Sonore opticalRendu

[juniorbudel]

Hello everyone, I am having the opportunity to change my Ultrarendu into an Opticalrendu.  
 

I know that these comparisons have already been made, but I didn't see a unanimity favoring opticalrendu.  

 

My network is already via optical cable separating the dirty side (room where the Core Roon + HQPLAYER is) in the sound room this fiber reaches a Sotm Switch and from there it goes to the Ultrarendu via network cable (CAT-7 Sotm with filter) after - Matrix - Directstream DAC.

 

 I would like to know if in a scenario like mine this upgrade would be consistent or not, if you opt for Optical I would dispense with the Sotm switch.

 

 Optical prices are pretty steep here in Brazil, costing more than twice as much as Ultra, this upgrade would have to be consistent and unambiguous to be worth it.

[juniorbudel]

I return to report my experiences.

I tested OpticalRendu on my set and I liked the results so much, I ended up buying it.

I already used the UltraRendu with optical fiber isolation (on the dirty side, a Ubiquiti with fiber output that in the sound room reached a Sotm switch) and even in this scenario the OR is better in every way, the most obscure details of the music become even clearer, the detailing is incredible and the bass gains body and presence.

 

The fiber that I use from the living room to the sound room runs 20 meters inside the wall and is multimode, I did a test with double conversion (Ubiquiti - switch Sotm - OM - OR) and in the last segment the fiber it is of the monomode type but the result was not pleasing, it was worse than just optical direct to multimode fiber.

 

The “o cing on the cake” was adding a Sotm CAT7 cable with a Core filter to the Ubiquiti, this ended any trace of digital artifacts in the sound and the musicality was incredible.

Next step will be to put a linear source in the Core, if it responded so well to the cable I believe that with the source it can respond even more.

 

This was a doubt I always had and I didn't find unanimity, if the "dirty" side of the network could influence the sound, my experiences unequivocally indicated that yes!!!

[Reg19]

Does the SFP model being used affect the sound quality in the oR? If so, which ones are recommended? Can we use SFP+ with the oR?

 

 

[Tihon]

2 hours ago, Reg19 said:

Does the SFP model being used affect the sound quality in the oR? If so, which ones are recommended?

I once tried to change SFP. Bought something recommended by other audiophiles. Didn’t hear any change in comparison to stock module. And I’m normally very sensitive to such things. I was able to hear difference between Farad and Keces LPSU for example.

[ksalno]

1 hour ago, Tihon said:

I once tried to change SFP. Bought something recommended by other audiophiles. Didn’t hear any change in comparison to stock module. And I’m normally very sensitive to such things. I was able to hear difference between Farad and Keces LPSU for example.

That makes sense. The principal behind using fiber in the signal path is that in the process of converting the bitstream from electric pulses to light pulses, any RF or EMI noise in the bitstream will be filtered out. SFP+ can carry a higher data rate, up to 10GHz, which is meaningless, since even the the 1GHz speed of SFP is more than enough for any audio stream. 

[barrows]

6 hours ago, Reg19 said:

Does the SFP model being used affect the sound quality in the oR? If so, which ones are recommended? Can we use SFP+ with the oR?

 

 

Yes, different SFP modules can sound different in highly resolving systems, the differences can be quite subtle.  For example, I would not recommend bothering to experiment with different SFP modules unless one has already optimized all other aspects of the Network set up:  especially the power supply for the oR, and opticalModule if in use.  Make sure these are the best supplies possible: The Sonore Power Supply is recommended for best performance.

If everything else is optimized and you would like to experiment with other SFPs, I will say I like the Finisar FTLF1421P1BTL as a pair in my opticalModule Deluxe and Signature Rendu SEoptical.  Note that these SFPs use single mode fiber (OS2, yellow) cables.

[Reg19]

17 hours ago, barrows said:

Yes, different SFP modules can sound different in highly resolving systems, the differences can be quite subtle.  For example, I would not recommend bothering to experiment with different SFP modules unless one has already optimized all other aspects of the Network set up:  especially the power supply for the oR, and opticalModule if in use.  Make sure these are the best supplies possible: The Sonore Power Supply is recommended for best performance.

