JJarego

Thanks, @mozes ... so you use both and you think that the benefits are cumulative? could you please elaborate a bit? Cheers!

I've just completed the process of putting together a dedicated machine to run Roon + HQPlayer. I'm upsampling everything to DSD 512 (which I feed into a T+A DAC 8 DSD). The OS is W10 (Enterprise) and I've already removed a lot of applications which I will not be using (like One Drive, Skype et al). In this context, and while I'm in awe with the SQ, I would like to get the last drop of performance and Fidelizer or Audiophile Optimizer seem to be the most widely used options. Which one do you think will work best with W10? Thanks!

Happy 2018, @jabbr! Thank you for the sensible advice! Cheers, João

Thank you @d_elm ... still, I think I must give the optical connection a try ... Can someone help with the "shopping basket"? Thanks!

Thanks @d_elm! ... really? do you prefer the result with this netgear switch? are you using a "plain vanilla" ethernet cable?

I'm reviving this thread ... I'm new on the CA and, by going through the thread, I'm convinced that this the way to to. Since I'm in the process of putting together a new server (to run Roon + HQ Player), this is the right time to complete the shopping list. I intend to use a single FMC and an optical PCIe card on the PC. I saw that there may be compatibility issued so I would like to make sure that I'm getting it right ... so, here it goes ... Configuration: ethernet -> FMC -> fiber -> PCIe Which bundle of FMC+fiber+PCIe would you recommend? Would the Trendnet TFC-1000MGA, these transceivers/cable and PCIe card do the trick? Other options? Other questions: - are the Intel cards a better choice? I'm not willing to compromise SQ but ... - would the replacement of the PSU on the FMC bring any advantage? The FMC will be galvanically isolated from the PC, so I'm guessing that it may not be quite relevant (?) Thank you and happy 2018!

I'm in the process of building a new server and I would like to have it galvanically isolated from the router (although the ethernet specification implies non-galvanic coupling, the "gremlins" I've experienced with this kind of connection seem to show that some noise is making its way into the PC). I had in mind something like: ethernet cable >> rj45 to SFP converter >> sfp cable >> sfp pcie net card Do you have suggestions regarding both the fore mentioned chain configuration and/or recommentations regarding the components/cabling I should use? would the startech card be ok? Regarding the SFP, is there any vantage regarding the SC? Thanks!

Dear @Miska, thank you for you patience ... Could the following setup be an alternative?: switch>Ethernet>TP-Link MC100CM >1 metre Fibre Optic cable>TP-Link MC100CM>Ethernet > PC Net Card? The TP-Link MC100CM are inexpensive but my concern is that the second converter may be adding some noise of its own and, therefore, adding complexity to the setup without benefits ...

Dear @Miska, thanks a lot for the prompt reply! I think I may not need a switch (but you know better) ... Would a converter like this plus a fiber net card like this one do the job? Thanks again!

@Miska: I also have in mind avoiding the LAN network cables ... what should be the approach? Router -> cat6 -> ethernet fiber converter -> optical -> PCIe fiber network card?

Another thing: I've brought the T+A DAC 8 DSD home two days ago ... This is a review unit, so the burn in is done. Now I understand the hype, even if I don't manage to upsample to DSD with HQPlayer for now (only with Roon DSP and even that with a lot of limitations). Looking forward to hear @Miska magic at DSD 512 through it!!!! the new machine will fix this The T+A is not going anywhere

Thank you for the precious feedback! I really must compromise in terms of the processing power, since I don't have the option of keeping the server in another room ... meaning that all the cooling must be passive. I've settled on the configuration below, which, I believe will be comfortable doing DSD 512 on the HQPlayer (with the possible exception of the xtr family ... ). Furthermore, the friend who will assemble the machine has a lot of experience and will perform his "magic" with a series of tweaks ... of course I will post pictures once I have the whole thing put together! Case: HDPlex H5 Motherboard: ASRock z370 Extreme4 CPU: Intel i7 - 8700 RAM: G.Skill Trident Z DDR4 2x8GB 4133MHz CAS19 Gray/White Disk: Crucial MX300 2TB SATA 2.5" PSU: HDPlex 400 ATX Linear USB Card: X-Hi USB 3.0 PCIe Card SATA Filter: Elfidelity AXF-94 Power supply filter for SATA hard drive DDR Filter: ELFIDELITY AXF-75 Power purification PC-HiFi Memory DDR4

Thanks! that's a good help! Cheers

@Miska, thank you so much for your input! That configuration is, I'm sure, awesome. Nevertheless, I have constraints that don't allow me to have the server outside the listening room ... this is a compromise that I must assume (with 3 kids and a relatively small house one must compromise). So, I'm not using an NAA and using the same machine to support Roon and HQPlayer ... (and yes: I agree that one should raway un from HDD) BTW: the T+A dac is under the radar and it happens that I'm a good friend of the local distributor of the brand who wants me to bring it home for a "test drive" ... but for now I will not be able to feed it with DSD 512 ... From your advantaged perspective, do you think it's relatively safe use a 95W TDP CPU on a Streacom Box? What would be your top suggestions for chips to run HQPlayer both in the 95 and 65 TDP class?

Thanks a lot! Yes, I imagine that a monster like the 1950X will be able to run (almost) anything one may throw at it ... but there is no way - as you mention - one can cool it passively I do lean towards getting the Femto cards and an LPS. Thanks for sharing your experience!