EtherREGEN: Installation, Usage, Difficulty, Questions thread

[JohnSwenson]

On 2/20/2021 at 2:15 PM, jomsjoms said:

 

Thanks. So why do they mark it as uplink? What is the difference between an uplink port and a normal port if both can be connected to another switch or directly to a PC or streamer or etc? thanks

Some models of the 2960 have mainly 100Mb ports, while the "uplink" port (copper or fiber) are 1Gb. The uplink port is designed to connect the switch to some high speed connection such as connection to a high speed modem or maybe a file server etc.

 

The "uplink" has nothing to do with the direction of data, just that it is designed to be used with a high speed connection to something else. You certainly can use it to connect to a normal connection if you wish.

 

John S.

[jrobbins50]

Hello, @Superdad, @JohnSwensonand others here on the forum. I am having a configuration problem with my new EtherRegen.

 

if I run Ethernet from my Ubiquiti switch directly to my microRendu (brand new version), and USB from there to my Okto DAC, HQP sees all and Roon playback works fine. 
 

If I run the Ethernet first to a Sonore optical module (the microRendu sized case), then fiber from there to the EtherRegen and Ethernet back out of there to the microRendu, it does not work. 
 

I note the difference is that by adding in the EtherRegen, only the amber light on the microRendu is on (flickering of course).  Without the EtherRegen, the microRendu also has a solid green light running. 
 

Same outcome if I bypass the optical module and run Ethernet straight into the EtherRegen — no green light on the microRendu. 
 

Any clue as to what is going on here?  Thanks. JCR 

[magnium]

 

 

2 hours ago, jrobbins50 said:
 

If I run the Ethernet first to a Sonore optical module (the microRendu sized case), then fiber from there to the EtherRegen and Ethernet back out of there to the microRendu, it does not work. 
 

I note the difference is that by adding in the EtherRegen, only the amber light on the microRendu is on (flickering of course).  Without the EtherRegen, the microRendu also has a solid green light running. 
 

Same outcome if I bypass the optical module and run Ethernet straight into the EtherRegen — no green light on the microRendu. 
 

Any clue as to what is going on here?  Thanks. JCR 

@jrobbins50 I had this issue recently when I was adding a master clock to the ER.  My solution was that once everything is connected to then remove power to the OpticalModule for a minute.  Everything worked normally after that.

 

I think it may have to do with resetting the IP addresses of the ER and any connected devices.  Hopefully this works for you.

[jrobbins50]

@magnium, an excellent suggestion — but unfortunately, that did not fix things for me. Still no green light on the microRendu if it runs through the EtherRegen. JCR 

[Superdad]

32 minutes ago, jrobbins50 said:

@magnium, an excellent suggestion — but unfortunately, that did not fix things for me. Still no green light on the microRendu if it runs through the EtherRegen. JCR 

Hi:

Traveling with family matters this week so have to be brief.

Pretty sure your issue is being caused by the optical SFP transceiver module you are inserting into the EtherREGEN. 

What transceivers are you using in both the opticalModule and the EtherREGEN?

Try pushing them in even harder than you would expect to need to. 

Also, there is a known but still mysterious issue sometimes with the SFP transceivers that Sonore has been shipping. Sometimes they don’t work reliably in the EtherREGEN—despite the fact that @JohnSwenson designed both models with the exact same SFP cage, connector, and positioning. 

 

Here is the link to an inexpensive SFP module that is compatible with what Sonore ships—and which works well in the EtherREGEN. This one has solved the problem for a number of users. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U77VPX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Oa2nllPidwC9B

[jrobbins50]

Thank you, @Superdad.  Following up here after our telephone conversation a few minutes ago.  @magnium, you'll be pleased to learn that your suggestion DID work -- I walked away from the equipment for 10 minutes, came back and the microRendu was discoverable over the network and music is playing out now just fine.

 

Alex believes that the microRendu green light relates to 1Gb connections, whereas the B side of the EtherRegen is 100Mb.  So, it may well be normal operation for the green light not to be on when using a microRendu through an EtherRegen.  I will test and/or confirm this with the Sonore/SGC folks.  Cheers.  JCR

[MartinT]

35 minutes ago, jrobbins50 said:

Alex believes that the microRendu green light relates to 1Gb connections, whereas the B side of the EtherRegen is 100Mb.  So, it may well be normal operation for the green light not to be on when using a microRendu through an EtherRegen.  I will test and/or confirm this with the Sonore/SGC folks.  Cheers.  JCR

 

The microRendu *may* be different, but my ultraRendu LED goes green when fed from the B side of the ER.

[jrobbins50]

Ok, good to know, @MartinT .  There’s a Sonore / SGC webinar coming up this evening. If they take questions, I will ask for the definitive answer!  JCR 

[Roasty]

Hey guys, 

 

I started a second system in the bedroom, and am thinking of how to incorporate an EtherRegen just before the dac/streamer. 

 

The WiFi router in the bedroom is about 3.5m to 4m away from the audio setup. I am intending to use a fiber optic cable between to the ER. But my WiFi router does not have an sfp port. 

 

Which would be a good option? 

