Network isolation using South Korea's Soul Of the Music aka SOtM Iso-Cat6

The first paragraph of the review was complete gobbledygook .. perhaps it been auto translated into English.

Bottom line all compliant Ethernet equipment must have Galvanic isolators built in... and most quality NICs will have HF filtering built in to the physical interface to reduce noise coupling.. I'd be wary of any passive device that is inserted into a network segment as there is a risk it will pull the Ethernet link out of spec producing unpredictable and even reliable outcomes as I found with one passive so called 'isolator' I bought.

My recommendation is use a quality data network switch from an Industrial supplier  like Cisco, Juniper, HP etc..  use a certified cable.. they usually have category and construction type stamped on the outer sheath .. a shielded cable ( will have an 'S' in the construction designator like STP) seems to usually be beneficial in my experience .. and if you have concerns of common mode noise, strap ferrite chokes around the Ethernet lead at the ends of the cable.

I haven't used the SOtM. People who have have generally stated that it does have an good effect, but there us better. Many threads on other 'channels'.

Whilst Simon is factually correct w.r.t. G.I. I do find that they make a difference, whether that is a optical bridge or the device I use - an EMO-70HD. I periodically try reoving it as I have changed things in my system, and have always put it back.

As always, heuristics and ears.

M

Richard Choong posted:

Talking about network isolation. Has anyone tried this before:

http://www.sotm-audio.com/sotm...folio-item/iso-cat6/

There are a couple of good reviews. Here is one:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/sotm2/1.html

 

many users are very satisfied with ethernet isolators or optical bridge. I brings a real improvement. Of what i have read in different forums, the sotm is not so good. Acoustic revive or etalon isolator are the most preferred.

The Etalon isolator gets a lot of praise.

M