SFP+DAC vs. Fiber cable on PRO USB module

[Kingsrule]

Anyone try a SFP+DAC cable between PRO USB module and MSB Dac?

I have. No conclusion yet but the sonics are different and worth checking out

BTW a SFP+DAC 2m cable is $16 on Amazon.....

 

[MarkusBarkus]

@Kingsrule did you stick with the 1310 nm wavelength for the new SFP+, per the OEM spec for SFP usage?

 

[Kingsrule]

Interesting, I don't see a wavelength spec for the SPF+DAC cable..

 

[crion]

There isn't one, DAC cables are twin-axial Cu based for shorter distances.
You are breaking the isolation properties that fiber gives you.

 

[Kingsrule]

There isn't one, DAC cables are twin-axial Cu based for shorter distances.
You are breaking the isolation properties that fiber gives you.

Exactly Didn't want to offend MB. But the advantage of the DAC cable is less noise (and heat) vs. SPF....and it sounds damn good

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...yes, sorry gents. DAC is not fiber. I was on autopilot: SFP+ = fiber from past few years of experimentation. Thanks for the generosity of your "realignment" of my comments. Nice fellas.

 

[Kingsrule]

Observations between the fiber vs. DAC cable between PRO USB and Select II Dac:

Fiber:
More etched imaging
A bit harder(brighter)
Better image depth/layering
Plays louder with same volume setting


DAC cable:
Richer images but less dimension
Smoother/more organic
Tube fans will love it

Bass is bigger with DAC but deeper with more impact with fiber

In a few words: Classical better with DAC, jazz better with fiber

 

[battles]

Kingsrule – are you using the SFP+ or fiber on your Cascade? Between the DD and DAC and/or between the ProUSB to ISL and DD? Must you swap out the fiber module pairs for the SFP+ to work?

Thanks!

 

[audiobomber]

Observations between the fiber vs. DAC cable between PRO USB and Select II Dac:

Fiber:
More etched imaging
A bit harder(brighter)
Better image depth/layering
Plays louder with same volume setting


DAC cable:
Richer images but less dimension
Smoother/more organic
Tube fans will love it

Bass is bigger with DAC but deeper with more impact with fiber

In a few words: Classical better with DAC, jazz better with fiber

Which SFPs are you using?

 

[Dustin Symanski]

Be very deliberate if you are swapping SFP modules. When you swap modules both sending and receiving modules must be matched (laser wavelength, fiber type and data speed, its best to use two of the exact same type) and the optical cable (single-mode or multi-mode) type must match what the modules require. We have had many "repairs" that turned out to be mismatched modules or the wrong fiber cable type for the modules in use. Also "DAC" modules are Direct Attached Copper cables and have a significant probability of not working properly or damaging any MSB gear (Pro ISL, Pro USB, Cascade Link). Please do not use them unless you want a costly repair. Any SFP or SFP+ transceivers that are under 2 Watts of power consumption will not harm the product but many or may not work properly depending on their electronic design (speed rating and other factors such as modules with internal data processing will not work since we do not use a standard data waveform). Also the SFP sockets in the product have a finite lifespan, they can only survive from a few hundred to a few thousand insertions before they wear out. The exact number of insertions is determined by the surface roughness of the connector in the SFP module in use) as the plating will eventually wear through causing unreliable contacts. We use SFP connectors with the thickest available gold plating but it does not last forever.

The cables that have the lowest chance of a mismatch are "AOC" or active optical cables. They are built and tested with the fiber they need permanently installed on the modules and work great because they are a single purpose unit. The only downside is that it uses one of the (hundreds to thousands) of connector insertion cycles each time you plug them in. Because of this they are not great if you want to plug and unplug your fiber cable often.

 

[Kingsrule]

Which SFPs are you using?

I was using the SFP's supplied by MSB but the Select II is long gone so thats all the info I can offer
Currently I have a Cascade DAC and use 2 AOC type cables, one for the Cascade link and one from the Olympus XDMI card to the PRO ISL interface...

 

[battles]

Thanks, gentlemen. I am receiving a SFP+ cable from FP.com today (https://www.fs.com/products/74606.html) with which I intend to link my Cascade DD and DAC chassis. This will be followed by using the same model cable between my ProUSB converter and Cascade DD when I receive it next week.

 

[Kingsrule]

I think u will be very happy with the uptick in sonics with this AOC type cable...

 

[Daniel Francis]

We will have a deep dive video on this topic coming out shortly. Anyone considering a purchase should hold off for now. The guide will also clarify specs to pay attention to as well. I hope to have it out in the next week.

 

[Daniel Francis]

You can take a look here:

About MSB Fiber Connections

MSB Fiber Connections - Stock SFP Transceivers and AOC Cables This technology can get complicated fast, so please watch the entire video or read this entire guide all the way through before experimenting with your MSB equipment. Your DAC could be permanently damaged if the wrong cabling is used...

forum.msbtechnology.com

 

[audiobomber]

I was using the SFP's supplied by MSB but the Select II is long gone so thats all the info I can offer
Currently I have a Cascade DAC and use 2 AOC type cables, one for the Cascade link and one from the Olympus XDMI card to the PRO ISL interface...

The SFPs linked by @Daniel Francis are $11 generics. Not exactly state of the art. https://www.fs.com/products/75326.html?attribute=5939&id=4610587
Most audiophiles recommend industrial Finisar modules, with lasers, not LEDs. However I would not try anything unless MSB clears it.

 

[Daniel Francis]

The SFPs linked by @Daniel Francis are $11 generics. Not exactly state of the art. https://www.fs.com/products/75326.html?attribute=5939&id=4610587
Most audiophiles recommend industrial Finisar modules, with lasers, not LEDs. However I would not try anything unless MSB clears it.

The approved specifications for ordering replacements have been listed in the guide. Everyone should feel free to experiment within those constraints. Being more expensive or "state of the art" does not sounds better if you can listen past cost biases. Keep in mind this is not ethernet and any audiophile recommendations for ethernet fiber have no bearing on these products. If anyone finds something fantastic, please let us know. Consider this crowdsourcing the experimentation. Best of luck!

 

[audiobomber]

. Being more expensive or "state of the art" does not sounds better if you can listen past cost biases.

That's the same thing some people say about DACs. I take it you would disagree, given the premium cost of an MSB DAC.

Keep in mind this is not ethernet and any audiophile recommendations for ethernet fiber have no bearing on these products. If anyone finds something fantastic, please let us know. Consider this crowdsourcing the experimentation. Best of luck!

I've been using fiber in my system for a couple of years. I have several SFPs and they all sound different, some better than others. Try Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL and Finisar FTLF1318P3BTL. My preference is one of each.

 

[Daniel Francis]

That's the same thing some people say about DACs.

Fair enough, and I agree in most cases

Both those options look great, we will see if someone gives them a shot.