A) buy a new wifi router with an sfp port (does such a thing exist?) 

B) keep using my old router and hook it up to a cheap ethernet to fiber optic media converter 

C) keep using my old router and hook it up to a sonore optical module deluxe 

 

I'm leaning to options B and C. 

 

 

[jomsjoms]

35 minutes ago, Roasty said:

Hey guys, 

 

I started a second system in the bedroom, and am thinking of how to incorporate an EtherRegen just before the dac/streamer. 

 

The WiFi router in the bedroom is about 3.5m to 4m away from the audio setup. I am intending to use a fiber optic cable between to the ER. But my WiFi router does not have an sfp port. 

 

Which would be a good option? 

A) buy a new wifi router with an sfp port (does such a thing exist?) 

B) keep using my old router and hook it up to a cheap ethernet to fiber optic media converter 

C) keep using my old router and hook it up to a sonore optical module deluxe 

 

I'm leaning to options B and C. 

 

 

 

You may also get a switch with SFP ports like the ubiquiti ES-8-150W (this is what i plan to do). 

 

However, i am still thinking if Etherregen is worth getting after watching the review of audio “science” review.

[MartinT]

5 hours ago, jomsjoms said:

 

However, i am still thinking if Etherregen is worth getting after watching the review of audio “science” review.

 

Ignore them - doing just the science without doing any listening is worthless. If you can still hear the difference, you're measuring the wrong things.

[pl_svn]

20 hours ago, jomsjoms said:

“science”

[Johnnydev]

2 hours ago, MartinT said:

 

Negeer ze - alleen de wetenschap doen zonder te luisteren is waardeloos. Als je het verschil nog steeds kunt horen, meet je de verkeerde dingen.

Just give it a try

[Pokey77]

17 hours ago, jomsjoms said:

 

You may also get a switch with SFP ports like the ubiquiti ES-8-150W (this is what i plan to do). 

 

However, i am still thinking if Etherregen is worth getting after watching the review of audio “science” review.

Let your ears be your guide.

[acousticsguru]

20 hours ago, jomsjoms said:

 

You may also get a switch with SFP ports like the ubiquiti ES-8-150W (this is what i plan to do). 

 

However, i am still thinking if Etherregen is worth getting after watching the review of audio “science” review.

Actually, what Amir and the guys on that site are doing isn't science. They're naysayers. To claim one can't hear a difference because one couldn't measure it is a waste of time. Historically, there's always been a time when we didn't know what we know now. I'm old enough to remember a time before there were jitter measurements in digital audio, yet those who trusted their ears insisted on hearing differences in S/PDIF connections (another example would be "cable" reflections due to terminations, e.g. RCA versus BNC plugs, etc. & etc. - one could go on listing examples of how to measure the wrong thing all day long). All the naysayers had to contribute was that "bits are bits" - which they are. To me, someone who keeps coming up with truisms and/or refuses to find a way to measure what's relevant, possibly invent methods or build measuring equipment, is just lazy. I sometimes wonder if those self-proclaimed "scientists" have engineering jobs, let alone a life? Who'd hire anyone who, instead of trying to solve a problem, keeps replying something "can't be", professing an utter and complete lack of scientific curiosity? Don't get me wrong, I use and like measurements for what they are: a means to an end, time-saving etc. It's obvious to me those people can't be designers or they'd know better than to use measurements to prove the absence or inexistence of things. That would imply they're omniscient. Which ironically would be the only scenario, rationally speaking, in which measurements would not be needed…

 

Greetings from Switzerland, David.

[thyname]

9 minutes ago, acousticsguru said:

Historically, there's always been a time when we didn't know what we know now.

 

Well said! You hit the nail in the head, your entire post. I quoted the above to simply say that once something has now been measured and discovered (like the examples you mentioned above, I can add more, including "measuring" that the earth is round and goes in orbit around son, not vice-versa), these types will simply move to the next item to naysay, as if nothing happened. they will continue to do their "job"

[Superdad]

13 minutes ago, acousticsguru said:

Who'd hire anyone who, instead of trying to solve a problem, keeps replying something "can't be", professing an utter and complete lack of scientific curiosity? 

That's just it.  And thank you David for your observations.

 

However to all:

Let's please remember that this thread is dedicated to "EtherREGEN: Installation, Usage, Difficulty, Questions." 

There are many other places to debate with those who do or do not wish to acknowledge what is or isn't real and audible. 

[fsmithjack]

Alex, John and/or others can I ask you a EtherRegen use question/advice?

 

SITUATION: 

Today I sold my SGC sonicTransporter I5 and purchased an Antipodes EX Server.

- Note: The Antipodes EX has 2 Ethernet Ports and sonicTransporter I5 had only 1 Ethernet Port

             

             This is how I was using my EtherRegen before todays sale of sonicTransporter I5 and purchase of Antipode EX

             eR Side A had sonicTransporter I5 > Verizon FiOS Router plugged in

             eR Side B had Ethernet DAC (Bricasti MISE - Ethernet DAC) plugged in  

 

QUESTION

Now with the purchase of Antipodes EX with its 2 Ethernet ports what is best way to use with EtherRegen?

