The EtherREGEN thread for various network, cable, power experiences and experiments

[keler]

Hello, 

I have not posted here since a long time.

I bought the Etheregen one year ago and it was the best switch I had in my system.  First added the Uptone lps 1.2.  The improvement was subtle.  Then, following the review here, I tried the Farad 3 lps.  It was clearly better vs the lps 1.2.  However, even after 14 days continuous burning, I found the sound sometimes a bit bright, on some recordings.  Maybe on 20% of my library.  So I returned it too, as the lps 1.2.

Then I got the MCRU pinnacle ( option 3).  The improvement was dramatic.  Even bigger than going from Cisco 2960 X2 to Etheregen.

i finally added recently an Entreq power cord to the ps, still a nice uplift.

I was tempted to add a clock, like the Afterdark.  But all these little boxes, cables, ...I didn’t want more.

 

5 days ago, I received the Innuos PhoenixNet.  One box, with an OCXO clock, dual Sean Jacobs ps, a fancy case and no lights.  From what I read, this switch needs a lot of time to burn in.  The OCXO clock takes 1 week to stabilise, and the mundorph capacitors take several weeks to burn in.

But after 5 days, I have to say that it’s already better vs my ER/MCRU :  there is more authority, a better bass, more clarity, more confidence in the sound. 

At more than twice the price, it’s hopefully better.  But the Etheregen remains a wonderful switch for the money and deserves the best linear ps, as Paul Hyynes, Sean Jacobs....or Uptone JS2.

If you don’t want to have 4 little boxes as ER/ ps/ Masterclock/ ps and a lot of cables running, the Innuos is definitely the way to go.

I could have choosed the Melco S100, but apparently, from other forums, it’s not the most lively and involving switch in the market.  The Innuos is very dynamic, with full of prat, and a very natural sound, full bodied and rich.  
It will stay.

[Avalfa]

10 hours ago, keler said:

5 days ago, I received the Innuos PhoenixNet.  One box, with an OCXO clock, dual Sean Jacobs ps, a fancy case and no lights.  

Interesting! The first switch since the ER came to market that gets my interest.

 

Because of what you've mentioned here, One box with all the stuff in it,  a switch, a good clock and LPS, so no cable stuff, just one power cord and a network connection, nice box and no lights, as it sounds as good or better than the ER, this is a no brainer.

 

Despite that, I'll stick with the superb ER for now, since I've already got that one. Just building a very nice LPS with UC boards for the ER at the moment, I will enjoy my ER for a while longer. 😊

 

Nevertheless this Innuos seems like a great device also!

[Johnnydev]

4 hours ago, keler said:

Hello, 

I have not posted here since a long time.

I bought the Etheregen one year ago and it was the best switch I had in my system.  First added the Uptone lps 1.2.  The improvement was subtle.  Then, following the review here, I tried the Farad 3 lps.  It was clearly better vs the lps 1.2.  However, even after 14 days continuous burning, I found the sound sometimes a bit bright, on some recordings.  Maybe on 20% of my library.  So I returned it too, as the lps 1.2.

Then I got the MCRU pinnacle ( option 3).  The improvement was dramatic.  Even bigger than going from Cisco 2960 X2 to Etheregen.

i finally added recently an Entreq power cord to the ps, still a nice uplift.

I was tempted to add a clock, like the Afterdark.  But all these little boxes, cables, ...I didn’t want more.

 

5 days ago, I received the Innuos PhoenixNet.  One box, with an OCXO clock, dual Sean Jacobs ps, a fancy case and no lights.  From what I read, this switch needs a lot of time to burn in.  The OCXO clock takes 1 week to stabilise, and the mundorph capacitors take several weeks to burn in.

But after 5 days, I have to say that it’s already better vs my ER/MCRU :  there is more authority, a better bass, more clarity, more confidence in the sound. 

At more than twice the price, it’s hopefully better.  But the Etheregen remains a wonderful switch for the money and deserves the best linear ps, as Paul Hyynes, Sean Jacobs....or Uptone JS2.

If you don’t want to have 4 little boxes as ER/ ps/ Masterclock/ ps and a lot of cables running, the Innuos is definitely the way to go.

I could have choosed the Melco S100, but apparently, from other forums, it’s not the most lively and involving switch in the market.  The Innuos is very dynamic, with full of prat, and a very natural sound, full bodied and rich.  
It will stay.

 

Was the Farad super3 equipped with the furutech inlet and orange fuse? And which DC cable did you connect to it?

[Rsbrsvp]

My friends,

 

We will read many reports that there are super switches like the  Innuos, or Jcat, or S100, etc.  Pretty much every report claims they are somewhat superior to the ER.  The most recent, quoted above says that even the ER with a good PS is not up to the Innous.

