AfterDark. NETone Audiophile Switch

AfterDark. NETone Audiophile Switch 

The story of development

AfterDark. is looking for better solution, when we modified and design the new product line. This product is ideas of optical isolation with use of optical fiber.  So, we tried to build one with heavy modified - AfterDark. NETone. We received a lot of request of all in one solution for network switch, with build in multiple optical isolator, 8 ports network switch, all modules is optimised by OCXO Master Clock, with the best Furutech NCF IEC inlet and build in Black Modernize LPS in carbon fiber chassis. 

Customer impression on NETone.

"I had for two years the Innuos Phonix NET switch. That very hyped switch had lower sound quality than the standard Ediscreation. Comparing it to NETone Hubs, it sound almost ridiculous. I sold the Phonix NET switch immediately." 

"The Trifecta Master Clock is absolutely marvelous. My friend is very happy I pointed him at AfterDark. He just love that clock. All the cables we have bought are superior as well. I just bought three of your BLACK RIVER Giesemann EVA Reference Clock cables, lifted the sound of my Mutec MC3+USB sky-high" 

Why NETone? 

What is so special about this switch? We have perform real listening test and design according to the comments with the use of SFP Single Mode Fiber for optical isolations. By using the best tweaks and sound tuning from Audiophiles. The Giesemann switch turns up with very refined sounding and most natural sounding switch that we ever designed.

The material is special selected and will be used for heavy modded by AfterDark. Making use of Duelund internal cable, ultra low noise AfterDark. Black Modernize LPS for powering Giesemann Clock Sync Module (GCSM). This will be the very first network with two isolated Optical Isolator and 8 ports switch all optimised by three isolated input of OCXO clock signals. This switch can be customized with build in OCXO clock with LPS or power external LPS with external 10M Clock. 

Thanks for the long developement of Giesemann Clock product and we acheived syndication results.  The improvement on sound is very significant and will be outperform most of the switch in the marker without OCXO clock, optical isolation and LPS build in. 

Purchase Link

What are the design features of NETone Hubs?

• Built-in Constallation Network Switch x 25Mhz Clock generated by Giesemann OCXO Clock
• Built-in Optical Isolator x 25Mhz Clock generated by Giesemann OCXO Clock
• Built-in Project Clay X Giesemann OCXO “10M Master Clock”
• Built-in AfterDark. Black Modernize Linear Power Supply 5V x Audio Grade Furutech NCF IEC socket 

 What is the advantages of NETone?

• Built-in 10M OCXO Master Clock makes the sound more relaxed, eliminates the digital feeling, the bass is more refined, the mid-to-treble is sweeter, the details are rich and the elegant micro dynamic analysis style, the background is darker, the feeling is full of vitality, and the sense of space separation increases. The focus is more accurate.

• Due to the use of carbon fiber shielding, the digital signal is darker with rich details.

Specification:

• Black Modernize Carbon Fiber Anti-Resonance Plate is made of 6mm front / 3mm back thickness of Carbon Fiber Audiophile MAT for EMI shielding and Anti-Resonance for mission critical application for Audiophile Network Switch. The will prevent external noise from getting to the USB signal conductors, and the high performance density of Carbon Fiber Shield to further prevent the ingress of noise (RFI, etc.) and increase stabilization during NAS Music File streaming application.
• Black Modernize Connection Interface Upgrade provide maximum flexibility and enhance Noise Isolated performance with propriety “LAN input for Audio” and “Optical Lan Isolator” for audiophile audio connection.
• Black Constellation (CFS) Optical Fiber Audio Lan Isolator Performance Modules, this Lan Isolator interface is upgraded with 10G SFP CISCO Server Grade Optical Module AOC to provide the best data transfer with much “less error rate” to provide the best audio performance for Lan Isolation application. The Linear Power Supply was used to provide the best audio performance with less signal to noise background. The micro details and soundstage on Hi-Res Audio will improves significantly.
• Audio Note KENSAI Non-Polar Audio Grade Capacitor is used for Audiophile Network Switch, with EMI shielding, enhanced audio performance with propriety Carbon Fiber Shielding (CFS) Technology and audio application.
• Upgrade with Furutech NCF IEC outlet will be equipped for enhanced music presentation and maximized power conductivity.
• Independent Black Modernize Linear Power Supply will be equipped to eliminate the EMI interference and provide more stable audiophile grade power supply for audiophile network switch.
• Extra anti-absorber material was placed on the connection board, to eliminate the signal noise and better separation to avoid vibration interference for mission critical Audiophile Network Switch application.
• The “Carbonized Screw” was used to fix the position on Black Modernize Carbon Fiber Anti-Resonance Plate for Audiophile NAS.
• All hand Made in Hong Kong by AfterDark. 

