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

[scolley]

22 hours ago, DarqueKnight said:

Which thermal epoxy did you use?

Can it be easily removed?

PM sent. :-)

[DandyDen]

On 8/1/2021 at 12:00 PM, DandyDen said:

Thanks, I think the clock cable is the culprit, however I just made a DC power cable from the Delund Silver foil, in oiled silk dielectric for the LPS that powers the Clock and it hasn’t happened since I installed it, but I still suspect the clock cable…… 

 

 

 

I’m 98% sure it’s the clock cable, but the clock cable I’m using sounds so much better than every other clock cable I’ve tried or auditioned….. for now im putting up with the occasional loss of connection on the B side

 

 

 

[simon_pepper]

On 5/31/2020 at 9:33 PM, Superdad said:

 

No it is not. Or at least not near as critical as it is for other types of devices such at the Rendus--which really respond wonderfully to power supplies with extremely low broadband output impedance.

 

(And the EtherREGEN draws just 0.8A at 12V, so not a problem for even your inflated-wattage-spec Chinese supply. Even if the voltage droops a bit (owing to perhaps what you have connected to the other rail), that would stay within the EtherREGEN's range, even if the current draw creeps up a bit as the voltage drops down.)

I have been using this ZeroZero twin LPS Power Supply 12v & 5v, with the 12v for the switch in my ‘frontend’ components (Naim NDS, UltraRendu/UltraCap LPS running the SonoreUPnP Bridge, RPi2 running Asset UPnP server), initially with a Netgear 5-port, then a Cisco 5-port, then in November ‘19 the EtherREGEN (huge improvement).

 

I have, nearly 2-years later, now added a Ldovr Dual stage regulation stage on the output of the ZeroZero PSU and input into the EtherREGEN. So the voltage into the EtherREGEN dropped from 12v to 10v, with the dual stage regulation, incorporating some 6 LT3045 regulators. The additional cable from the Ldover unit to EtherREGEN is a MCRU Silver DC cable (I use the same on the UltraCap LPS into the UltraRendu).

EtherRegen remains earthed, via a solid silver cable into my Russ Andrews PurifierBlock 8-way Mains distribution unit, which has a earthing post.

 

It is like some further layers of hash have been removed, with improvements to the bass, upper end, separation, and transients. This will keep me happy for some time!

[Superdad]

2 hours ago, simon_pepper said:

This will keep me happy for some time!

That’s great Simon! 

[skyline]

I just installed an etherregen and I find it is very sensitive to different power supplies and power cables.

 

I like it with a Farad Super 3. It’s very smooth powered by this LPS.

 

And it sounds better connected to an Isotek Titan, than direct to the wall.

[Oggo]

On 10/22/2021 at 1:17 AM, skyline said:

I just installed an etherregen and I find it is very sensitive to different power supplies and power cables.

 

I like it with a Farad Super 3.

 

100% agreed. Click here to read my findings!

[PYP]

54 minutes ago, Oggo said:

 

100% agreed. Click here to read my findings!

Really useful information.  You mention that the Hypsos can utilize different voltages.  What voltage are you using with the etherREGEN?

 

Thanks.

[sgb]

31 minutes ago, PYP said:

Really useful information.  You mention that the Hypsos can utilize different voltages.  What voltage are you using with the etherREGEN?

 

Thanks.

I use Hypsos for my etherRegen and use the Hypsos preset for etherRegen - 9V DC

[PYP]

1 minute ago, sgb said:

I use Hypsos for my etherRegen and use the Hypsos preset for etherRegen - 9V DC

Thanks.  

I'm assuming you tried 7V and 12V too.   Seems the Hypsos allows you to try these on the fly.  Is that correct?

[sgb]

10 hours ago, PYP said:

Thanks.  

I'm assuming you tried 7V and 12V too.   Seems the Hypsos allows you to try these on the fly.  Is that correct?

