Review: Network Acoustics tempus ethernet switch

[MacF]

I am currently running the NA eno2 streaming system between Nucleus+ and Tempus switch. muon pro streaming system between switch and Gold Note integrated. Sounds as good or better than optical configuration of pair Sonore Optical Modules Deluxe, Pardo LPS’s, Melco C1 Direct Attach Cable but with fewer black boxes & power cables. Optical still setup so A/B comparison is a simple matter of taking Ethernet feed from router to dirty side OM & plugging into Tempus 1G slot. If I were to take a stab at describing the difference between optical & the NA products, not my forte, I’d have to say optical may sound slightly analytical, whereas the eno, tempus & muon pro combo imparts slightly more body & a naturalness that I find appealing.

 

[audiobomber]

I am currently running the NA eno2 streaming system between Nucleus+ and Tempus switch. muon pro streaming system between switch and Gold Note integrated. Sounds as good or better than optical configuration of pair Sonora Optical Modules Deluxe, Pardo LPS’s, Melco C1 Direct Attach Cable but with fewer black boxes & power cables. Optical still setup so A/B comparison is a simple matter of taking Ethernet feed from router to dirty side OM & plugging into Tempus 1G slot. If I were to take a stab at describing the difference between optical & the NA products, not my forte, I’d have to say optical may sound slightly analytical, whereas the eno, tempus & muon pro combo imparts slightly more body & a naturalness that I find appealing.

Which SFP modules in the oMDs?

 

[MacF]

Melco C1 DAC cable...No SFP's...direct attach cable....poor acronym..numerous posts in this forum...https://melco-audio.com/c1/....as well as the top Finisar industrials.

 

[jasond]

If I were to take a stab at describing the difference between optical & the NA products, not my forte, I’d have to say optical may sound slightly analytical, whereas the eno, tempus & muon pro combo imparts slightly more body & a naturalness that I find appealing.

I have exactly the same experience. Even though I invested thoroughly in a profound optical solution the NA approach prevailed.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

I have exactly the same experience. Even though I invested thoroughly in a profound optical solution the NA approach prevailed.

Sure happy for you. Exact opposite here. Such is life. using the modification using the 1475 in my oMD and the 1318 in the ER was a substantial improvement over the DAC, NA solution and 1/2 the money. Sold my NA gear. also helps that in am FO into my house.

 

[audiobomber]

Melco C1 DAC cable...No SFP's...direct attach cable....poor acronym..numerous posts in this forum...https://melco-audio.com/c1/....as well as the top Finisar industrials.

I am well aware of direct attach cables, and @Superdad 's advice that they are to be used with caution, as they will conduct ground plane current.

 

[jasond]

Which SFP modules in the oMDs?

Tried a few, the last one which I have here is a Finisar ftlf8519p3bnl

 

[MacF]

Flawless for nearly a year. Only motivation to augment, compliment or replace optical was the addition of the NA Tempus switch that easily bested a Synergistic Research UEF Ethernet Switch that sounded great in its own right. The synergy between Network Acoustics eno2, Tempus, muon pro & streaming cables devices is real in my opinion.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

I am well aware of direct attach cables, and @Superdad 's advice that they are to be used with caution, as they will conduct ground plane current.

Yes they will. Why I chucked my DAC.

 

[MacF]

Bummer, sorry to hear that. Easy for me to switch back to fiber or all Network Acoustics. Need to live with these 2 paths a while longer.

 

[MacF]

Yes they will. Why I chucked my DAC.

Hopefully, not the Echos End?!!!

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Hopefully, not the Echos End?!!!

lol Direct Attach Cable…silly man.

 

[2ndLiner]

I am well aware of direct attach cables, and @Superdad 's advice that they are to be used with caution, as they will conduct ground plane current.

How would this issue manifest, more discernable noise, less transparency?

 

[audiobomber]

How would this issue manifest, more discernable noise, less transparency?

Digital noise from EMI, RFI or grounding issues does not cause hum or whistle like the noises you hear with an analog system. IME, digital noise manifests as loose bass, strident highs and compressed soundstage.

I have never used a direct attach cable, but I have heard ground plane noise with a shielded ethernet cable vs. the same cable unshielded. The most easily heard effects were strident high frequencies and sibilance.

Note, I am not advocating for unshielded ethernet cables. In fact shielded cables sound best in my experience, but only with good grounding practices.

 

[2ndLiner]

Digital noise from EMI, RFI or grounding issues does not cause hum or whistle like the noises you hear with an analog system. IME, digital noise manifests as loose bass, strident highs and compressed soundstage.

I have never used a direct attach cable, but I have heard ground plane noise with a shielded ethernet cable vs. the same cable unshielded. The most easily heard effects were strident high frequencies and sibilance.

Note, I am not advocating for unshielded ethernet cables. In fact shielded cables sound best in my experience, but only with good grounding practices.

So, if one is using DAC cables in their system and experiencing well defined, musical bass, articulate, smooth highs, along with a wide and deep soundstage, then nothing to worry about? Asking for a friend

 

[audiobomber]

So, if one is using DAC cables in their system and experiencing well defined, musical bass, articulate, smooth highs, along with a wide and deep soundstage, then nothing to worry about? Asking for a friend

If your "friend" is happy, then I'm happy for him.

 

[cykin]

something to add:
1) power cable matters!
2) fuse matters!
3) able to work between taiko router & server via melco c1 sfp+ cable

 

[Vangelis]

Anyone upgrade their Tempus power supply to the new MKII version yet? Any audible improvement?

 

[Synaxis]

Anyone upgrade their Tempus power supply to the new MKII version yet? Any audible improvement?

Unfortunately my video on my thoughts of the unit was already with the upgraded PS. But it was good enough that I sold off my treasured Telegartner switch.

 

[Audiosw]

Anyone upgrade their Tempus power supply to the new MKII version yet? Any audible improvement?

Yes, Fairly subtle but worthwhile.