 

- Should I plug Verizon FiOS Router into one port of Antipodes EX and use the 2nd port to feed into eR Side A and then  eR Side B to feed my DAC. Only difference from sonicTransporter I5 use  being that I will be putting the Verizon FiOS Router into one port of the Antipode EX rather than another port on eR? 

 

or 

- Should put eR before Antipodes EX?

 

I am just not sure the best way to use this new server with 2 Ethernet ports with my EtherRegen and my AfterDark Clock. I know I can try them both and see what I like best but wanted to ask what you guys think will work best? I would rather just do it best and stick with it. 

 

Thank you 

 

 

 

 

[JohnSwenson]

48 minutes ago, fsmithjack said:

Alex, John and/or others can I ask you a EtherRegen use question/advice?

 

SITUATION: 

Today I sold my SGC sonicTransporter I5 and purchased an Antipodes EX Server.

- Note: The Antipodes EX has 2 Ethernet Ports and sonicTransporter I5 had only 1 Ethernet Port

             

             This is how I was using my EtherRegen before todays sale of sonicTransporter I5 and purchase of Antipode EX

             eR Side A had sonicTransporter I5 > Verizon FiOS Router plugged in

             eR Side B had Ethernet DAC (Bricasti MISE - Ethernet DAC) plugged in  

 

QUESTION

Now with the purchase of Antipodes EX with its 2 Ethernet ports what is best way to use with EtherRegen?

 

- Should I plug Verizon FiOS Router into one port of Antipodes EX and use the 2nd port to feed into eR Side A and then  eR Side B to feed my DAC. Only difference from sonicTransporter I5 use  being that I will be putting the Verizon FiOS Router into one port of the Antipode EX rather than another port on eR? 

 

or 

- Should put eR before Antipodes EX?

 

I am just not sure the best way to use this new server with 2 Ethernet ports with my EtherRegen and my AfterDark Clock. I know I can try them both and see what I like best but wanted to ask what you guys think will work best? I would rather just do it best and stick with it. 

 

Thank you 

 

 

 

 

I would use your first approach, the router into Ethernet jack 1 of the EX and Ethernet jack 2 to an A port on the ER and the B port to the DAC. This is probably going to be the best way to do it, especially if you have an external clock on the ER.

 

John S.

[fsmithjack]

10 minutes ago, JohnSwenson said:

I would use your first approach, the router into Ethernet jack 1 of the EX and Ethernet jack 2 to an A port on the ER and the B port to the DAC. This is probably going to be the best way to do it, especially if you have an external clock on the ER.

 

John S.

 

Thanks John - Also the AfterDark clock is amazing! I power it just like you recommended and love it! Thanks again ... 

[fuzzypoodle]

So, I embarked on my optical transport experimentation journey. Here is my chain:

 

 

From ER on, the power is provided by 4 LPS1.2 and 2 Farads.

 

The result were utterly disappointing. The sound quality has really worsened. I did not expect this to be so harsh and piercing. :(

 

So I switched back to copper. And am contemplating next steps.

 

Continue playing out optical options? A different transceiver?  Attenuators ?

 

Maybe forgo optical for now and insert an "audiophile switch" upstream?

 

Maybe add clocking to ER and Switch?

 

 

[MartinT]

If copper sounds best, stay with copper.  Don't get too swayed with all the talk of fibre - find the solution that works best in your system.

[R1200CL]

On 11/3/2020 at 1:14 AM, Superdad said:

c) All clocking--coming from a state-of-the-art jitter-attenuating clock synthesizer (itself referenced to a Crystek CCHD-575 or to an external 10MHz clock) is run as LVDS (low-voltage differential signaling).

 

In contrast, the Sonore opticalModule, while easily the world's best FMC, does not contain any of the above. Like all other switches and FMCs, it has just a single clock domain and no active isolators.

So even the new oM Deluxe doesn’t contain a CCHD-575 ? 
And no isolation, so it won’t isolate the B side of EtherRegen when the EtherRegen is used in a B>A setup. 
 

 

[Superdad]

1 hour ago, R1200CL said:

So even the new oM Deluxe doesn’t contain a CCHD-575 ? 

That is not correct. Both the original opticalModule and the opticalModule Deluxe use a Crystek CCHD-575. 

Think you took my words the wrong way or out of context. Its the other EtherREGEN stuff (dual clock domains, all differential clock lines, differential isolators, and ultra-low-jitter flip-flops, etc. that only the EtherREGEN has.

[R1200CL]

15 minutes ago, Superdad said:

That is not correct. Both the original opticalModule and the opticalModule Deluxe use a Crystek CCHD-575. 

Think you took my words the wrong way or out of context. Its the other EtherREGEN stuff (dual clock domains, all differential clock lines, differential isolators, and ultra-low-jitter flip-flops, etc. that only the EtherREGEN has.

Thanks Alex. 

And sorry for “abuse” your words. Really not my intention. 
 

Still will implementing the oM (deluxe) add some sort of isolation ?

(Or only reclocking). 
 

I’m afraid that since the RJ45 goes into EtherRegen, the possible effect is low, and can only be achieved by using the LPS-1 or LPS-1.2.