No, I was satisfied with the sound with the 9V DC. The Hypsos have a voltage range of 5-30V with up to 6A. You can adjust the voltage down to a tenth of a volt. So I may try 9.1V DC to my etherRegen. 🙂

[Oggo]

17 hours ago, PYP said:

 What voltage are you using with the etherREGEN?

I tried with 9 V (preset) first but changed to 12 V during my testing for comparison reasons. You can calibrate in 0.1 V steps using the Hypsos´ build in sweetspot-feature. In fact, I will do that, when I get my ordered Audioquest power cable.

[Listener7]

On 5/24/2021 at 4:37 AM, skatbelt said:

 

I would like to go on a little longer on the subject. After all, this is the experimentation thread and it is related to how the ER works... 😉

 

Last night I did another experiment. I replaced the EMO EN-70HD between the Mac Mini and the ER (A side) with the DX pair. At this place I do hear a small improvement without negative effects. I am curious if this is due to the 'in series' of two transformers. In other words, whether two EMOs in series would have the same effect.

 

So for now my conclusions are:
- DX pair does not work positively between ISP Router and opticalModule
- DX pair works positively between Mac mini and close to ER (A-side; all short 1-foot cat6 UTP cables)
- DX pair works better than single EMO EN-70HD between Mac mini and ER (A-side)
- No transformer at all between Mac mini and ER A-side is a big step back in SQ <- @Superdad disputed this way, way back

 

Maybe I should have listened to @One and a half right away ...

I don't have the EMO EN-70HD, but the folks at EMO recommended the EN-80e to me for audio and gave me a discount code which they encouraged me to share. 'audio85e' got $10 off and free shipping.  I'm happy with the result.

[Listener7]

On 5/19/2021 at 5:21 AM, skatbelt said:

 

Find attached the datasheet of the Emo EN-70 series.

 

I thought the most logical place for the DX's is where I put them now. Please note that my (Uptone DC modded) Mac mini is only serving as a Roon server. I can easily determine it's (negative) effect in electrical terms by temporarily switching it off and comparing the sound quality with the very good player software of the dCS Network Bridge (Mosaic), which also supports Qobuz. The Emo EN-70HD brings Mac mini/Roon on par with Mosaic.

 

So if I omit the mac mini my current chain is:

 

ISP router > DX > short Telegartner CAT6 UTP > DX > OpticalModule (fed by LPS-1.2) > 10m fiber with Finisar SFP's > EtherREGEN (fed by JS-2) > Ghent Belden CAT6A (JSSG360) > dCS Network Bridge > ..

 

(DX's for the time being connected with with the supplied short cables, ISP router with factory SMPS and with 2 other (noisy) ethernet devices connected; a Synolgy NAS and a Orbi mesh system)

 

 

Datasheet_EN-70-V40-1591535.pdf 1.8 MB · 45 downloads

I recently called EMO for a recommendation and they recommended the EN-85e because it had the lowest insertion losses and they provided the attached comparison.  They also gave me a discount code 'audio85e' to share. ($10off and free shipping)

 

[TwinPeak]

Which of these 3 options will produce the best theoretical signal to the DAC? Assuming that everything upstream is by the book and that power supplies, DC cables, Ethernet cables, SFPs and optical cables are optimal.

The diagram shows:
• eR x 2 (Uptone EtherRegen)
• oM (Sonore opticalModule Deluxe)
• oR (Sonore opticalRendu)
• Cisco (Cisco 2960 Catalyst Switch)
• RJ45 (Ghent LAN cable)
• 1.2 LPS (Uptone UltraCaps 1.2 LPS)
• JS-2 LPS (Uptone JS-2 PSU)
• SFP Transceiver (Sonore SystemOptique approved)
• Optical Cable (Sonore SystemOptique approved)

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...I would select Alt3 @TwinPeak. When possible, I prefer the simpler solution, with fewer conversions and devices. It also has the virtue of being cheaper. 
 

