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Tag Archive for Networked Audio

EtherStream Network Switch review on AudioGallery by Giulio Salvioni

 

AudioGallery - February 2020

 

Here’s a new review of EtherStream Network Switch published in local audiophile magazine in Italy called AudioGallery by Giulio Salvioni. He’s using Fidelizer Pro and interested to review EtherStream when it was launched in November 2019.

AudioGallery is local Italian magazine which is the sister publication  of monthly magazine in AudioReview.it. As review is published in local audiophile magazine, language used in review is Italian. I’ll include paragraph about sound quality translated to English in this post below.

AudioGallery

I will not waste precious space in the description of the setup which is the same used for the test of the JCat Femto network card. Let’s get to the point: are there distinct perceptible improvements?

Absolutely yes and if you notice it even in an already optimized system, which I think is mine, I imagine that it is even more evident in a less cared installation. For this purpose, I set up a slightly more basic system with a Windows laptop to which the Aqua La Scala MKII DAC was connected via USB; then there was a NAS and the usual modem / router for connecting to the Internet, all connected via Ethernet to the switch.

In this “simplified” configuration, I was able to make comparative tests between an inexpensive eight-port Netgear switch and the EtherStream.

The result was clear: the modified switch is quieter. It is clear that I am not referring to noises or hums, but to that background carpet that prevents the clear perception of the signals at a lower level, which the economic switch tends to return in a confused way and to the micro dynamics that cannot unfold as it should.

The other aspect that you notice, wanting to use an analogy, is the disappearance of a sort of halo or fog that flattens the scene, confuses the contours of the instruments and removes air between one and the other. Inserting the EtherStream after listening to the same track with the generic switch, it seems to look through a clean window with the Vetril, where before it was dirty and full of fingers.

Finally I have to report on the ratings via Streaming – essentially Qobuz – which presented itself with a completely new polish.

I would say that the elimination of the fog effect to which I referred here is even more macroscopic, with the addition of a higher articulation in low range – an aspect that had appeared less evident when listening to the files stored on the NAS – as well as a higher yield in terms of timing.

If so far I had considered listening to streaming as an excellent solution to discover new music but with limited appeal in a strictly audiophile sense, the inclusion of the switch “on steroids” certainly changed my perspective.

It is a fact: since the EtherStream was installed in my system I spent more time listening to Qobuz than from my NAS, this is because that unpleasant sensation that made me think has disappeared: “… nice record, sure if I could to have it on the NAS I’d listen better ….

For Italian audiophiles who’s interested in learning more about audio network switch and how EtherStream can work with your system, I highly recommend you to read full review article published in magazine or you can read public article for EtherStream here too. 🙂

EtherStream Network Switch review on 6moons by Srajan Ebaen

 

EtherStream - Main

 

Here’s another review EtherStream Network Switch published in 6moons website by Srajan Ebaen himself. This is Fidelizer’s first review from Mr. Srajan Ebaen too so it’ll be a good reference for him to see Fidelizer products in action.

He tested EtherStream in a few setups he can utilize with from dedicated server with USB Reclocker to standard iMac setup. It seems USB Reclocker will make changes in network becoming harder to notice so I’ll share his feedback from conventional parts as below.

6moons

I of course haven’t the foggiest whether what I now heard mirrored in scale and importance what Michael had heard. It simply seemed to track in kind. Soundstage cues on depth of field for more specific layer assignation refined. Leading edges had slightly better definition. As always, those aspects caused gains in perceived focus and articulation. With them, separation bettered. Things remained more discrete and individuated rather than blended or blurred into each other when mixes grew thick with interlocking lines. None of it related to frequency response, tonal balance or any expansion/shrinkage of the virtual stage. Rather, it revolved on timing. Tunes felt just a tad snappier to be rhythmically more assured. One might say that in the domain of beats and grooves, the contrast ratio improved. Put casually, think of various time keepers more fully awake. Musicians call it playing in the pocket. Here the Fidelizer worked like a pocket protector.

There’s time I was into USB Reclocker which can be effective anti-jitter solution for some cases so it’s good to have diversity cases like this one. It’d be nice to see review with masterclock + 10M Rubidium clock some days too. You can read his full review for details.

EtherStream Network Switch review on Positive Feedback by Tom Gibbs

 

EtherStream - Main

 

The first review for EtherStream Network Switch is finally published. It was reviewed by Tom Gibbs who review Fidelizer 6 software years back. At the time most people were skeptical towards software optimizations and I’m thankful he gave Fidelizer a chance in his system.

