I’m overseas, and away from my Select II DAC (which will soon be traded in, for the Cascade DAC). Can the AOC module be used to replace the connection between the ProUSB dongle and the ProISL input module?
Looking at photographs of the ProUSB dongle, it appears that its optoelectrical SFP transceiver module can be removed and replaced with (one end) the AOC module. Please advise - thank you!
The other end, of course, goes into the ProISL module which can for sure accept the AOC module.
BTW, “FS” is based in Singapore, and they provide next-day delivery for free. I’ve just ordered 3 pcs. of the 2m AOCs, to be used for my Cascade DAC.
Yes, an AOC cable may be used for any SFP module based connection from MSB. This includes the ProUSB, ProISL, Cascade Link, and upcoming Sentinel Link. This also includes ProISL links in MSB transports and third party servers from Aurenderer, Taiko and other future companies incorporating a ProISL interface. This is why we chose to use the most common industry standard format for optical modules (SFP), so that we could be up to date with any advancements made in optical communication technology.
I ordered the active fiber cables from the listed website (FS products) and they were very good - shipped quickly, packaged well and even had a follow up email. I looked at Amazon, but many times their listing did not specify single mode or multi mode, plus even though my search was for AOC SFP+ cables, Amazon threw in some DAC and copper cables . . .
I have a Premier DAC with no digital director (maybe a DD someday!) and the audible difference between the AOC and standard set up (I had upgraded the old SFP modules with some higher quality ones) was a slight improvement (maybe confirmation bias?) in tone, texture and clarity.
For those thinking there’s no need to pay attention to your upstream ethernet system, that has not been my experience. Before improving my ethernet switches (including linear power supplies) and cables there was little noticeable difference between streamed content and the same content on my SDD in my streamer. Now, there is a major improvement in sound quality (mostly clarity) content from files on my streamer compared to the same files (same resolution) streamed from Qobuz via Roon. Of course your experience may be different with different systems.
I installed the AOC units on Friday and I have been thrilled with the enhanced sound. I used two of them since I have a transport and a Select Digital Director. This is the best money I have spent in a long time. Thanks so much for informing us about this. A true game changer. Keep up the great work!!
I have tried both FS AOC and Finisar (now Coherent) AOC ordered from mouser, both work (from Ref DD to Ref DAC) and it is indeed a step up! it’s like adding a mini DD, the realism and the spaciousness is the obvious enhancements.
I received my AOC today and it is installed between Reference Digital Director (with Network Renderer module) and Reference DAC. First impressions… it acts like a multiplier of the Digital Director’s sonic advantages. Namely, greater discrimination of fine recorded details, e.g., plucked or bowed strings in orchestral works, and a further increase in ease. Some would call this a more “natural” sonic presentation because there is more musical information and fewer artefacts related to the playback process itself. A very worthwhile and relatively inexpensive sonic improvement for Digital Director users.
Hi @dan , have you tried the AOC cable only for the DD/DAC link without AOC for the ProUSB? I am interested to know how much improvement the AOC cable would give for the ProUSB/ProISL link. It would be easy for me to implement the AOC for the DD/DAC link, but not for the ProUSB/ProISL link because I am using a 25m optical fiber cable from the ProUSB module to the DD, and the optical fiber cable has to run/go through a concrete wall.
Initially I bought just a single AOC and used it on ProUSB and got a significant improvement. Then I bought another and used it on DD/DAC and got another improvement.
My guess is that using AOC just on DD/DAC would also be a significant improvement.
Ugh, concrete. A 1/2” hole would not be big enough for the permanently attached SFP terminator, you would need at least 3/4” hole to pull the SFP and it plastic handle through. It would be worth the effort though. Is your current fiber going through the concrete?
@Dan , thanks, it is very helpful to know that the AOC on the ProUSB alone already gives significant improvement in sound quality.
Yes, the current fiber cable goes through a small hole in the concrete wall. That means I have to drill a 3/4” hole for the AOC cable! I will try to implement both AOC cables!
