Test: Optical Isolation - Switch with SFP-Uplink

[Torben_Rick (Torben - A Dane living in Hamburg - Roon Lifer)]

I did a small test (€) today:

The configuration (based on Cisco Meraki Go 8 Port Switch (GS110-8-HW-EU):

1 X Mini Unmanaged 1x 10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 to 1x 1000Base-X SFP Slot Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter, European Plug standard - € 34,51

2 X Cisco GLC-SX-MM Compatible 1000BASE-SX SFP 850nm 550m DOM Duplex LC MMF Transceiver Module - € 16,66

1 X 1m (3ft) LC UPC to LC UPC Duplex OM2 Multimode PVC (OFNR) 2.0mm Fiber Optic Patch Cable - € 5,59

In total = € 56,76

Did it bring SQ improvement? Yes - a more clear soundstage. Was it a big improvement? No, a small one - nice but small.

Will do some more testing this WE on this little cheap solution.

Have a nice WE

Torben

EDIT: Test setup

[Michael_Harris]

Hi Torben are you running this to your endpoint and then connecting that to the media converter on Ethernet?
I always like try tests, both objective and subjective (it’s the tinkerer in me).

[PeterD]

By using a mediaconverter and wallwart, there i a new distortion kid in town

[Torben_Rick (Torben - A Dane living in Hamburg - Roon Lifer)]

@Michael_Harris

Hi Torben are you running this to your endpoint and then connecting that to the media converter on Ethernet?

This is the test setup:

[Michael_Harris]

Thanks Torben that’s exactly what I was thinking
Great that it’s working out for you, even if only a small uptick in performance.

It’s something that I keep thinking about and then remember that I am trying to simplify my living room setup

[Torben_Rick (Torben - A Dane living in Hamburg - Roon Lifer)]

@Michael_Harris

Great that it’s working out for you, even if only a small uptick in performance.

And a cheap test The “optimal solution” is more expensive:

Sonore Optical Module Deluxe II (OMD) copper to fiber [RJ45 to SFP vv] € 490.76
Power supply - SGC 7v LPS Power Supply and Regular DC Cable (220V) € 199.00
systemOptique Certified SFP module (2) € 41,90
systemOptique Certified Fiber Optic Cable € 20,95
Subtotal € 752,61

Subtotal incl. taxes € 895,61

I am not sure I want to spend that money. Time will show

[Michael_Harris]

Ah yes, a cheap test is good a test for something like this.

I have all the gear to test this unused in the office (besides the Linn selekt ) and maybe when I can send the wife away for a couple of days then I will have a play.

[wizardofoz (Mr Fix It aka The Wiz)]

And another option to try is a better power supply for the FMC box…I have these in my network setup too, but with UniFi. The FMC is from FS.com for those that are interested.

[Torben_Rick (Torben - A Dane living in Hamburg - Roon Lifer)]

@wizardofoz

better power supply for the FMC box

@wizardofoz - what power supply are you using for the FMC box?

[wizardofoz (Mr Fix It aka The Wiz)]

PureDC-B1 電池線電 黑色（電池供電 線性電源）

This. Powering the FMC and my Lumin D1. The FMC can be run from 5-12VDC

I’ve also used the Jay’s Audio/LHY LMPS or HDPlex LMPS’s

[Dandou]

Hi @Torben_Rick ,

Happy to see that you adopted the option that I advised to you in the thread that was closed.
Power the media converter with a LPS, and you’ll get an additional improvement.

[Torben_Rick (Torben - A Dane living in Hamburg - Roon Lifer)]

@Dandou

Power the media converter with a LPS

Yes that would be a good idea. But, not sure I will go with LPS. Right now I am looking at SOtM sPS-500 - that would give me the option of 7Vdc, 9Vdc, 12Vdc, 19Vdc selectable output voltage. That way I would be flexibel, if I want to use the power supply for something else.

[Dean_Mitchell]

Could you try the Cisco switch attached to the Linn end? I guess you would need another switch. The Cisco might be better than the FMC.

[Torben_Rick (Torben - A Dane living in Hamburg - Roon Lifer)]

Have done different test - different SFP’s and cable. This is my favorite setup: