Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming LAN isolator anyone?

In front of the C15

However, IMHO your money would be much more worthwhile spent on an MS200... or perhaps even an MS600 for Analog out.

Thanks Ronnie.

I will stick to my DAC2x though.

Incidentally, I've ordered some of these for other purposes - to protect my computer stuff. I might try it on C15.

Discussion on cable types split out to Cat Cables STP vs SSTP

Regards,
Carl

Just a quick update. The sound with the GSIO has been improving significantly in the last couple of days. I should know better than to start judging a device too early

I'll post again either end of the weekend or later if it feels like the GISO is still on the move. Meantime, it's safe to this unassuming little gizmo is a resounding success in my system. Dynamics are now way ahead of the non-GISO sound across the range.

Re concerns over the sound being overly valve-like or euphonic, what I'm hearing is simply more of the characteristic Meridian sound. No artificial smoothing over at all - wide open versus non-GISO, but undoubtedly more refined and organic.

Ok, I give in. I've ordered one!

Discussion on DAC's et al split out to MS600, 818v2 vs. EMM DAC 2X

Regards,
Carl

As promised in Dave's (DaveyC) post about the GISO, he has loaned me the device to try in my similar Meridian system today.

Being an open minded sort of chap I was, even so, a little sceptical of this device's ability to do much to the soundstage.

We listened to the first minute of a selection of tracks to familiarise ourselves with the current Sooloos system sound. Then the GISO was plugged into the CD player end of my 15 meter run of CAT7 Meridian brand cable from my MD600, then connected to the ID40 of my 808.3 with the short cable stub supplied.

We played the same Sooloos tracks again at the same volume settings.

All I can say is that what I heard was remarkable and unmistakeable. The soundstage opened up becoming, what can best be described, as more 3 dimensional. There was instantly increased space around instruments and vocalists and a distinct pronounced control and extension to bass. Following on and without repetition, I can confirm that there is increased detail and a definite correlation to the benefits that Dave has described within my system too. Overall the music becomes more engaging and enjoyable. Simply, it brings the music to life and whilst I wouldn't have described the sound before as unpleasant, the sound after is more desirable by far. There appears no negative effects.

The bottom line is, I would confirm others' findings on this little device and I now want one. It has transformed my Sooloos playback through the 7200.2's, indicating that RFI effects can get through to Meridian digital equipment and this device does something positive about it.

GISO verdict - I want one.........

Has anyone an idea as to wether this device would add anything to lesser systems?
Chris

I've added one to my system between my Ethernet over Powerline adaptor and my MS600 with results similar to what FishTail noted above. A noticeable sonic improvement for sure.

Well after reading this very interesting thread I decided to give a LAN isolator a go in my system.
I have just purchased one of these Emosafe EN-30

There is an interesting FAQ on their website.

Out of curiosity. Why did you decide to get this make and not the audio dedicated GISO GB?

For isolators in general, i assume these isolators are not active i.e. powered by an external source, but where does the energy then comes from or what is lost from the incoming signal. I don't think it is energized by galvanic current if there is such current. Is the loss of energy the reason for perceived smoothness maybe.
I also don't understand that introducing extra connections will do any good in the signal path, still i only read enthusiastic results which makes me curious as well. I hate that as i was just hoping that going DSP+ MDMS would release me from adding gizmos and tweeks.

I decided to go with the Emsafe purely on price!
I think it is around halve the price of Giso GB

"Audio dedicated" often, but not always, means higher margins

In the FAQ they also state that these devices are also used in audio applications.
On your last point, I agree, but reading all the positives here I thought I would give the Emsafe a try for 150�.