This is dangerous ground, but I have been here before. So it’s just another step towards better sound.
For the past few months I have connected my streaming system this way: Wi-fi router –> Cat 8 cable –> Silent Angel Bonn N8 audiophile network switch –> Cat 8 cable –> TP-Link MC220L media converter –> SUBTel SFP transceiver –> Molex fibre optic cable –> SUBTel SFP transceiver –> TP-Link MC220L media converter –> Wireworld Starlight 8 ethernet cable –> Silent Angel Munich M1T network media transport –> iFi iSilencer+ –> Shunyata Omega USB cable –> iFi iPurifier3 –> iFi ZEN DAC Signature V2.
I have been enjoying this system very much and loved its smooth and dense sound quality.
Then came the iFi LAN iSilencer. I am already using the iFi iSilencer+ for the USB output and have found that it did clean up the sound.
To test the iFi LAN iSilencer, I disconnected the streaming system and plugged the Wireworld Starlight 8 ethernet cable from the wi-fi router to the Silent Angel Munich M1T media transport.
I played Featuring Norah Jones from Spotify.
After being accustomed to the smooth and dense sound quality via the optical fibre bridge, I noted that a direct connection from wi-fi router to media transport resulted in an annoying ‘husky’ graininess in the sound quality with a noticeable increase in sibilance and decrease in image density.
After plugging the iFi LAN iSilencer to the Silent Angel media transport and the Wireworld ethernet cable to the iSilencer, I noted more stable imaging, better details and the annoying ‘husky’ graininess was gone. So the gadget works.
Later, I decided to incorporate the fibre optic bridge into the equation and set it up this way: Wi-fi router –> Cat 8 cable –> Silent Angel Bonn N8 audiophile network switch –> Cat 8 cable –> TP-Link MC220L media converter –> SUBTel SFP transceiver –> Molex fibre optic cable –> SUBTel SFP transceiver –> TP-Link MC220L media converter –> Wireworld Starlight 8 ethernet cable –> iFi LAN iSilencer —> Silent Angel Munich M1T network media transport –> iFi iSilencer+ –> Shunyata Omega USB cable –> iFi iPurifier3 –> iFi ZEN DAC Signature V2.
I compared how it fared with and without the iFi LAN iSilencer. Without the LAN iSilencer, the sound had the familiar smooth and dense quality. When I tried it with the LAN iSilencer, I noted two things — the treble opened up and became more extended with more details, and the bass became more defined, went lower and sounded tighter while the music still sounded smooth and dense. It was a winning combination and the iFi LAN iSilencer is a keeper.
How does it work? According to its literature, it prevents noise from interfering with the digital signal, it reduces noise floor and interference and has a zero-jitter memory buffer and galvanically-isolated inputs to eradicate digital distortion.
The LAN iSilencer boasts premium galvanic isolation technology, where electrical circuits are separated to eliminate stray currents. Audio signals can pass between galvanically isolated circuits to block differences in ground potential or currents induced by AC power, the iFi website states. It supports Gigabit Ethernet with no speed limitations and has a Transient Voltage Suppressor to project your equipment against surges and voltage transients.
The iFi LAN iSilencer costs RM469 and is available from E1 Personal Audio Malaysia in Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur. Or shop online at https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/ifi-audio-malaysia/
