Paul, thanks. I have ordered a Cisco version.
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The PhoenixNET, and Nick may have experienced this as well, seems to elevate the sound quality of local files from the SSD when connected to the server. Figuratively speaking, the music files don’t pass through the switch; their travel takes an opposite direction to the DAC. Disconnecting it leads to a distinct reduction in sound quality. Interestingly, the same effect is observed when the Extreme Switch (along with DAC cables, and even the Router, etc.) is added to the Taiko Extreme—remove it, and the sound quality degrades. In contrast, the EtherRegen, for instance, does not demonstrate this impact.
Mine started to once I upgraded my clock.
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Software actively trying to (re)establish a connection to the network can generate more activity then just being connected. You can get better performance without a network present but you’d have to purposely design for that, aka remove network functionality in both hard and software. ( * #19,133
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Very interesting discussion, Nick , and appreciate the excellent feedback. That’s the beauty of our hobby. Everybody hears things differently, largely predicated I suppose on one’s personal taste. It’s like in the old days now some people preferred treble and others (myself included) preferred an utterly neutral presentation. Being a bit “older” I still recall the days when manufacturers included dials on their preamplifiers to increase/decrease bass and treble. It’s still a “thing” of course, but I think largely reserved for SSP’s in a home theater environment.
In any case, I suppose part of it is that I have become acclimated to the sound presented by my Sonore Signature Rendu It’s utterly quiet and musical, but does lack some of the dynamics and authority I experience with my Antipodes. By this I mean to say “fuller” and better articulated. I should also mention I have 2 AQ Niagara 5000 units in my array, and this device does much to eliminate any line noise coming in through the electric provider. It functions much differently, I’ve found than more traditional power “conditioners.” Using capacitors it simply seems to filter out whatever nominal noise might come in through the wall.
To conclude the topic of fiber, my experience , as you suggest, is that there are “ok” to mediocre converters and there are top shelf audiophile grade units like the boys at Sonore make. I’m a fan and presume always will be. And a lot of ppl are talking about this rather expensive SFP transceiver that I just bought. It’s due in Wednesday. It’s a FinIsar transceiver that is not inexpensive at $100 US. Will it sound better than my current SFP’s. Given the cost, I sure hope so! I’ll try to let you and others following this thread know what I think.
Pic attached.
Cheers,
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Hello. May I ask where you got the article/report from? or can you send me the link.
Funny. The same thing went through my mind too. Offline operation is certainly not the ideal sound comparison. Thanks again for the interesting post, also regarding the sound stage. Seems my network cleanup from Network Accoustics is very good.
I understood the nickname to mean that the sound with the PhoenixNet is very similar to offline operation. And that’s why he bought the PhoenixNet. In other words, offline operation was, so to speak, the sonic reference for selecting the switches. I may have translated incorrectly…I promise you, I won’t touch the LAN plug on the K50 anymore. He’s staying in now
I mean Nick not Nickname. Google Translate 
Yes Christian you correctly understood what I posted. Off line was my sonic reference point. I found that otherwise I was just going round in circles trying to estimate what device had a better sound. I had previously selected and bought the EtherREGEN due to having heard it make a difference but then realised that difference was not a positive one (in my opinion).
I understand the concept that having no network cable might promote more noise in the devices network circuits with an incessant “is anyone there” calling but that did not fit in what I heard. I did discuss this with the manufacturer of the PhoenixNET with no certain answer to whether it might make an audible difference.
Hi @Christian just click on * [#19,133] at the end of the (Emile Boks’ @ Taiko Audio) quote and you will be directed to the Taiko thread on WBF. Many more interesting posts from Emile to be found out there.
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So if I understand you correctly, offline operation is still your top favorite?! Unfortunately, that’s how I still feel.
(Hope it will) sound exiting!
I guess it’s is too late now but A) make sure the transceivers are compatible with both your devices. B) if you purchase on eBay (I suspect you did not) and since you mention cost, you will pay a fraction of the it, if you can find them. I paid for one FTL1475 CAD$ 39 and the FTL1324 CAD$ 16 for 2. If you get into the 5M CISCO - AOT cable that I recommended to NIck expect to pay CAD$ 30-50 (all shipping included).
The Fiber cord that works well is duplex OS2 - LC-LC , Corning cable.
