Sonore opticalModule v0.95 - discontinued

sahmen · April 18, 2020

2 minutes ago, vortecjr said:

Don’t be surprised:) You could try the Sonore power supply.

Thanks, Jesus.

Flashman · April 19, 2020

13 hours ago, sahmen said:

Just in case you're not asking a rhetorical question: I think it is possible to reverse the directionality of the OM and connect it to the ER using an RJ45 copper cable. It is even possible to use two OMs connected via fibre in the same chain, with each other side connected via RJ45, either to a router, or to the ER. I personally wouldn't connect an OM using either approach, as they do not suit my particular needs, but I wouldn't be surprised other enthusiasts are already using one or the other configuration.

Thanks for the clarification.

thuandb · May 3, 2020

On 3/20/2020 at 7:26 PM, kennyb123 said:

https://planetechusa.com/product/mgb-tlx-mini-gbic-lx-module-20km/

Thanks for the info. I've tried both (Sonore's multi mode transceivers/cable and Planet-USA single mode transceivers/matching cable) and like both with the same LPSUs feeding the OMs. Ultimately preferred the single mode gear, but the multi mode combo is pretty good anyway.

ASRMichael · May 12, 2020

Hi, I’m in the process of ordering a Sean Jacobs LPS. What’s peoples views on what voltage I should spec the LPS at for the opti-“module? 5,7,9v?.

Have people here tested at different voltages?

thanks in advance

Flashman · May 12, 2020

The rated power input for the oM is 5-9 volts. I've been running mine at 5 volts, 1 amp, with the USB output of my Keces P8 LPS, which has a dual output option plus the USB output.

barrows · May 12, 2020

On 5/12/2020 at 2:52 PM, ASRMichael said:

Hi, I’m in the process of ordering a Sean Jacobs LPS. What’s peoples views on what voltage I should spec the LPS at for the opti-“module? 5,7,9v?.

Have people here tested at different voltages?

thanks in advance

I would recommend 5 VDC, and capable of at least 1A. Higher voltages will only make the oM run hotter, not any "better".

vkennedy · May 18, 2020

@vortecjr

Hi - I think I posted this prior but I can't find the posting any longer.

Is the opticalModule compatible with a PS Audio DirectStream DAC? The DirectStream is 100MB/sec vs 1GB.

Thanks,

Vince

Superdad · May 18, 2020

2 hours ago, vkennedy said:

Is the opticalModule compatible with a PS Audio DirectStream DAC? The DirectStream is 100MB/sec vs 1GB.

The copper port of the opticalModule is Gigabit-only.

vortecjr · May 18, 2020

2 hours ago, vkennedy said:

@vortecjr

Hi - I think I posted this prior but I can't find the posting any longer.

Is the opticalModule compatible with a PS Audio DirectStream DAC? The DirectStream is 100MB/sec vs 1GB.

Thanks,

Vince

It’s not compatible with it.

vkennedy · May 18, 2020

I agree that it's GB only on the RJ45 jack. Somewhere along the way @vortecjr acknowledged this issue and also indicated that they are working on it. Since the opticalModule is still only available for pre-order, I am wondering if the next gen will be 100MB compatible.

I currently have:

1. Ubiquiti Unifi Switch1 (Core) with a fiber backbone to Ubiquity Unifi Switch 2 (Audio Rack).

2. From Unifi Switch 2 I have Fiber to a Media converter (powered by a Uptone LPS)

3. From Media Converter RJ45 to PS Audio DirectStream DAC.

Unifii Switch 1 --> Fiber ---> Unifi Switch 2 ---> Fiber ---> Media Converter ---> RJ45 Cat5e ---> PS Audio DirectStream DAC

This works well and sounds great. Does it sound better then straight Cat5e off of Switch 2? It's really hard to tell. I've tried going back and forth and I mostly lean towards I can't hear the difference. I've also tried putting the Media converter before a Sonore ultraRendu and tested the USB connection in the same way with and without the media converter. Once again, I can't really tell the difference between w/media converter and without. Does the DirectStream sound better with Ethernet vs USB is an open question. There are times that I think the USB sounds best and there are times I thing the Ethernet sounds the best. I do want to test the opticalModule before I settle on one of the inputs. I really don't need two source inputs to the DirectStream.

Thanks!

Vince

vortecjr · May 18, 2020

4 minutes ago, vkennedy said:

I agree that it's GB only on the RJ45 jack. Somewhere along the way @vortecjr acknowledged this issue and also indicated that they are working on it. Since the opticalModule is still only available for pre-order, I am wondering if the next gen will be 100MB compatible.

