FMC and SW-6 clean up my ethernet has taken the performance of the Melco to the proverbial "next level."

I've now experimented with using and not using the EE1, and things sound better without it. The comparison wasn't an exact A/B because my standalone ethernet cable is a Melco C100, and the two short ethernet cables I use with the EE1 are from DH Labs. So this could be a cable issue. But for now, I'm sticking with the Melco ethernet cable from the SW-6 to my Melco N100.

My system isn't inexpensive, but I consider myself a cost-conscious audio hobbyist. My father built his own equipment and speakers when I was a small child, and I've been fooling around with this stuff since high school (I'm 65 now).

My setup begins with a Puritan PSM156 powerline purifier, and power cords from Puritan and Benchmark. Starting with the sources, my coaxial cable router connects to the FMC via an Audioquest Cinnamon ethernet cable. A Melco ethernet cable is on order to replace the Audioquest. The FMC feeds the SW-6, which is connected via a Melco C100 ethernet cable to a Melco N100 Music Library. The Melco uses a generic USB cable (recommended by Benchmark) to connect to the Benchmark DAC3HGC, which I use as a preamp since I have no analog sources.

In the middle of that top shelf is a 2008 first-generation Oppo BDP-83 universal disc player that I was able to buy for half price ($500) in exchange for being a beta tester. It's bulletproof, although I don't play CDs anymore. I keep it to play DVDs, and connect it to the DAC3HGC with an Analysis Plus TOSLINK cable. The unit on top of the Oppo is an inexpensive ZVOX soundbar for my 2007 SONY 40-inch LCD TV on the top shelf (not shown). The SONY refuses to break, and I won't replace it until it does. I had it calibrated to NTSC broadcast standard, and it looks great -- although I'd like a larger screen, but large screens cost $5,000 back in the day.

I connect the DAC3HGC to the Benchmark AHB2 power amp via balanced interconnects from Denis Morecroft (DNM Design) in the UK, and the AHB2 to my speakers with DNM speaker cables. The DNM cables replaced far more expensive balanced interconnects and speaker cables from Tellurium Q.

I connect my old Totem KIN subwoofer to the AHB2 with Benchmark speaker cables -- using the Totem's high-level speaker inputs to coordinate its onboard amplifier characteristics with those of the Benchmark. Then my main speakers are a pair of small monitors from Human Speakers, a one-man shop in New Hampshire, USA. The man who runs Human formed his company after working for decades servicing EPI/Epicure speakers. He was able to buy their driver fabrication equipment when they went out of business, and specialized in EPI/Epicure service and repair until starting his own speaker line. He makes his own drivers, which complement each other with natural rolloff, and only uses a single capacitor to limit the low-frequency response of each tweeter. These speakers cost only $571 (weird pricing) + shipping, and replaced my KEF LS50 (non-Meta) speakers.

Maple and walnut equipment stand is by Butcher Block Acoustics in the U.S. Speaker stands by SolidSteel. Speaker stand, subwoofer and component feet by Herbie's Audio Lab (better and cheaper than IsoAcoustics, which I had for years). And I have bass traps and various acoustical panels from commercial (non-audiophile) suppliers in the U.S.

Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire closed-back headphones, and I also use Herbie's "sonic stabilizer" discs and brass calligraphy weights to improve the effectiveness of the Herbie's isolation feet.

I live in a small apartment, so I'm very happy with this setup. The Human speakers are 89dB to 90dB efficient, so I can enjoy them at low volumes late into the evening without disturbing my neighbors. When I put music on at the volume I like, and then go into the hallway, I can't hear it. So that allows me to just relax and enjoy the music.

As you've seen, I prioritize sources first, and have the FMC and SW-6 clean up my ethernet has taken the performance of the Melco to the proverbial "next level."

I first heard about your products on the iiWi Reviews YouTube channel, and appreciated the clarity of explanation offered on the LHY channel. I have to say that I also prefer to buy from nice people, and you come across as genuine and sincere (in addition to knowledgeable), and that makes a big difference to me when I'm going to spend my money.

The units themselves are beautifully made, and have really made a positive difference in my enjoyment of my music.

Thanks for your great products, and for your help in getting them set up properly.

Credit: RG

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LHY SW-6

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