If everything else is optimized and you would like to experiment with other SFPs, I will say I like the Finisar FTLF1421P1BTL as a pair in my opticalModule Deluxe and Signature Rendu SEoptical.  Note that these SFPs use single mode fiber (OS2, yellow) cables.

 

Thanks barrows! 🙏

 

I am attaching a photo of my oR setup. Hopefully, those are the power supplies that you recommended. I do have Synergistic Purple fuses in both my Sonore power supplies (though, this only makes a very minor difference, IMHO).

 

My goal is to make my oR setup sound a bit more fluid / analog (like my SoTM trifecta) and less digital. I know that it is possible as a few members have described their oR setup as very ‘analog’ sounding. I think my oR (with my current power supplies) sounds more dynamic and has better ‘blacks’ than my SoTM but is a bit more digital sounding.

 

FWIW: here is the rest of my system.

 

DAC: Holo Audio May L2

Preamp: (1) VAC Renaissance MkV or (2) Audio Research REF 6

Amps: (1) Parasound JC1+ monos, or (2) Pass Labs X260.8 monos

Speakers: Focal Maestro Utopia III + twin REL subs

 

I also noticed that while the SoTM is compatible with the Innuos Phoenix Net switch (that I am demoing), the oR is not (though, this factor is not of much importance to me).

[barrows]

Hi,

 

OK, you have an impressive system.  I can understand why your system might tend toward the bright/analytical side of things, as the Focal speakers can trend that way, and require careful system matching to as good as they can be.  No criticism here, they are awesome and I am a bit envious of those, but they do require careful component matching to get them to sound good with all types of music.  Our VP at Sonore runs the Scala Utopias with Pass amplification in his system, and we have used the stand mount Utopias as demo speakers at RMAF one year as well.  Do you find the Pass amps to be better with Focals?  I would expect so, as I find the JC1+s tend to the brighter side of the spectrum a little.

Interesting on the Innuous switch not working with the Sonore stuff?  Are you going: Innuous switch to the opticalModule?  I think the original opticalModule can run at and only connect at 1Gbe speed, so maybe the Innuous switch is 100 Mb?  There is controversy about Ethernet speeds and audio quality, some say running things at slower speeds produces less noise, others disagree.  I have not participated in full measurements of this (yet) to confirm, so am not certain.

BTW, the newer opticalModule deluxe (now version 2) is much improved over the original model: the version 2 can run at 100 Mb and 1 Gb, and features a better Ethernet chip, which really does improve sound quality (please do not ask me why, some of the reasons for this are nebulous to understand at best!  I leave this stuff up to John Swenson to figure out).

 

Anyway, regarding the SFPs.  First, I am not speaking here as representative of Sonore, as officially Sonore does not advocate for the use of single mode fiber-note that this is not because there are problems, it is only because officially we cannot support every possible combination of Network gears, as there are infinite ways of doing things in a network environment, and the first and most important thing is that we support methods which we know are bombproof and easy to set up for people.

So I am just recommending the FTLF1421P1BTL as an audiophile who uses them in my system.  I do find that these modules should trend in the direction you are looking for, smoother less etched, while also retaining all details etc.  Be sure to use them as a pair, and you have to get single mode fiber (OS2, yellow) with the same LC connectors at the ends.  Try and get Corning fiber.  And yes, in your picture is the Sonore Power Supply, I developed those specifically for these products (they are also an excellent choice for powering anything which requires an ultra low noise, ultra fast power supply, we also make custom versions for different voltages.  I use versions of these power supplies to feed everything in my network chain, Switch, router, and oMDeluxe V2).  Oh yeah, on the SFP modules: purchase them from a reliable source like Mouser, I avoid eBay and Amazon for stuff like this as it appears there is the possibility of there being counterfeit devices out there.  It is worth a few extra bucks for the peace of mind of knowing you are getting the real thing and not an imposter.

Please feel free to contact me via PM on this site as well, I love to hear what people are using in their systems, and to try and help people get the best sound when I have anything to offer.  This way we do not have to bore others with system specific advice as well.  I also really like to help folks get the best out of their Sonore products: we try really hard to make things with the best performance we possibly can.