If you encounter challenges due to compatibility issues, I guess the beauty of the hobby also involves solving those hurdles ;-). You can explore solutions and seek assistance here:
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the sound with the PhoenixNet is very similar to
no, better than offline operation, but not in all situations. as always YMMV
Innuos PhoenixNET Review – Revolutionizing Digital Music - (‘’ Improvement in Local Playback’')
Posted by Jay Luong | Apr 12, 2023 | Networking, Reviews
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Come on! Try my network cleanup combination too.
Sure 
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Hi Paul;
Yes, I am 100% certain the SFP modules are compatible with my Sonore Optical Module. These very same modules in fact are sold by an audiophile dealer based in Hong King who is an AD for Uptone who works closely with Sonore. I ordered these transceivers from Mouser which is a top shelf AD for Commscope and other manufacturers . The are NOT inexpensive and hand picked by the owner of AfterDark as the “best sounding.” Others of course might argue that other SGP’s sound better.
The SFP transceivers ordered cost $98 each, so not inexpensive! Please see screenshot pasted in .
It is a single mode SFP as opposed to multimode. I have a decent, comaptible fiber cable but I am in pursuit specifically of the cable offered by AfterDark but hard to find in this country. I like the company in HK but it takes a while a shipping is expensive. The specific cable I am looking for is COMMSCOPE FFWLCL42-JXF010 I am finding FEWLCL42-JXF010 so not the same part. But if you know of a quality cable that will work as well as this cable I am certainly open to it! This cable seems to run about $40–$5- US.
Thanks!
Hi, I may not be the most qualified individual to offer advice, but I strongly recommend seeking expert guidance due to potential incompatibilities in optical network configurations. With AD you should be more than ok.
There seems to be a typo in your cable # maybe that’s why it doesn’t show up?
LCL C 42 instead of LCL 42
fs.com is well regarded in the US and that seems to yield the following cheaper cable in various lengths:
or
Thanks for the link to All Data. This actually seems to be the precise part I am looking for. I’m attaching the image from AfterDark.
Looks like a dead match, And as for compatibility, based on what I know most all fiber cable is compatible so long as one is using single mode fiber with a single mode transceiver, or multimode fiber with multimode transceiver. With fiber cable, all that matters ( I believe ) is that one use a yellow cable for single mode or a blue cable for multimode. Fortunately there is that industry standard so that ppl like us don’t get confused! 
I’ll be ordering this tomorrow as it is said to be the very best fiber cable for use in audio. And it is part of a kit sold by AfterDark so for sure a great match for the SFP I’ve ordered. It’s a bit longer than what I need as I really only need a meter or 1.5 meters, but unlike ethernet length, length in fiber doesn’t really much matter. Thanks!
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Active optical cable, some interesting facts :
Passive DAC cables use less power than active DAC cables, and it turns out that AOC uses still more power. Passive DAC lines will consume around 0.15W. Active DAC needs around 0.5W, and AOC will run between 1 and 2W. (Power = noise)
Since DAC lines use copper, they offer virtually no protection from EMI. Meanwhile, AOC cables are completely shielded and essentially immune to EMI.
For optical transceiver, when the internal components are coupled, the situation of the opposite end may be very different, so it needs to adopt different situations, which requires high level lasers with high manual operation complexity.
As for AOC active optical cable, the opposite end is fixed, so there is no need to consider various situations. It sets low requirements for the laser with relatively simple peripheral components and simple manual operation. This can reduce some costs and is why the price of AOC active optical cable is lower than that of two modules + one optical fiber.
However, since none of the most costly core components is saved, the difference in cost is not very significant (cost is not equal to selling price).
Cisco SFP-10G-AOC5M, opinions and a fact:
comparison with the Cisco . The overall center of gravity is pulled more toward the mids and lower frequencies with the Cisco, whereas the FTLF1318P3BTL overall center of gravity is further up the frequency spectrum to mids/highs, if that makes sense. Cisco has a smoother, rounder, lusher, meatier sound, while still being detailed and transparent. Cisco sound staging is grander, much deeper, and set back further from the speaker plane as compared to FTLF1318P3BTL. Overall the Cisco has a very sophisticated, refined, luxurious sound, but not in a rolled off, old school warm and gooey sense. It still delivers the audiophile goods. (Blake on AS)
I have a 5m Cisco SFP-10G-AOC5M on its way and a Finisar FCBG110SD1C05 on test. The Finisar has greatly improved after more than a week of the Tara Labs burn-in and I shall give the Cisco the same treatment. The winner of these two will be my keeper and the Finisar has already set a high bar. (MartinT on AS)
The Cisco 2960 switch is not compatible as per the technical sheet provided from Cisco. This device will only work with the specific SFP model listed on the support page. (Adrian AD)
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