 

I believe however that this analysis is perhaps somewhat unfair.

 

Has a comparison of these super switches been made to a OM deluxe, and two ER's all with superb Power supplies?  Many confirmed reports claim adding an OM and another ER all with good PS's is a substantial upgrade to one ER with one good PS.

 

My three Teddy Pardo Power supplies along with OM, along with  two ER's (which I have not bought the second one yet) is approximately the cost of one Innous.  It is much cheaper than a Jcat switch.   For that comparison, to equalize the price ratio, I can add a great OXCO to both ER's and maybe even a third ER.

 

I do not know if my OM, double ER, triple Teddy Pardo will beat the Jcat or Innous, but until the comparison is made fair in terms of financial layout, it is meaningless to me.  Fair comparisons involve similar financial layout.  Obviously a Mercedes is better than a Ford.  It cost three times the price.  Lets be fair my friends...

 

By the way, as mentioned earlier, in my personal circumstances,  I already own a Mutec R10 se-120 which I have connected to multiple components in my system, so my super clock is already owned.  Why pay for another one?

 

 

[Avalfa]

59 minutes ago, Rsbrsvp said:

My friends,

 

We will read many reports that there are super switches like the  Innuos, or Jcat, or S100, etc.  Pretty much every report claims they are somewhat superior to the ER.  The most recent, quoted above says that even the ER with a good PS is not up to the Innous.

 

I believe however that this analysis is perhaps somewhat unfair.

 

Has a comparison of these super switches been made to a OM deluxe, and two ER's all with superb Power supplies?  Many confirmed reports claim adding an OM and another ER all with good PS's is a substantial upgrade to one ER with one good PS.

 

My three Teddy Pardo Power supplies along with OM, along with  two ER's (which I have not bought the second one yet) is approximately the cost of one Innous.  It is much cheaper than a Jcat switch.   For that comparison, to equalize the price ratio, I can add a great OXCO to both ER's and maybe even a third ER.

 

I do not know if my OM, double ER, triple Teddy Pardo will beat the Jcat or Innous, but until the comparison is made fair in terms of financial layout, it is meaningless to me.  Fair comparisons involve similar financial layout.  Obviously a Mercedes is better than a Ford.  It cost three times the price.  Lets be fair my friends...

 

By the way, as mentioned earlier, in my personal circumstances,  I already own a Mutec R10 se-120 which I have connected to multiple components in my system, so my super clock is already owned.  Why pay for another one?

 

 

True, and I do believe the ER should still sound best, if with best possible clock and PSU. 

 

However, the great benefit to me of the Innuos on forehand is, that it's all combined in one pretty looking box instead of a whole bunch of boxes and cables. 

All together it's not even expensive, the Innuos, of you put the prices of the loose components together.

 

I wishe there was a solution with as example,

A ER switch board pcb, a mutec clock and jss2.0 combined in one pretty box. Ideally modular build, so you can plug and upgrade it yourself whenever you're up to spending some bucks. 

[Rsbrsvp]

Regarding the one box issue, go to aliexpress and buy a nice metal case for $25.00 and put all your ER's, PS.s and OM inside one covered chasis.

[Avalfa]

1 hour ago, Rsbrsvp said:

Regarding the one box issue, go to aliexpress and buy a nice metal case for $25.00 and put all your ER's, PS.s and OM inside one covered chasis.

Well that's a funny one, try find a nice casing under $300-500 i where you can just send cad drawing files to the manufacturer in a western based factory and make them CNC machining holes in the surfaces where your connections should be. (And no, I won't support AliExpress on that one)

 

I just received a proposal of 1 for my LPS, it's made by the factory who makes the cases for the  Uptone js2.0, I will end up paying €300-350 for a one of a kind box with the cutout I need. Just to give you an idea of what a box will cost of you don't take bulk from a factory

[Avalfa]

Nevertheless I stick with my ER for the next coming periode, let that be clear, I just wished it was possible to buy a version where you can modulair build it up with PSU clock provided by the same manufacturer, so everything is optimised to the max and in one box without any lights

[PYP]

1 hour ago, Rsbrsvp said:

Regarding the one box issue, go to aliexpress and buy a nice metal case for $25.00 and put all your ER's, PS.s and OM inside one covered chasis.

I suppose it depends on the temperature in your home, but I've found that adequate ventilation is needed for the eRs, Om and LPS 1.2.  In my setup, that means sufficient space among the components and a small fan.  Heat sinks  work well for others.  

[keler]

5 hours ago, Johnnydev said:

 

Was the Farad super3 equipped with the furutech inlet and orange fuse? And which DC cable did you connect to it?

