ifi Lan iPurifier Pro - in operation

While we wait for EtherRegen Mark II to arrive, similar in concept is the ifi LAN iPurifier Pro (was expecting extreme or pro plus, perhaps too old buzzwords now).

Here an Ethernet stream is de-jittered, optically isolated with FMC converters and regenerated.

Connections are input/output RJ45 and a USB-C connector for power. The front has LED bars for operational and power states, the communication device layout from the film 'Close Encounters of the third kind' is a strong resemblance!

Connection Detail

For now:

Server -> JCAT XE -> Netgear GS105 (Generic SMPS noisy PSU) -> Netgear Port 5 Cat 6 > iPurifier in > iPurifier out > DXPLUS filter > 25m Cat5e > DX Plus filter > EtherRegen (Mark 1) > ER output to Lumin U1

Essentially two levels of isolation in series.

Sound Quality

Tonally - No change

Extraction of minute details - Not noticeable. A linear power supply for the switch can extract more details, witing for a 120V 12V 5A PSU to arrive (Aliexpress job).

Image left to right - Still the same

Image height - A little more about a foot above the speakers

Vocals and instruments - This is exceptional. What happens is that main vocals are in the centre, contained in a 'focused bubble', any BV are spread between centre and the left and right speakers. Bass defies directionality, drums behind vocals. Any additional instruments are contained in their own bubble with uncanny 3D placement. Classical music is a good test for identifying individual instruments, easily. I like this device.

Still in the burning in phase, these are the results after 48 hours.

Don't place the iPurifier on a warm/hot surface like in the photo. it will shutdown with excessive temperatures. 

After a week or so, the image instead of being bubbles are now spreading out from the centre and filling in left to right speaker from centre. For vocals, they are a little wider, but not so huge, like an 8' piano. 

I'm quite amazed how objects in the Ethernet chain can improve SQ, such tweakery is a little cheaper than wholesale changes like a new DAC but are very noticeable. 

Ordered two 120V/12V 5A linear supply due at the end of the month for the Netgear switch and main router which have already proved that another level of grunge is disappearing. 

On 9/10/2024 at 9:47 PM, One and a half said:

Netgear Port 5 Cat 6 > iPurifier in > iPurifier out > DXPLUS filter > 25m Cat5e > DX Plus filter > EtherRegen (Mark 1)

I assume the CAT5e is run through the walls?

You could also try:

Netgear switch > DXPLUS > 25m Cat5e > DX Plus filter > LAN iPurifier > EtherRegen

So if I understand correctly, this device gives you the benefit (assuming it exists) of having your streamer/DAC on a fiber optic home LAN, even though you don't have a Fiber based router/playback device?

Does the unit come shipped with a power supply?  It looks like it needs 5V DC.  What's with the USB C connector?  How would one connect a "conventional" LPS?

13 minutes ago, firedog said:

So if I understand correctly, this device gives you the benefit (assuming it exists) of having your streamer/DAC on a fiber optic home LAN, even though you don't have a Fiber based router/playback device?

Yes, it is a self-contained LAN to fiber optic to LAN device. It surely won't compete with a pricier stand-alone fiber optic system, but it's a great idea if you can't implement a regular fiber system.

10 minutes ago, Boulder Bob said:

Does the unit come shipped with a power supply?  It looks like it needs 5V DC.  What's with the USB C connector?  How would one connect a "conventional" LPS?

What's in the box?

1 x LAN iPurifier ProEthernet Cable (0.5m)
1 xUSB-A to USB-C Cable (1.2m)
1 x USB Power Adapter (5V)
1 x Quick Start Card
1 x Instruction Card

https://www.silentpower.tech/products/lan-ipurifier-pro?srsltid=AfmBOoqs-X4k7VX3hh6UwcAnCMkl4Pcn1AbFi85f8MzTdFfJFhZvC9ps

The supplied power supply is very basic, there is certainly room for improvement. There are generic DC to USB 3.0 cables available. I expect Ghent Audio could make up a higher quality version.

On 9/16/2024 at 11:49 PM, Boulder Bob said:

Does the unit come shipped with a power supply?  It looks like it needs 5V DC.  What's with the USB C connector?  How would one connect a "conventional" LPS?

Here is the supplied power adapter, it's something bundled with a mobile phone. A USB3 connector from a computer is just as good.

I suppose if the power is cleaned enough, the raw input may not matter much. The AC connector should match the country location.

On 9/16/2024 at 10:30 PM, audiobomber said:

I assume the CAT5e is run through the walls?

 

You could also try:

Netgear switch > DXPLUS > 25m Cat5e > DX Plus filter > LAN iPurifier > EtherRegen

Good suggestion, that's next, just waiting arrival of boutique Ethernet cables. I do have a JCAT power supply, but the connectors are wrong trpe, JCAT have the 5.5mm/2/1mm barrel, the IPurifier USB-C, 

Alternatively, there's a 5V USB A on a TIANCOOLKEI Power supply which is from a linear supply which is close by,