I currently have:

1. Ubiquiti Unifi Switch1 (Core) with a fiber backbone to Ubiquity Unifi Switch 2 (Audio Rack).

2. From Unifi Switch 2 I have Fiber to a Media converter (powered by a Uptone LPS)

3. From Media Converter RJ45 to PS Audio DirectStream DAC.

Unifii Switch 1 --> Fiber ---> Unifi Switch 2 ---> Fiber ---> Media Converter ---> RJ45 Cat5e ---> PS Audio DirectStream DAC

This works well and sounds great. Does it sound better then straight Cat5e off of Switch 2? It's really hard to tell. I've tried going back and forth and I mostly lean towards I can't hear the difference. I've also tried putting the Media converter before a Sonore ultraRendu and tested the USB connection in the same way with and without the media converter. Once again, I can't really tell the difference between w/media converter and without. Does the DirectStream sound better with Ethernet vs USB is an open question. There are times that I think the USB sounds best and there are times I thing the Ethernet sounds the best. I do want to test the opticalModule before I settle on one of the inputs. I really don't need two source inputs to the DirectStream.

Thanks!

Vince

This is the situation we are in. The oM is unfortunately 1000 speed only, but fortunately it is compatible with the Rendu series with USB output.

magnuska · June 5, 2020

Just received an OM from the swedish distributor. Took some time to get it to work. But that was me who did not understand to remove the small white plastic protectors on the fibercable...😵 With these removed I got the system started. The OM insterted between Router and Etherregen. The OM is initially powered from an IFI powerbrick. That will be replaced with a Paul Hynes SR4. From cold its a definte improvement. Much more silent background, sounds very good right now. I guess Improvement with burn in as usual.

Thank you Sonore for a great product.

Regards Magnus

vortecjr · June 5, 2020

4 hours ago, magnuska said:

Just received an OM from the swedish distributor. Took some time to get it to work. But that was me who did not understand to remove the small white plastic protectors on the fibercable...😵 With these removed I got the system started. The OM insterted between Router and Etherregen. The OM is initially powered from an IFI powerbrick. That will be replaced with a Paul Hynes SR4. From cold its a definte improvement. Much more silent background, sounds very good right now. I guess Improvement with burn in as usual.

Thank you Sonore for a great product.

Regards Magnus

Enjoy!

PYP · June 6, 2020

11 hours ago, magnuska said:

Just received an OM from the swedish distributor. Took some time to get it to work. But that was me who did not understand to remove the small white plastic protectors on the fibercable...😵 With these removed I got the system started.

Luckily, I watched a video about connecting fiber so I knew to remove the plastic protectors. But I unpacked the OM in a room with little lighting and didn't see the plastic cover that protects the OM during shipping. Well, I didn't see it until it started to wrinkle once it was in use and I couldn't figure out what was going on. When i used a strong flashlight to look at it (by now, it was behind my rack), I finally realized my error (doh!).

kzs70 · June 6, 2020

19 hours ago, magnuska said:

The OM insterted between Router and Etherregen. The OM is initially powered from an IFI powerbrick. That will be replaced with a Paul Hynes SR4. From cold its a definte improvement. Much more silent background, sounds very good right now. I guess Improvement with burn in as usual.

Thanks for this information. I am also considering the OM (or a cheaper TP link media converter) between my router and ER, but my gut feeling tells me I should get the OM with an LPS. Please let us know your opinion after the burn in period and adding the LPS too...

Flashman · June 6, 2020

14 minutes ago, kzs70 said:

Thanks for this information. I am also considering the OM (or a cheaper TP link media converter) between my router and ER, but my gut feeling tells me I should get the OM with an LPS. Please let us know your opinion after the burn in period and adding the LPS too...

@kzs70Check out this review of the Sonore oM, which touches on the difference with a TP Link. The reviewer also used an LPS. Hint: The reviewer gave a rave review of the oM.

kzs70 · June 6, 2020

13 minutes ago, Flashman said:

@kzs70Check out this review of the Sonore oM, which touches on the difference with a TP Link. The reviewer also used an LPS. Hint: The reviewer gave a rave review of the oM.

Thanks @Flashman, this is a pretty convincing review, I will get an OM and will test it soon. Just have to find a reasonable priced (preferable cheaper than the OM itself) LPS as well.