SELECT GIESEMANN OCXO 10M Reference Grading: 

The OCXO installed in the product can calibrate the products used in industrial equipment for a long time, and use equipment with good characteristics. In order to optimally select the audio clock, we comprehensively evaluate with Symmetricom Flagship 5125A to analysis the phase noise characteristics and short-term stability (Allen dispersion) that can be determinate the OCXO grading accordingly.

The OCXO installed in this product uses a stable OCXO unit that has been calibrated for several months. In order to make the best choice of OCXO. We are conducting a comprehensive evaluation of phase noise characteristics and short-term stability (Allen dispersion) during detailed inspection. 

The final product will final measured and fine tuned with Keysight 53220A with reference to Atomic Clock , GPSDO. 

Choose a base value 
Phase noise: -119 to -113 dBc / Hz or lower at 1 Hz offset (Grades) -137 dBc / Hz or lower at 10 Hz offset

Allan variance short-term stability reference value

[Emperor Giesemann EVA]TAU = 1sec 2.50E-13 or less（0.00025ppb / s）

[Emperor Giesemann] TAU = 1sec 2.78E-13 or less（0.00028ppb / s）
[Emperor Triple Crown] TAU = 1sec 3.8E-13 or less（0.00038ppb / s）

Technical index

• Ultra-low phase noise OCXO 10MHz oscillator (build in or external) 
• Optional BNC cable.
• Input: 10 MHz x 1 system, Sine or Square wave
• Input impedance: 50 ohm 
• Body size: W141mm x D210mm x H90mm 
• Weight about 4.0 kg
• Choice of build in LPS or external DC version 
• 2 years free maintenance warranty
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice
• Made in Hong Kong  

"I had for two years the Innuos Phonix NET switch. That very hyped switch had lower sound quality than the standard Ediscreation. Comparing it to Netone - Giesemann Network Switch, it sound almost ridiculous. I sold the Phonix NET switch immediately." 

NETone is work in prograss and final assembly on schedule for last week. Testing will be perform this week. The orders from 23th of April will be ready to dispatch to courier on Wednesday.  😀

For Audiophilestyle member only:

• Purchase of every NETone will comes with a Cisco AOC fiber Cable in orange. 

The orders from 27th of April is testing in progress and will ready to dispatch this week.  😁

Both units will be build in Giesemann OCXO Master Clock and Black Modernize LPS. 

Purchase Link

The orders from 5th of May is testing in progress and will ready to dispatch on Saturday  😁

We are quite suprised that most customer prefers one box solution in Carbon Fiber chassis, the version with build in Giesemann OCXO Master Clock and Black Modernize LPS.

Purchase Link

Hi Adrian, I am considering the version with 10Mhz external clock input. Your comment above re preference for the “..version with built in OCXO and modernise LPS”. Does this imply there is an option for a DC input with an external power supply? (I noted no such option on the purchase page) If so what DC voltage would it be?

Cheers

Jake

Hi! Jake,

Thanks for your message and questions.

The new option for external powered option is updated at the purchase link. Audiophile can utilise the exisitng LPS to connect the NETone. The DC voltage required is 5V at 2A. 