After EtherStream product design is finalized, I sent units to early reviewers to reviewed Fidelizer software before. I didn’t expect to have a lot of orders from local dealers so I could send one at the time and Tom Gibbs is the first reviewer who received EtherStream.

EtherStream was thoroughly tested in his systems over there with various scenarios including video streaming which is also very effective. This is his conclusion after months of reviewing product with network related applications.

Positive Feedback

My hat is off to Keetakawee Punpeng for all of his brilliant efforts in the service of improving the streaming quality of Ethernet and digital sources—well done! Years ago, when I first encountered Fidelizer—and based on the prevailing attitudes on the internet audio forums—you’d have to be certifiably mad to even think about chancing its use in your system. When in actuality, he was one of the few really forward looking individuals out there willing to push the envelope and take the chances necessary to improve the quality of digital music playback. That brilliance continues with the EtherStream; the improvements wrought by this unobtrusive device across the entire spectrum of internet-connected devices is staggeringly good. Very highly recommended!

I’m happy to see video applications being mentioned in audio review too. EtherStream is very effective in media streaming applications also so I highly recommend to read his full review and check product information to see how it can be effective in your systems.

Thank you for supporting EtherStream Network Switch with 16 units sold in first week (38 including pre-global)

 

EtherStream - Main

 

First of all, I’m very thankful to understanding clients. I gave a lot of thoughts whether I should launch this solution as a product or not because it can lead to controversial topics. With encouragement from friends and clients in Thailand, I decided to publish it as a product.

Learning from mistakes in Nikola that I couldn’t deliver product to local retailers in timely fashion, I tried to sell products to local retailers first until they get enough for their clients. I didn’t expect to sell over 20 units before global launch as audiophile network switch is quite new in Thailand.

The first EtherStream order was sold in June 2019 to one local NimitraS client who happened to ask about network switch upgrade when I was improving streaming media with network switch modification. After that, I brought to many rooms testing many applications. I also tested with my dad’s TV too.

Some may consider EtherStream as a simply cash grab network switch mods at glance. If you read behind my story in product page, you can see I also put a lot of effort with many products in market for years. I wouldn’t push something if it’s not more effective than what I can already buy myself.

Launching EtherStream product reminds me when I first started sharing Fidelizer software. I faced the similar hardship again and I’m mentally prepared to be misunderstood for a while this time. I’m glad to know that I have you guys support. EtherStream will certainly make you smile. 🙂

Introducing EtherStream, Audiophile Network Switch from Fidelizer Audio

 

EtherStream - Main

 

Today I’d like to introduce a new product I’ve been working for some time now. It’s a network switch modification that can break the barrier between streaming media and local ones to enjoy both as equals.

Personally, I’m just a passionate audiophile who prefer buying solutions that work and enjoy the music. I bought and tried a few audiophile network switches along with other network tweaks but I couldn’t find one that I can truly happy with streaming content.

And it’s not just me. Many highend audiophiles, reviewers, and store owners told me they find sound quality from streaming being unacceptable in their reference systems. Although they’re happy with Nimitra, they can’t feel the same way when playing streaming media.

I tried to fix network issues years back and seriously working on it since last year in attempt to get satisfying network streaming quality but it didn’t work out as I hoped for. I was very busy in building Nimitra servers and custom orders too so I couldn’t make enough research.

 

EtherStream - Modification

 

This year I decided to slow things down and focus more on fulfilling my passion of music. I finally made a solution that can truly enjoy streaming as I hoped for. EtherStream Network Switch is a modified Cisco SG110D-08 network switch with the following modification:

-Input capacitor upgraded with high capacitance and low impedance tuned for optimal performance
-Safety resistors upgraded with high power from Vishay Dale on DC input stage, power regulation stage, and isolation transformer stage
-Re-energize power supply with special tantalum capacitors to reducing noise and interference in processor chip effectively
-Crystal clock is upgraded with high quality clock from Japan with noise reduction tweaks
-Components are soldered with high quality solder providing solid bass and dynamics

It’s the most affordable and most effective network switch with overhaul modification doing everything I can to improve quality in network. I can guarantee that you will find very satisfying improvements on both audio/video applications.

The product price will be $395 USD with 30-day money back guaranteed. You can read more about EtherStream Network Switch product in details before ordering and happy listening. 🙂