very well, the BlueOptics pull ahead in sheer leading edge attack and fine detail.  This is the best setup I have yet heard and I'm going to leave it alone now.  Job done!

[MartinT]

9 hours ago, MartinT said:

together with a 4m length of BlueOptics single-mode LC-LC cable

 

 

That was a mistake and it took me a while to figure out.  The ipolex LC-LC single-mode cable I was originally using sounds better (and has a thicker construction).  So the BlueOptics SFPs are good, but I don't recommend their cable.

[MartinT]

I've done a lot of SFP swapping today in order to double-check my findings and make a firm recommendation. I powered off the EtherREGEN when swapping SFP but hot-swapped SFP at the Sig Rendu SE end so as not to require a restart between sessions.

The optical cable was the ipolex throughout, which I definitely prefer over the BlueOptics optical cable.

There is not much in it, the HP SFP offers stiff competition but I give the nod to the BlueOptics for just a touch more sparkle at the top end, and that's all the difference I can hear. You can select according to system requirements, if your system already runs 'hot' in the treble then select the HP.

Final Recommendation
BlueOptics BO35J13610D 10Gbps SFP both ends
ipolex X000T56NEB OS2-LC-LC-D5M single-mode optical cable (choose length to suit)

[MartinT]

This is very interesting, thanks for the post. It makes me happy as I arrived at the Zero Zone PSU powering the EtherREGEN via a P10 regenerator purely by listening to four different PSUs without measurement.

 

Where there is discrepancy with my findings is with the use of an external clock. To my ears, on repeatable occasions, the AfterDark King external clock easily beats the internal clock in the ER for sound quality.

[MartinT]

Well, for me going the 10Gbps route by using an optical SFP in the ER's cage together with a single-mode fibre gives the best sound quality.

 

I have listened to 1Gbps, 2.5Gbps and 10Gbps SFPs and the latter wins (two different ones: HP and BlueOptics). It's clearly not about the speed but probably about the waveform purity and edge slope.

 

One extra point: the ER with a 10Gbps SFP runs HOT and definitely needs a heatsink on the case.

[MartinT]

7 hours ago, audiophilac said:

Where can I order the ipolex cable?

 

I ordered mine from Amazon UK.

[MartinT]

Personally I would not introduce wi-fi into the link. It is very jitter prone. An optical link should give you lower overall noise (certainly lower jitter and phase noise). Just my opinion.

[MartinT]

Amazon UK - presumably they will ship elsewhere (I sometimes order from Amazon.com):

 

LC to LC Fibre Patch Cable 5m, OS1/OS2 Leads Single Mode Duplex 9/125 Fiber Optic Cable (LSZH) for 10Gb/Gigabit SFP Transceiver: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

[MartinT]

10 hours ago, audiophilac said:

Could you share the link/specs of the blueoptics cable that you tested?

 

10 hours ago, audiophilac said:

Could you share the link/specs of the blueoptics cable that you tested?

I got it from GBIC in Germany, but I don't recommend it. The ipolex is much better. 

[MartinT]

1 hour ago, R1200CL said:

Purchase a Sonore OpticalModule DL. Add that between EtherRegen and the Signature Rendu SE.
 

 

You don't need the OpticalModule. Just put an SFP into the ER cage and feed it to the Sig Rendu SE. Use the same model SFP at the Rendu end.

[MartinT]

12 hours ago, R1200CL said:

Well, your solution requires that EtherRegen is in B>A. 
 

 

That's what I'm doing. 

[MartinT]

On 7/6/2022 at 10:37 AM, MartinT said:

I have been enjoying myself trying out a few SFPs and LC fibre to listen for differences in replay, which can be quite noticeable.  Having tried multi-mode I have recently moved up to single mode and the current best sound I have attained is using HP JD094B-C 10Gbps SFPs from old servers at work, with a 5m single-mode LC cable.

 

Just to bring everyone up to date, the HP JD094B-C SFPs have proven fierce competition for the BlueOptics SFPs. I'm currently running them with the ipolex OS2-LC-LC cable. Their sound is detailed, rich and with superb dynamics and I find them a touch better balanced than the BlueOptics.

[MartinT]

7 hours ago, audiophilac said:

How long have you used your transceivers and cable?

 

The HPs have been running for three weeks now, with the ipolex fibre.  They run pretty hot but are working well in the EtherREGEN and Signature Rendu SE.  As of last night, they sound incredibly good.

[MartinT]

I have now tried mixing the SFPs (with the same speed and protocol, obviously) with a BlueOptics at the sending (EtherREGEN) end and the HP at the receiving (Signature Rendu SE) end.  This also works and brings out a touch more detail without losing the full richness of the HPs.

[MartinT]

On 8/16/2022 at 1:01 AM, jas said:

MartinT. Enjoy your experimentation, have learned from it so thank you.

 

Having trouble finding HP and BlueOptics SFPs for an ER AB AB optical connection. I am using Finisar 1000Base 1324 transceivers now. I'll try either one if I could find them if you have suggestions as where they can be found. Thanks

 

Thank you. Being in the UK, my suppliers are different. The BlueOptics are supplied by GBIC while the HPs came from obsolete servers at work but I know you can find them used on eBay. 

[MartinT]

I now have an even better fibre solution: the Finisar FCBG110SD1C05 (this is a 5m one, different lengths are available).  It's an AOC - Active Optical Cable.  The two SFPs and cable are manufactured as a single product, effectively an SFP-fibre cable.

 

This cable outperforms even the excellent previous HP SFPs and ipolex fibre.  What I hear:

 

There is more microdetail and more texture/shape to cymbals and bells, so you can hear how they are being struck. Even 16/44 treble can be surprisingly sweet and detailed, showing how well the X26 Pro reconstruction filter in 'Gentle' mode is working. Low level studio noise comes through clearly at the start of songs.

Dynamics remain stronger and the overall 'speed' of some music, especially with rapid percussion, seems faster. Drums can seem almost machine-gun startling in their intensity.

The bass remains more prominent, both tight and deep and again with that texture that differentiates deep organ pedal notes.

Finally, a lot more soundstage has come through, giving the feeling of space around and behind the performers and the strong impression of sitting in a large void like a hall.

[MartinT]

On 10/14/2022 at 9:13 PM, lsantista said:

@MartinT Does your Rendu ever disconnects when trying those SFP tests?

 

 

It doesn't but I always power cycle the EtherREGEN and Rendu to ensure that the SFPs communicate their protocols freshly.  From then on, everything is perfectly stable.