I think it worthwhile to note that the very best result with an SFP+ DAC cable will be had by placing it between a fiber enabled isolator switch and a fiber enabled media player. A few of us are using the EtherRegen in a B>A configuration with a Sonore Signature Rendu that only accepts and SFP network connection. This approach provides the benefit of isolation combined with the transmission quality of copper. I suspect that any other deployment of an SFP+ DAC cable may not provide the same level of improvement that some of us are experiencing.

I've been so impressed by the subjective improvement of recent listening sessions that I have put objective analysis on the shelf for a bit. It's just that good.

Not disputing what has been said but why would a set up like mine not gain the full benefit ? I have an optic converter with Ethernet from my router to that using uGreen cat 6 cable then SFP out from that to my D-Link SFP input switch The server is then connected from the switch with Ethernet cable again a UGreen cable . The cheap DAT cable works very well on this and is improving your by your with burn in . I am awaiting the arrival of the Amphenol cables which given Martin's enthusiasm should be better again . So of course I have no idea what the difference it makes in other systems but it is a decent improvement in my system but not on the level of adding an LB clock

Sure - but you don't need optical cable to secure that. It is all about minimizing Common Mode (CM) interference


Torben

While I would agree that using a DAD cable to replace an optical in a direct connection to a player with SFP I am not sure that would apply to connection to a switch then out to a server/ player with Ethernet . Just adding a switch lowers the noise floor and using DAC cable seems to lower the noise floor more than an optical in my case . But this is the great thing about information sharing on forums like this . You then get to try it for yourself and contributing it works for you . Remember let your own ears be the judge not measurements or any theory that it should not work . Every ones system is different and theory says burn in can not happen which for most in here we know that it does .

The above is what I said on the 2nd page of the thread.  We have to suck it and see with our individual configurations.  It may be the an optical break in some systems doesn’t bring.  Some DACs and streamers will have good Ethernet isolation so the jitter from the lasers & electronics will tip the balance in SQ to favour DAC cables.  I’m using a pair of FMCs, I hear a massive difference between Cisco AOC, Ipolex DAC and Gnodal DAC so I have to believe that optical isolation is less important in my setup than the FMCs.  I await my Amphenol SF-SFPP2EPASS-003 to find out how this fares.

Shielding helps against common mode interference. That's why the core cable quality matters.

What FMC are you using?

THX

Torben

You are absolut right :-) The biggest "problem" is noise coming from components either end.

Galvanic isolation from the mains - electrical isolation - decoupling the power supply from the mains - is so important.


Torben

Hi Torben,

The FMCs I use are very basic from 10Gtek/ipolex, I’m sure they can be improved.  I chose this type as they take a 5V power supply as I have a pair of 5V super capacitor power supplies I wanted to use.  These power supplies provide a lot of isolation from the power line.

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B078RGPRH1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Don’t bother with the totally awful power supplies that come with FMCs.  Cut off the DC plugs as they can be useful then chuck the power supplies..