Has someone tried the Ciunas Audio 5V or the Allo Shanti dual 5V LPS's?

sahmen · June 19, 2020

Does anyone know if there is a notable performance difference between an Optical module powered by the SGC 5v LPS, and an Optical Module powered by the Uptone LPS 1.2 set to 5v? I'm currently using the SGC LPS with the OM, in the same chain as my Etherregen, but I have a newly freed up LPS 1.2 that I could use with the OM, if that would make a notable difference.

barrows · June 19, 2020

4 minutes ago, sahmen said:

Does anyone know if there is a notable performance difference between an Optical module powered by the SGC 5v LPS, and an Optical Module powered by the Uptone LPS 1.2 set to 5v?

I would expect a notable improvement using your LPS 1.2 at 5 VDC with the oM.

cat6man · June 19, 2020

just wanted to give some feedback on my use of the oM outside the circle of audio devices.

originally, all my networked devices were randomly attached to either the fios router, a 24 port gigabit netgear switch or a 4 port 10 gigabit netgear switch.

the audio path logic is (ignoring all the switches)

audiolinux/HQP/NUCserver (hdplex200) ==> etherRegen (lps 1.2) ==> opticalRendu/NAA (sr4)

my first step was to isolate the audio components so i added a ubiquity edgerouterX sfp (powered by lps 1.2) with 3 copper connections to the server/NUC, etherRegen and fios router (for streaming qobuz)

isolating the audio devices from the rest of the home network activity made a noticeable improvement in SQ

as a 2nd step, i inserted an oM between the fios router and the SFP input on the edgerouter.............and the improvement was as least as significant as the first step, and this was without an LPS powering the oM.

replacing that last cat6 cable with a Sonore opticalModule and fiber gives additional galvanic isolation from the fios router and the improvement is huge.............it seems there is no end to the amount of grunge/noise we need to remove. i had not expected this big an improvement......bigger and more continuous soundstage, deeper decays, more detail without etch. note that this is with a wallwart switching power supply for the opticalModule. i'll upgrade to a LPS for the oM when my hdplex300 get here in a couple of weeks.

so if you haven't tried it, consider 1) isolating your audio switching devices from the rest of your network activity and 2) use a oM to galvanically isolate your segregated audio from the other network activity. really big gains for really little money.

cat6man · June 20, 2020

replaced 5v wall wart switching supply with 12v wall wart switching supply into a DXP-1a5DSC (pre-reg 10v, output 8v) and another very tangible improvement, particularly in jump factor on vocals where the dynamic range of silence to vocal is startling............and this is not even in the streaming audio path, just between the fios router and the edgerouterX.

i already have galvanic isolation to the DAC (with the etherRegen ==> opticalRendu)

any theories on why this is helping so much? (not that i'm complaining)

...........other than "everything matters"

vortecjr · June 20, 2020

23 hours ago, cat6man said:

replaced 5v wall wart switching supply with 12v wall wart switching supply into a DXP-1a5DSC (pre-reg 10v, output 8v) and another very tangible improvement, particularly in jump factor on vocals where the dynamic range of silence to vocal is startling............and this is not even in the streaming audio path, just between the fios router and the edgerouterX.

i already have galvanic isolation to the DAC (with the etherRegen ==> opticalRendu)

any theories on why this is helping so much? (not that i'm complaining)

...........other than "everything matters"

It would be impracticable to show a difference from this at the output the DAC.

cat6man · June 21, 2020

13 hours ago, vortecjr said:

It would be impracticable to show a difference from this at the output the DAC.

ok............how about a simpler measurement?

what about fiber vs. copper in the streaming path to the DAC?

let's run copper or an oM to the Rendu streamer...........what would you measure to show the

benefit of galvanic isolation?

vortecjr · June 21, 2020

16 hours ago, cat6man said:

ok............how about a simpler measurement?

what about fiber vs. copper in the streaming path to the DAC?

let's run copper or an oM to the Rendu streamer...........what would you measure to show the

benefit of galvanic isolation?

John or Alex have posted measurements with cable Ethernet showing the affect of noise from the power supply on an upstream network device. The whole shunting of the DC negative to AC ground was part of the proposed fix. This type of noise transmission is simply not possible over fiber optic networking.

cat6man · June 21, 2020

1 hour ago, vortecjr said:

John or Alex have posted measurements with cable Ethernet showing the affect of noise from the power supply on an upstream network device. The whole shunting of the DC negative to AC ground was part of the proposed fix. This type of noise transmission is simply not possible over fiber optic networking.

thanks jesus. i (vaguely) remember this and, in fact, modified two of my switching power supplies accordingly.

anyone remember the link(s)?

Sonore opticalModule v0.95 - discontinued

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