It was the stock Farad. 

[keler]

3 hours ago, Rsbrsvp said:

My friends,

 

We will read many reports that there are super switches like the  Innuos, or Jcat, or S100, etc.  Pretty much every report claims they are somewhat superior to the ER.  The most recent, quoted above says that even the ER with a good PS is not up to the Innous.

 

I believe however that this analysis is perhaps somewhat unfair.

 

Has a comparison of these super switches been made to a OM deluxe, and two ER's all with superb Power supplies?  Many confirmed reports claim adding an OM and another ER all with good PS's is a substantial upgrade to one ER with one good PS.

 

My three Teddy Pardo Power supplies along with OM, along with  two ER's (which I have not bought the second one yet) is approximately the cost of one Innous.  It is much cheaper than a Jcat switch.   For that comparison, to equalize the price ratio, I can add a great OXCO to both ER's and maybe even a third ER.

 

I do not know if my OM, double ER, triple Teddy Pardo will beat the Jcat or Innous, but until the comparison is made fair in terms of financial layout, it is meaningless to me.  Fair comparisons involve similar financial layout.  Obviously a Mercedes is better than a Ford.  It cost three times the price.  Lets be fair my friends...

 

By the way, as mentioned earlier, in my personal circumstances,  I already own a Mutec R10 se-120 which I have connected to multiple components in my system, so my super clock is already owned.  Why pay for another one?

 

 

I am not saying that you can’t have a better sound with the ER/ Lps and clock vs the Innuos.  But the cost will be similar and you will have a lot of boxes and running cables.  I can just report that the Innuos is better, for me, vs the ER/ high quality ps.  Perhaps if adding the Afterdark clock ( 800 dollars) with a ps , you can have the same level of sound.  But personally I didn’t want to have all these boxes and cables.   The Innuos fit in my audio rack elegantly.

I had the Teddy Pardo before. For me it’s on the level of the lps 1.2.  Not JS2, MCRU pinnacle or Sean Jacobs DC3.  If you want the level of the Innuos PhoenixNet, you will have to buy the ER, Sean Jacobs DC3 2 rails with mundorph capacitors, or Paul Hynes SR7, and the Afterdark, and a good quality power cord to the ps:  total cost :  at minimum the price of the Innuos.

[Rsbrsvp]

1 minute ago, keler said:

I am not saying that you can’t have a better sound with the ER/ Lps and clock vs the Innuos.  But the cost will be similar and you will have a lot of boxes and running cables.  I can just report that the Innuos is better, for me, vs the ER/ high quality ps.  Perhaps if adding the Afterdark clock ( 800 dollars) with a ps , you can have the same level of sound.  But personally I didn’t want to have all these boxes and cables.   The Innuos fit in my audio rack elegantly.

I had the Teddy Pardo before. For me it’s on the level of the lps 1.2.  Not JS2, MCRU pinnacle or Sean Jacobs DC3.  If you want the level of the Innuos PhoenixNet, you will have to buy the ER, Sean Jacobs DC3 2 rails with mundorph capacitors, or Paul Hynes SR7, and the Afterdark, and a good quality power cord to the ps:  total cost :  at minimum the price of the Innuos.

I hear.......

 

Again, I must have hearing problems, but I bought a Paul Hynes SR-7T and did not find much improvement at all over the Teddy Pardo at all.  But I respect your opinion....

 

Regarding the many box approach- I agree it is not lovely, but it does allow one to build up slowly.

 

If in theory dollar for dollar the Innous and ER x 2 plus OM plus three power supplies were around equal sonically and equal in cost, I agree- go with the less boxes approach IF you have the money to upfront.  Seems reasonable.

 

I do not argue with your points.  I just want the comparison top be financially on even ground....

[Rsbrsvp]

Wow- I was wrong.  I see the Innous is around $3,600.

 

ER is $670 with shipping X 2.  OM around $335.  My Teddy Pardos tripple is $800.  I still have around a thousand dollars to upgrade to get equal grounding with the Innous.

 

I could get a third ER or less expensive OXCO in my setup to equal costs or perhaps a better PS..

 

Again- I realize this is the more messy way to go, but it is an option.........

[Clockmeister]

Interesting another network switch deep joy

[Avalfa]

31 minutes ago, Rsbrsvp said:

Wow- I was wrong.  I see the Innous is around $3,600.

 

ER is $670 with shipping X 2.  OM around $335.  My Teddy Pardos tripple is $800.  I still have around a thousand dollars to upgrade to get equal grounding with the Innous.

 

I could get a third ER or less expensive OXCO in my setup to equal costs or perhaps a better PS..