[Reg19]

@barrows  First: thank you for your detailed reply, Sir. If you're ever in the tri-state area and would like to audition / hear / critique my system & chat music / equipment over some drinks, let me know.

 

1. The one big 'area for improvement' I've always heard from the audiophiles who've heard my setup is that it is too warm. I've owned 3 other sets of Focal speakers before this one (Electra 1038Be, Sopra 3, and Scala Utopia). From experience, the smaller / earlier Focals tended to be bright. Surprisingly, Maestros have a warm signature - which does not blend well with the fact that JC1+ tend to be on the warm side too (or, at least, a bit less detailed in the top end).

 

2. Pass X260.8 monos are wonderful, especially for Jazz (they make you melt in your seat when paired with a good tube preamp) & with most other speakers, I'd keep them and sell the JC1+ monos. However, because my speakers' impedance dips down to 1.7 ohms at 110Hz, I find that the JC1+ are a better overall fit (especially for classical music). With speakers that can utilize their fantastic current delivering capacity, they are surprisingly underrated.

 

3. Yes, the Innuous switch connects to the opticalModule, Intel NUC (running Roon), and the Mac Studio (running HQPlayer). Yes, it is 100Mb, so that might be the reason why it does not work with the oM / oR.

 

4. Thanks for the 1421 SFP recommendation. Apparently, it is 'obsolete' according to Mouser. Must be discontinued.

 

5. I can vouch for your Sonore Audiophile Power Supply. It is tremendous. It seems to have a very low output impedance as it is quite dynamic with the oR & music has fast transients.

 

I shall PM you with my findings...

 

[muski]

I have drawerful of SFPs from my experiments. My favorite is the singlemode Finisar FTLX1475D3BCV.

 

@Reg19 Wondering if you've tried the Innuos PhoenixUSB? I have both a PhoenixUSB and a PhoenixNet, and while I like both, in my setup the PhoenixUSB had a bigger impact on reducing digital harshness than the PhoenixNet. I also recently added a Sonore UltraDigital to go from USB to SPDIF into my Chord M Scaler—seems the SPDIF interface is a little less noisy (no idea about the Holo May inputs).

 

To my ears, Sablon USB & ethernet cables also help tame harshness.

 

best,

muski 

[lsantista]

On 5/15/2023 at 11:07 AM, Tihon said:

I was able to hear difference between Farad and Keces LPSU for example.

and what were the main differences?

 

I have a farad, and saw the Keces at Munich, looked nice.. unfortunetly didnt see any setup in which brands of LPS I know were playing

[Tihon]

9 hours ago, lsantista said:

and what were the main differences?

Better LPSU normally gives darker (less harsh) sound, improve soundstage depth and dynamics. I’ve tried several LPSUs, Farad was the best.

[barrows]

3 hours ago, Tihon said:

Better LPSU normally gives darker (less harsh) sound, improve soundstage depth and dynamics. I’ve tried several LPSUs, Farad was the best.

Umm, while there is some truth to what you say, it is not the entire truth.  As one who designs power supplies, the differences in sonics depend on the specific differences between power supplies.  For example, a better power supply while often offering a more relaxed sound as you note, will also often allow for better retrieval of ambient details, the room sound (whether a real room or a imposed one via the recording process) will become more obvious and distinct.  Also small details regarding the timbre of instruments will be more present, and the entire presentation will become more real and alive, more like humans making music, rather than an electric facsimile.

[Tihon]

59 minutes ago, barrows said:

better retrieval of ambient details, the room sound (whether a real room or a imposed one via the recording process) will become more obvious and distinct.  Also small details regarding the timbre of instruments will be more present, and the entire presentation will become more real and alive, more like humans making music, rather than an electric facsimile

Absolutely agree on this. In my previous post I only mentioned the very basics, which is easy to hear.

 

I think PSUs (as one of the key components of "quality power") affect everything. Lower noise floor -> better retrieval of "small signals". And those "small signals" (details, quiet sounds - whatever we call it) is what gives us sense of realism in playback. Something like the difference between a modern 3D animation and a real movie.