The carbon fiber backplate will have one 2.1mm DC port instead of IEC AC socket. 

Purchase Link

Have a nice weekend.

Best Regards,

Adrian

AfterDark. 

Hi Adrian,

If I were to buy only 1 component to improve my streaming audio quality, between NETone switch and SFP isolator PA1, which should I choose to give me the most improvement?

Hi! Lamechops,

Thanks for your message and questions.

The NETone will be recommended, this will give you the most improvements. The build in LPS and Giesemann OCXO Master Clock will make music so smooth and transparent. The result is immediately noticeable and will be the best component to improve streaming music. 

Thanks and have a nice weekend.

Best Regards,

Adrian

AfterDark. 

Well the PhoenixNet has been long around but definitely is no longer state-of-the-art. I think it will be interesting comparing it to Network Acoustics Tempus or Ansuz etc. switches (see https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/cables-reviews/reviews-digital-cable/network-acoustics-tempus/ )

Hi! Markus8,

The NETone is very high specification when compared to the latest products in the market.  😁

As you may know, NETone is build by hand, all cable is special wired and solder in specific temperature, and assembly by hand in a top touch finishing. You will be surprise the weight of each units of NETone, it is almost 4.0Kg.

The NETone is designed with audiophile minds, we believe we required to have the listing of components, and we ensure this is the best components you could have inside the NETone. 

1. Build in Giesemann OCXO clock,
2. Giesemann Clock Sync Module (GCSM),
3. Two High Quality Optical SFP Isolator, 2 motherboard isolated with bypass 2 lines of internal clock for OCXO
4. Extreme high quality 8 port switches with bypass internal clock for OCXO 
5. All 8 metal ports and CPU is EMI shielded with KEMET EMI Shielding matetial 
6. Cisco AOC SFP fiber cable included in every purchase of NETone, sound best and plug and play for most Audiophiles. 
7. AfterDarkk. Black Modernize LPS
8. Furutech NCF IEC
9. All in one design build with Carbon Fiber Aluminum Chassis. 

=====================================================================

The orders from 12th of May is testing in progress and will ready to dispatch on Saturday  😁

This version is build in Giesemann OCXO Master Clock and Black Modernize LPS.

Purchase Link

On 5/6/2024 at 4:12 PM, AfterDark. said:

The orders from 27th of April is testing in progress and will ready to dispatch this week.  😁

 

Both units will be build in Giesemann OCXO Master Clock and Black Modernize LPS. 

 

Purchase Link

 

Hi Adrian,

I just received the same unit as above and tried to set it up but i seem to have issues with the connection. Would like to seek your advice on how to connect the different cables correctly.

My orange and blue cables are connected similarly like the above. I'm currently using desktop PC and i tried to connect 1 ethernet cable from wall port to the empty port in between 2 orange cables (top row of NETone switch) shown above.

Another ethernet cable is connected from one of the 8 empty ports (bottom row of NETone switch) to my desktop PC.

Based on this set up, there is no internet connection in my PC.

Is there anything wrong with this?

Hi! lamechops,

Thanks for your message and questions.

Would you mind to change the cable from router and connect to the 8 ports switch, and see the PC is connected the internet. 

May I know the LED on both SFP port and 8 ports switch is on and off with activities? There is some case, the SFP is not fully plug and in right directions. There will be a click sounds when it is normal connected.

Thanks and have a nice day.

Best Regards,

Adrian

AfterDark. 

1 hour ago, AfterDark. said:

Hi! lamechops,

 

Thanks for your message and questions.

 

Would you mind to change the cable from router and connect to the 8 ports switch, and see the PC is connected the internet. 

 

May I know the LED on both SFP port and 8 ports switch is on and off with activities? There is some case, the SFP is not fully plug and in right directions. There will be a click sounds when it is normal connected.

 

Thanks and have a nice day.

 

Best Regards,

Adrian

AfterDark. 

