Moon Series Ethernet Fibre Converter and Switch Combo

Description

First to be presented in our Moon Series is the Ethernet to Fibre Converter and Switch combo. This is a two-unit configuration setup, A & B units, in replacing the run of ethernet cables connecting router to audio equipment with networking capability.

The transmission of network signals in long ethernet cables is easily susceptible to noise, especially EMI, which in the case of fibre optic cables are not affected by. That is the reason why long distance in kilometres of transmission is done through fibre underground or under the seabed. Having a fibre optic connection to run the length of a networking connection in a house environment is going to be far more efficient and quiet, in hi-fi sense, ultimately translating to a cleaner network signal upon reaching the audio equipment. 

While we are still using ethernet cables out from unit B to the audio equipment, the shorter cable lengths are less affected by interferences now. The result of this is a pristine quality of output from networking audio equipment distinctively heard.

(Left above) High-quality Furutech IEC inlet with Aucharm Red Fuse

Installed with one of the best AC inlets from Furutech for our units ensure power entry is kept at a quality not compromised. Using the highest grade Aurcharm red fuse ensures there is no bottleneck right from the beginning without blowing the cost.

(Right above) Silent and efficient power output handling of R-core transformer.

Our R-core transformers are selected for performance grade to ensure they deliver ample voltage and current for regulation while still keeping the entire unit low in power usage.

(Left above) QA proprietary ground box enhancement

The Ethernet port is grounded by our best-selling QA proprietary ground box made in a scaled-down model, just enough to make a difference in outputting a more transparent and cleaner sound.

(Right above) Sturdy 304 stainless steel feet on isolated iron ball

Overall unit is supported by four precision-CNCed pure 304 steel feet which not only support the hefty unit with ease, but the entirety of it is being rested on isolation down to the perfect spherical magnetic iron ball inside the feet. This implementation improves on the imaging to be even more accurate.

(Left above) External grounding option on common ground

Additional grounding post is present at the back of the chassis for further grounding from external ground box. This grounding is the chassis ground connected to the Earth of the AC. One can expect another layer of improvement for users of grounding equipment.

(Right above) Total isolation of LPS regulator and fibre conversion PCBs

We use nylon supporting rods and screws to prevent any ground noise from creeping in through from Earth through chassis grounding. Is unbelievable, but in our prototyping tests, nylon screws yield such a strong mids presence in the sound while metal screws introduce noises muddying the mids unnecessarily. We keep things simple that work – no fancy jargon and no complicated galvanising isolation whatsoever.

OTHER FEATURES:

• A DC filter after the AC inlet.
  It serves just as a simple filter of keeping out any lingering DC noise in our mains, so the current going into the unit is a cleaner AC current as much as possible.
• Internal LPS with low noise, low dropout linear regulator.
  By integrating an internal LPS, we not only are powering the internal circuitry with the most optimum DC conversion and power we can control, we remove the hassle of situating another external LPS, thereby saving space and a DC cable. 
• Only high-quality and audiophile-grade of caps are used.
  We have had years of experience in modifications and upgrading of caps and these have been fruitful in many of our other projects. Maintaining this trend is of an absolute must so the quality output from these boards is definitely an improvement over standard caps.
• Gotham wires for internal wiring.
  As much as possible, the internal wirings of the components are connected by Gotham hookup wires. Power and signal transmission are in good hands through Gotham’s consistent high purity of copper, which ensures high fidelity throughout.
• Rubber ring isolation mounting.
  Our R-core transformers are mounted on isolation rubber rings to prevent any vibration from within the transformer and/or picked up externally through the chassis, minimising vibration noise transmitting into the current after conversion.

SOUND IMPRESSION

With the use of the Ethernet Fibre Converter/Switch combo, improvement is immediate. A veil is seemingly lifted from every detail of sound becoming more pronounced. One will observe the cleanliness of the sound gives rise to an apparent tightening of the bass and defined mids. It will be a case of not able to unhear this betterment after hearing them because the enjoyment from this upgrade in sound will just stick.

The combo package includes 2 pairs of SFP modules and patch cables each. First is a pair of single fibre single mode SC SFP modules with a transmission distance of 5km and accompanying patch cable length of choice up to 10m.

Second is a pair of dual fibre single mode LC SFP modules with a transmission distance of 20km and accompanying patch cable length of choice up to 10m. Any request above 10m for either patch cable can be topped up accordingly.

The inclusion of SC-SC and LC-LC SFP modules is more than a deliberate option. Both the SC and LC SFP Modules have been carefully selected over a few others for the best optimal use in our units to sound this wonderful. This is why our prototyping phase can be so long – partly from testing the ideal combination pairing of the right SFP modules and fibre optic cables, which we would like the customers to benefit directly from the hours we have put in, saving your time to just enjoy the music.

Using SC-SC SFP modules provides an intimate sound stage enveloping one into a cosiness space great for users who love vocal-centric genres to feel the warmth.Using LC-LC SFP modules present a highly-detailed imaging with lots of air, and the soundstage even extends vertically upwards. It is definitely a strong contender for use on well-mastered tracks to hear them in absolute enjoyment.

The preference of choosing one module over another largely also depends on one’s system in how warm or analytical it is in balancing it up. This flexibility of being able to choose a sound signature as you please shows how important and critical in having a clean source of fibre connection is in playing digital audio in hi-fi.

While the fibre patch cables may look generic, just like the SFP modules, we have run through a selection of patch cables and both these cables are similarly selected for optimal use here with our units and SFP modules to sound this good.

External chassis is solid aluminium with front and back plates professionally CNCed and engraved. Designed for a clean outlook, our Moon Series can have their places in any set up and rack for a high-end system to look good and sound better.

Comes with 2-year warranty.

Lead time for production on order is about 3 weeks ±

TECHNICAL SPECS:

• Network ports: 1x SFP, 1x RJ45 (Converter), 4x RJ45 (Switch)
• Supported standards and protocols:
  • IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Media Access Control Protocol
  • IEEE 802.3i 10BASE-T Ethernet
  • IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet
  • IEEE 802.3x 1000BASE-TX Fast Ethernet
• Data transfer rate: Fast Ethernet full duplex/half duplex
• Power ratings: 5V 1A (Converter) 5V 2A (Switch)
• AC power input: options of 100V (60 Hz), 110-120V (60 Hz) and 220-240V (50 Hz) to choose
• SC-SC SFP Module: Single mode single fibre 1.25Gbps T1310nm / R1550nm 5Km range
• LC-LC SFP Module: Single mode double fibre 1.25Gbps 1310nm 20Km range
• Dimension: 215 x 245 x 97mm (WxDxH)
• Weight: 3.5 – 3.6kg each