My RS130 Fiber Optic Connection Setup

[TomT]

Not long after I received my RS130 recently, I started looking for necessary equipments and accessories to upgrade my system connection from copper wires to fiber optic cables.

Consequently, I ended up getting an additional Fiber Media Converter (FMC), a Melco S100/2 Network Switch, an RSA720 Fiber Optic USB Hub, half a dozen of SPF modules, and a few meters of fiber optic cables, not to mention a few units of Linear Power Supply and associated power cords and DC cords.

Phew, thank goodness the result doesn’t fail me.

For those who are interested, following is the wiring diagram of my RS130 connection setup, which I think is pretty straight-forward and self-explanatory.

For full picture, click on the image.

[christoum1974]

Very nice… has this connection improve the trasfer speed when you copy tracks from your pc to an external usb hard drive mounted to the unit? What’s the speed now?

[TomT]

No, I don’t have external hard drive mounted to the unit. So I have no idea if speed is increased or not. Sorry.

[gdp1045]

Hello Tom, question for you…

Why did you add the Melco s100 and the rsa 720?

I’m going out of my sfp module to my RS130 then straight to my Weiss 204.

You must have extra gear to go that route, right?

Gregory, proud owner of RS 130

[TomT]

Hi gdp1045,

I use Roon mainly. The adding of Melco S100/2 and FMC gives me a better network connection, which then brings better sound quality in streaming and playing music from my NAS.

Regarding RSA720, truly, I added it based on comments from many RS130 users. The result: My DAC (Eversolo Z8) connecting to the Hub (instead of directly to the Audio Port on the RS130) does render better sound quality to my ear.

Perhaps it’s the fibre link between the Hub and the RS130, perhaps it’s the circuit inside the RSA720, or perhaps it’s my DAC, anyway, I do hear better sound after adding the RSA720.

Your Weiss 204 is a good DAC. If you are happy with what it performs via direct connection to the RS130, don’t bother with the Hub.

But if you are curious with what your 204 is going to like with the RSA720, maybe you could ask to borrow one from your Rose distributor for testing. After all, our equipment and setup are different, verifying it yourself is the best way to judge whether the Hub is good to your system or not.

Tom

[gdp1045]

Good morning TomT,

I hear you when you say your setup sounds better to your ear, especially the Melco data switch unit.

Make sure the Melco is used with a good power supply though…

Enjoy. Gregory

[TomT]

Morning Gregory,
I have an LPS for the Melco Switch. It does make a difference.
Thanks for your suggestion.
Tom

[gdp1045]

I will be looking for it eventually once I get bored with my sound!

And I think it will be sooner than later

[TomT]

We all get bored sooner or later.

[rdgsonic]

Until you’re ready for the Melco, I have been using a MicroTik 5 port SFP+ switch powered by a battery power pack and been very happy with this setup. I do prefer the Finisar SFP and SFP+ transceivers so far.

For the FMC, I use a Sonore opticalModule, again with Finisar SFP transceiver and the unit powered by the battery power pack. This is connected directly to my NAS unit via AQ Diamond Ethernet cable.

The RS130 caches the digital data stream and reclocks the stream before sending it on to your DAC. That could reduce the effects of different optical network switches, as long as power supply noise is minimized.

I agree that the RSA720 is a really nice improvement, certainly in my system. I connect my Chord Hugo TT2 by USB to the RSA720.

[TomT]

For the FMC, I use a Sonore opticalModule, again with Finisar SFP transceiver and the unit powered by the battery power pack. This is connected directly to my NAS unit via AQ Diamond Ethernet cable.

The RS130 caches the digital data stream and reclocks the stream before sending it on to your DAC. That could reduce the effects of different optical network switches, as long as power supply noise is minimized.

Interesting but not quite sure how the connection is done.
Also the battery power pack is from … ?

[HMANAZ]

@TomT

Sonore opticalModule

The connection is very clear in the diagram in the OP. The difference is the Sonore opticalModule is the SFP source instead of the switch “with dual SFP”. opticalModule Deluxe – Small Green Computer

To power this Sonore device one can use a switch mode power supply, upgrade to a linear power supply, or use a battery powered linear power supply.

[TomT]

Thanks HMANAZ. The Sonore Optical Module is an FMC (Fibre Media Converter) just in a different name. Got it. The FMC I am using has already an LPS integrated.

[Richter58]

I also have a Weiss204 DAC and the RSA720 and has connected the RS130 via the RSA720 to the Weiss 204. And thats a great SQ improvement.

[TomT]

That’s great. I am planning to borrow a 204 for testing.

[Richter58]

Hi TomT
The standard Power Supply that comes with the Weiss 204 is ok, but there’s a lot SQ to gain using af LPS. I switched to a Plixir Statement. Makes a big difference.

[gdp1045]

Good morning Guys,

I have been using the Weiss 204 wall wart power supply included in the box since the beginning. So I just remembered last night that I did have a small green computer SGC 5V-9V Linear Power Supply 25W so I connected it to the Weiss 204.
(9 volt output)
It is true that the sound changes just from changing the LPS unit.
Truthfully I did lose some of the richness softness in the overall sound but I gain in the bass department and a more leaner detailed image of the instrument placement and that longgggg sustained echo is so there when the instrument vibrates when it is played. (I know I know it don’t make no sense )

So now I am curious about different LPS trial to change the sound output characteristic.

Also Richter58 wrote about having the Weiss 204 connected with the rsa720 and the RS130 and he said «that’s a great sound improvement » In which manner?

Gregory

[TomT]

Noted and thank you.
Yes, LPS should further bring improvements.

[Bicycle]

I also have weiss 204 and rs 130. So first step recommend is rs720?

Also , should I buy an internet access point like eero, then plug directly ethernet cable into rs130 via SFP? sorry if not make sense , I’m still learning

[Bicycle]

How I can Eero bridge work with this configuration? Please help