 

Hi Adrian,

I've tried different permutations connecting the cables as below. The long black ethernet cable is connected to the wall port and the blue cable is connected to my desktop PC.

When i tried connecting the ethernet cable directly from wall port to my desktop PC (without using NETone), i have no issue with the internet connection. Also to dismiss any other possibilities, I also tried to use the NETone switch to connect to my office laptop instead and i dont have internet connection as well.

So it's quite puzzling as i suppose it should just be a straightforward plug and play case.

HI! lamechops,

Thanks for your message. 

The black cable seems to have no connection and the LED lights was not on due to some problems.

The connection between the PC and SFP port is connected successfully as shown ion the last picture. 

Would you mind try another black cable and connect directly to the router ports instead of wall port? This will help to solve the problems. 

Thanks.

Best Regards,

Adrian

AfterDark. 

1 hour ago, AfterDark. said:

HI! lamechops,

 

Thanks for your message. 

 

The black cable seems to have no connection and the LED lights was not on due to some problems.

 

The connection between the PC and SFP port is connected successfully as shown ion the last picture. 

 

Would you mind try another black cable and connect directly to the router ports instead of wall port? This will help to solve the problems. 

 

Thanks.

 

Best Regards,

Adrian

AfterDark. 

Hi Adrian,

i dont think it's the black cable issue since it is relatively new and i have no issue when connecting it directly from wall port to my PC. Also please see pic below where it shows LED light is on with the same black cable.

Before my purchase, i did check and share with you on my set up via Afterdark website livechat that I'll be connecting from wall port and you confirmed that there wont be any issue. The thing is my router is at a different location in my house so connecting NETone switch directly to router is impossible. 

Hi! lamechops,

Thanks for your message. 

The network is connected with BLACK cable and the led is on, it seems like a network jammed problem. May I know if you can power down and power up the router, and PC again, so it can reset the DHCP server setting. 

Would you mind to check the IP address is showing properly and retreived the internet gateway from router under the network setting at the the Windows OS? 

The wall port is not a problem, when you can access the internet via PC before. Would you mind to try and connect both the flat blue and flat black cable to the 8 ports switch, and see if it is working normally? 

Thanks.

Best Regards,

Adrian

AfterDark. 

Hi Adrian,

Thanks for your prompt responses so far. Let me try them out again and come back to you if any issues again.

We are quite happy to hear audiophiles enjoy this amazing NETone Audiophile Switch.

Please feel free to forward the discount code for all audiophile's friends. This is time to upgrade and unlock the performance on streaming music. 😄

Discount Code: PA1

Purchase Link

The orders from 22th of May is testing in progress and will ready to dispatch this week.  😁

The first unit is special made to order edition with build in Giesemann OCXO Master Clock, external DC port for connecting external LPS and a Audio Note Ground Pole.

The second one is non-ocxo edition.  

Purchase Link

We are quite happy to hear audiophiles enjoy this amazing NETone Audiophile Switch - Non OCXO version, and looking for upgrade to OCXO version in the future. 

The orders from 30th of May is testing in progress and will be dispatch this Friday. 

Please feel free to forward the discount code for all audiophile's friends. This is time to upgrade and unlock the performance on streaming music. 😄

Discount Code: PA1

Purchase Link

The orders from 03 of June is testing in progress and will be dispatch on next Monday. 

The below orders is build in OCXO and other one is accepting external 10M Master Clock Input.

The AfterDark. linen bag will be included for Audiophilestyle member with Free Cisco AOC SFP 1M cable and a blue cable. 

Please feel free to forward the discount code for all audiophile's friends. This is time to upgrade and unlock the performance on streaming music. 😄

Discount Code: PA1

Purchase Link

The orders from 06 of June is testing in progress and will be on schedule to dispatch on Wednesday. 😀

The below orders is build in OCXO and a non-ocxo version. 

Please feel free to forward the discount code for all audiophile's friends. This is time to upgrade and unlock the performance on streaming music. 😄

Discount Code: PA1

Purchase Link