 

Again- I realize this is the more messy way to go, but it is an option.........

Depends on where you are on the globe.

 

It's 'just' €2750.- where I am

 

Over here ER is around €800 lps1,2 €450

Clock€800-5000 depending on  which one another LPS 450-700 and than cable etc. 

 

So it's depending on so many factors, and than again I think few people have heard the Innuos yet, I haven't. So if it's any better? I Don't know. 

I just think it's interesting

[R1200CL]

The future is optical interfaces. The SFP/ SFP+ can carry any digital (audio) protocol. 

[Rsbrsvp]

Please forgive me for the question if this has been covered:

 

Does the ER need to be on 24/7 to sound its best or is a one or two hour warm up enough?

 

It gets so hot, I want to extend it's life so I prefer to turn it on only when necessary.

 

I thought at least to turn it on in the early afternoon and off at night before bed.  I listen to music in the evening....  That would allow a 4-5 hour warm-up time.

[Nikko1960]

4 minutes ago, Rsbrsvp said:

 

Does the ER need to be on 24/7 to sound its best or is a one or two hour warm up enough?

 

It gets so hot, I want to extend it's life so I prefer to turn it on only when necessary.

 

 

 

I leave mine on 7x24.  Does no harm and sounds the best that way.  Have you tried an external clock with it yet?  I added the AfterDark special bundle & LPSU.  It's a significant upgrade!

[R1200CL]

6 minutes ago, Rsbrsvp said:

It gets so hot, I want to extend it's life so I prefer to turn it on only when necessary.

People switching on and off electronics, shorting the life. I never turn of anything. 
A car engine last longer if it’s not stops (think why taxi’s last so long). Emergency aggregator sometime has external heaters, just to keep them warm. 

[keler]

For now there is very few streamers with optical out.  I know only the Lumin X1.   Personally I tried optical converters added to ethernet cables, as my streamer has only lan port, and was not convinced.  It gave a nicer sound, more open, but less immediate too. Timing was a bit affected I feel.

i can’t imagine having a chain of fiber, sonore optical modules, switch, several ps to power the chain....

A lot use that set up , but today I am so happy to have only one nice box in my rack and a sound that is better vs all the network gear I could have in the past.

[keler]

8 minutes ago, Nikko1960 said:

 

I leave mine on 7x24.  Does no harm and sounds the best that way.  Have you tried an external clock with it yet?  I added the AfterDark special bundle & LPSU.  It's a significant upgrade!

I had the ER for 1 year, left on 24/24, without any issues.   I had a lot of air around it.

i wanted recently to buy the Afterdark, but it needs another ps too.  With a ps of the same quality as mine, the total cost of ER/MCRU / Afterdark / MCRU is even more expensive than the PhoenixNet.

i finally got the Innuos.

[Iving]

43 minutes ago, Rsbrsvp said:

Please forgive me for the question if this has been covered:

 

Does the ER need to be on 24/7 to sound its best or is a one or two hour warm up enough?

 

It gets so hot, I want to extend it's life so I prefer to turn it on only when necessary.

 

I thought at least to turn it on in the early afternoon and off at night before bed.  I listen to music in the evening....  That would allow a 4-5 hour warm-up time.

 

Whilst the ER works great from cold, the main issue is that the clock needs time - as in weeks - to stabilise optimally for SQ.

 

That said, I have my system off sometimes. But only when I'm busy on other things for those kinds of episodes.

 

The ER isn't something you would ordinarily turn on and off daily.

 

(Like plenty of other ER users I have a heatsink which I hope helps dissipate heat. To the extent that longevity is in play it could help there too - but that is not my particular concern. I think she looks nice with her hat on - that's probably the main reason.)

 

Edit: See also here:

 

[Rsbrsvp]

23 minutes ago, keler said:

I had the ER for 1 year, left on 24/24, without any issues.   I had a lot of air around it.

i wanted recently to buy the Afterdark, but it needs another ps too.  With a ps of the same quality as mine, the total cost of ER/MCRU / Afterdark / MCRU is even more expensive than the PhoenixNet.

i finally got the Innuos.

Good move.  I already have a mutec Ref10 se-120 so investment for me is only in PS and etherregen.  If I did not have the Ref10, and did not want a clock for four other components in my system, I would do what you did.

A I mentioned before, the Ref10 is a ridiculous purchase if you do not use it on many components, but if you do, you do not need all your other equipment to have expensive clocks built in.

[Rsbrsvp]

By the way, cost no object- my hunch ((guessing only) is that that Jcat with a great PS is the goldmine.

 

I am not spending $6,000 however.  

[keler]

I understand easily.  If I had already the Mutec Ref10, I would stick with the ER too.