Description
- Input: Neutrik PCB-mounted RJ45 connector.
- Output Connector: Telegaertner RJ45 CAT8.1 connector.
- Cable Length: 50 cm
- Hand-wired entirely using 99.99% high purity UP-OCC conductors.
- 4-core cable architecture designed to operate at 100 Mb/s.
- RFI/EMI Filter: Proprietary filter system.
- Construction: Hand-assembled & individually tested in the UK.
- Enclosure Dimensions: 190 x 78 x 50 mm
- Weight: 300 g
- Warranty: 2 years.
- Proprietary segregate-core cable 100 mbs cable design.
- Each data line is constructed with its own dedicated in-line filter.
- Bespoke 99.99% high purity UP-OCC conductors.
- Telegartner CAT8.1 connectors with gold-plated contacts.
- Standard 1.50 metre length.(Additional 0.50 metre lengths as required)
- Hand-made and individually tested in the UK.
- Weight: 250 g (for standard 1.00 metre length)
- Warranty: 2 years.
| Weight | 0.55 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 100 × 7.8 × 5.0 cm |
| Conductor | UP-OCC |
Why is it so hard to get really good sound quality from streamed music?
To pass music data in digital form from one device
to another, audio manufacturers have adopted two computer hardware
standards that were originally designed purely for data communication
between computer hardware devices, namely Ethernet and USB. They adopted
these standards mainly due to the cheap availability of common hardware
products and the ease of implementation.
The problem with this is that both Ethernet and USB are ‘noisy’, as eliminating noise was never a requirement of the original design. As long as a computer or peripheral device could interpret the data being sent accurately, any noise associated with it wasn’t a problem. With computers, its the accuracy of the content of the data that was important, not the cleanliness or precise timing of its arrival.
The noise though is harmful to the sensitive input circuitry of hi-end audio devices and can bleed through the Ethernet input circuitry of a streamer and effect critical components further down the line, impacting on sound quality.
If we can get rid of that noise and arrange for very precise data timing then we can surpass the sound quality of really good CD and really good vinyl.
What is ‘noise’ in an Ethernet network?
Noise is any signal present in an Ethernet network that is mixed in with the Ethernet data signal, that shouldn’t be there. Sources of noise are numerous and omni-present, of all different frequencies. All active devices connected to a network such as routers, fibre converters and switches emit noise; other sources such as radio signals of all frequencies from TV, Radio, Satellite, Mobile Phones and WiFi are induced into Ethernet cables as noise.
What is the effect of ‘noise’ on sound quality?
Noise in an Ethernet cable is passed into your streaming device through its RJ45 connector. This has an effect on sound quality that makes the music sound digital rather than analogue. It makes the sound-stage closed in, very much in between the speakers, lacking air and space around instruments, a bit muffled, lacking bass and pure high frequency extension, masking micro dynamics and low level details. Recordings in lively acoustic venues sound flat.
How does the eno and muon Filters work?
eno and muon filters absorb electrical noise, which would otherwise be delivered via the Ethernet cable into your sensitive audio equipment. The filters do not modify the actual data in the data stream in any way. As they are a purely passive device that would be impossible, the filter just removes the noise mixed in with the data stream.
Does Galvanic Isolation stop noise?
Galvanic Isolation is physically implemented as part of the Ethernet standard and can be found in Network Switches.
A high frequency transformer is connected to each pin of the RJ45 input connector. The reason it’s a high frequency transformer is to pass through the data signal (which is a high frequency sine wave) but block DC and low frequency noise. They don’t block damaging high frequency noise higher than the Ethernet signal as they are ‘high pass’ transformers, therefore all RFI noise mixed in with the Ethernet signal will pass through.
It’s very important to note that Galvanic Isolation transformers are only found in Network Switches, not on the input RJ45 sockets in streamers, therefore the streamer’s RJ45 input is highly exposed to RFI noise. That’s why adding an eno or muon Filter brings such a nice improvement in sound quality.
How do I install an eno or muon Ethernet Filter?
- Switch off the power on the streaming device to be used with the filter.
- Disconnect the ethernet cable from your streaming device’s network socket, and connect it to the “IN” socket on the side of filter.
- Connect the flying lead from the “OUT” side of the filter into your streaming device’s network socket.
- Switch on your streaming device.
How do Network Acoustics develop and test products?
Our main tool of measurement used while developing our products is continuous subjective listening tests. Over time we have learned exactly which parameters are technically critical.
Where do Network Acoustics make products?
All of our cables and filters are designed, developed, and hand-made in the UK.
What is UP-OCC?
UP-OCC stands for Ultra-Pure Ohno Continuous Casting.
The UP-OCC process for refining copper was developed and patented by Professor Ohno at the Chiba Institute of Technology in Japan. The license to use this manufacturing process is incredibly popular for the production of wire and cable products for the audio/video industry.
Ohno Continuous Cast is the name given to the casting process developed to help defeat annealing issues and virtually eliminate all grain boundaries in copper or silver with a unique patented process. The OCC casting method uses specialized heated moulds in order to draw a single crystal up to 125 metres in length.
With only a single crystal in very long lengths, there is an unimpeded free path for the best possible signal transfer. Along with this superior single long crystal structure, OCC provides copper and silver with the least possible oxides and other impurities.
In contrast to OCC, there are other lower-grade coppers such as OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) with a multitude of grain boundaries and other impurities. OFC has around 400 crystals per foot and despite its name has an oxygen content of about 10 ppm.
OCC delivers the purest base platform possible, allowing you to get that much closer to true absolute transparency. We think you will agree with our choice of conductor when you hear any of our products.
What are the benefits of UP-OCC?
- A true unidirectional single copper crystal, as free from impurities as possible to prevent corrosion.
- Flexibility and fatigue resistance, without impairing conductive characteristics.
- Low electrical resistance.
- Rapid signal transmission.
- Non-crystal boundaries.
- The best sound quality!
Hifi Plus December 2022
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