And I don't see any degradation in SQ, although these things can be user and system-specific. 
 

In a diagram, we can't tell distances and other influences that might make a particular solution "better" in your use-case. Those would be more practical considerations, rather than theoretical, perhaps.

 

I have not used the OR, but have used the eRG and OM devices, which I think are excellent. Good Luck! 

[Mihaylov]

I agree with Alt 3. OM is an extra link. Also not sure about the need for a second ER. However, if with the second one is better, I do not mind :).

[Rsbrsvp]

Has anyone tried to replace the ER feet with other isolation feet and if so did you notice a difference?

[mfaoro]

32 minutes ago, Rsbrsvp said:

Has anyone tried to replace the ER feet with other isolation feet and if so did you notice a difference?

I have my ERs sandwiched in between two HRS Nimbus. 
 

I think it’s worth doing. Like so many things, it’s a small incremental improvement. Adds to a lower noise floor, etc. 

[KIKIWILLYBEE]

Hi ,

pls my example

Copper passive fan cooling - external

Copper shielding of sfp udp cage - internal

Damping paste on CHD CRYSTEK - internal

 

….

 

 

[R1200CL]

From user manual:

 

Locating the EtherREGEN:
During use, it is normal for the case of the EtherREGEN to become somewhat hot. 48~52C (118~126F), depending on room air temperature is to be expected. Do not be concerned about the heat. Even when hot, all parts are operating at less than half their thermal ratings. The case is the heat-sink. Please locate the EtherREGEN on a shelf where air can flow under and around it. If the heat of the case bothers you, standing it on edge will permit more airflow and will lower the case temperature by a few degrees. Do not stack other devices under or on top of the EtherREGEN.

[zoltan]

New to Etherregen and loving it! Three questions that probably have been asked before:

- If I power the ER with a JS-2, do I need to connect the ER to ground using the screw connection? I think JS-2 has lifted ground. 
- If I power the ER with one output of the JS-2, the streamer (SOtM SMS- ultra) and USB filter (SOtM txUSB ultra) with another PSU and the following following Mutec MC3+USB with the other output from JS-2, will I still short the moat on the ER? (i.e. defeat isolation)
- Even if everything runs on different PSU, will all those units not be connected galvanically through clock cables from my Mutec Ref 10 - which clocks each? 

[Mihaylov]

4 hours ago, zoltan said:

Even if everything runs on different PSU, will all those units not be connected galvanically through clock cables from my Mutec Ref 10 - which clocks each? 

Please, if not difficult, check for galvanic isolation as described here . This will answer your question.

[zoltan]

21 minutes ago, Mihaylov said:

Please, if not difficult, check for galvanic isolation as described here . This will answer your question.

Thanks. Now, I read it through and yes, it basically answers at least my last question question, as now I looked at the REF 10 manual:
"Eight galvanically isolated, individually switchable BNC clock outputs" - so I'm fine there. 

[Mihaylov]

2 hours ago, zoltan said:

Thanks. Now, I read it through and yes, it basically answers at least my last question question, as now I looked at the REF 10 manual:
"Eight galvanically isolated, individually switchable BNC clock outputs" - so I'm fine there. 

 

Quote

Has anyone tried checking the resistance between the grounds of these outputs? Is that resistance equal to 0 or is there a gap (very large resistance)?

 

Quote

They could just be using the caps, in which case the grounds are probably connects, but they might have something else in there.

 

John S.

 

Therefore

Quote

all those units be connected galvanically through clock cables from my Mutec Ref 10 - which clocks each

 

Please check with a multimeter if there is a connection between the connector grounds in Mutec.

[zoltan]

4 hours ago, Mihaylov said:

 

Please check with a multimeter if there is a connection between the connector grounds in Mutec.

Just checked. No connection between the grounds. So isolated. I have to the deal with the power supplies, I guess.