Network and streaming optimisation

Innuos have now released this audio focussed network switch, which allows any streamer to be upgraded by improving the Ethernet signal it is receiving. After installing this new PhoenixNET switch into our studio streaming system, replacing an already high quality NetGear switch, there was an immediate and obvious upgrade to the sound quality. Network switches are often overlooked but they are instrumental in the audio quality you hear from your streaming services. Network switches were never originally designed with audio quality in mind, which does not help. For this reason, most commercial switches are introducing noise and/or delivering badly timed information to the streamer, and then onto the DAC, downgrading sound quality.

Place the PhoenixNET between your Router and Streamer, as close to your streamer as possible, for optimal sound quality. The use of better quality Ethernet cables with commensurate quality RJ45 connectors will further enhance quality. For further assistance here, please call to discuss.

The ports on the PhoenixNET use the same noise isolated Ethernet ports found on the Innuos Statement, their flagship Music Server. Individually shielded, high quality Ethernet ports are soldered directly to the board with no Ethernet activity lights. It is well known that blinking LEDs introduce considerable electronic noise into digital circuits. The lowering of noise and increase in timing accuracy, means more transparency, more micro details resolved, allowing fine nuances to be easily heard. This technology will also boost the performance of any Ethernet (RJ45) connected device through the three high-quality RJ45 outputs.

Timing is everything with digital signals. The better control you have on this, ‘Jitter’, the easier it is for your DAC to decode the information without more error correction. This allows the DAC to use less aggressive filtering and processing and thus delivers a more coherent and natural presentation. There is also a high-quality clock included, same as that used in the flagship Statement server, with its own linear power supply, which additionally minimises this problem.

In our listening tests we found the sound to be improved in all the critical audiophile areas. The soundstage opens up in both width and, more importantly, depth. The illusion of depth with streaming is one of the main problems with this form of music replay so to enhance this aspect is a major benefit. Timing is also improved presenting the rhythmic qualities of recordings in a more coherent manner.

The PhoenixNET design objective is focused on 4 key areas: Noise, Clock, Power, and Vibration.

• Simpler 100mbps network switch chip results in a lower operating noise floor compared to Gigabit chips.
• Network switch chip with no internal switching regulators. All 3 independent voltages are supplied by dual, internal, Statement-grade linear power supplies with independent ultra-low noise regulators.
• Massive individual Network Isolation Transformers to further isolate from noise coming from router or other connected devices.
• Individually shielded, high quality Ethernet ports soldered directly to the board with no Ethernet activity LEDs significantly reducing electronic noise.
• EMI absorption used in critical areas minimising the impact other key components.
  

• Using the same 3ppb 25MHz OCXO oscillator as used in the Statement, individually powered by its own linear power supply and connected directly to the network switch chip, avoiding precision losses from using external master clocks.
  

• Two independent Statement-grade linear power supplies with Mundorf Capacitors to power individually the OCXO clock and the motherboard, keeping the power path as short as possible with less opportunity for EMI contamination.
  

• Anti-Vibration feet tuned to the resonant frequency of the chassis.
• Top cover treatment to damp airborne vibration.
• Sturdy RJ45 ports with silicone isolation connection to the chassis.
  

Innuos PhoenixNET

This unit will maximise the sound quality from any streaming unit which currently connects to your DAC over USB. The PhoenixUSB is placed between the Streamer and DAC and will re-clock (regenerate) the data stream to deliver a cleaner, more accurate signal, with less digital jitter (digital timing inaccuracies) to the DAC. This allows the DAC to decode the signal more easily, using less aggressive error correction filtering and processing. This creates a more coherent and natural presentation, maximising audio quality and the subtle nuances of the music.

The PhoenixUSB uses technology from their flagship streamer device the Statement, which has the same USB Reclocker (clock chip and dual power supplies) built in. The high-quality clock included (again used in the Statement server) with its own linear power supply, minimises this problem.

Our listening tests used with a variety of streaming devices revealed a more expansive sound stage, with greater depth. The illusion of depth is one of the major problems with streaming music replay and to enhance this audiophile aspect is a real bonus. This allows a sense of space of the original recording to be perceived, experiencing the size and acoustic properties more fully. Overall tone and timbre are improved, becoming more natural – less “hifi”. Instrument separation is increased, and the decay to sustained notes is more natural. Speed of transients is increased, along with more impact and depth to the bass, Sibilance is also very well controlled and can help tame harsher sounding recordings.

The PhoenixUSB reclocker will help optimise any DAC and Streamer combination.

Innuos PhoenixUSB - Reclocker