NETWORK ACOUSTICS ENO STREAMING SYSTEM REVIEW

The Network Acoustics ENO Streaming System is a small, passive filter box that is designed to fit between your network switch/router and your chosen streamer. Chris Baillie takes a listen.

A small box with an umbilical that connects between your switch/router and your streamer.

WHAT IS IT?

As with the early days of CD, developments in high-end streaming systems are happening fast. In my case, I first appreciated the benefits of a dedicated server, then I discovered the importance of a high-quality network switch. Now we have products such as USB re-clockers and this intriguing product from Network Acoustics.

The Network Acoustics Eno Streaming System comprises a filter designed to remove unwanted noise from the signal between your network source and your streamer or renderer and an accompanying high-quality Ethernet cable. The filter is one of those products I didn’t know I needed, though I’m not privy to what is inside it the filter box. The device is said to be passive, so it does not change the digital information passing through. Its intended role is said to be the removal of unwanted noise from the signal, making it easier for the streamer or renderer to decipher the received data. The accompanying ENO Streaming Cable is a “precision woven”, hybrid silver/copper Ethernet cable, terminated with Telegartner CAT 8.1, RJ45 connectors.

Network Acoustics is a small and (relatively) newly formed company comprising Richard Trussell and Rob Osbourn. Richard is behind the design of the ENO filter and Rob’s expertise is high-quality digital cables. These products are available both directly from the Network Acoustics website and also their expanding dealer network. The system reviewed here retails for £995, saving £295 over the cost of purchasing the ENO filter and ENO Ethernet Cable separately. Should you not be entirely happy with the products, Network Acoustics offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

DESIGN AND BUILD

The ENO filter is a smallish box designed to fit in behind or between your existing components. It is not insubstantial, measuring 120 x 94 x 32cm, and weighs 245g. I found it required some thought in order to position it without putting unwanted strain on the cables and connectors. A 35cm length of Cat 8 cable, with an RJ45 exits the box which is made of a non-magnetic ABS plastic. The impression here is of a purposeful, well-made product, rather than one which tries to appeal visually. More a case of function over form. The ENO Streaming Cable is braided and, as mentioned above, terminated with high-quality Telegartner RJ45 8.1 connectors. Again, nothing flashy here, but seemingly very well put together. It is worth noting that, unlike many high-end cables, the ENO cables are very flexible, which can be really useful for those with limited space around their system components.

Different lengths of streaming cable are available.

SOUND QUALITY

The Network Acoustics ENO Streaming System replaced my existing Audioquest Vodka Ethernet cable. I used it between a Melco S100 network switch and my Melco NA1/2 server. The rest of my system comprises a Moon 780D streaming DAC, Moon 600i amp, Totem Forest Signature Speakers. Interconnect and speaker cables are Tellurium Q Ultrablack II.

I listened to some music with the AQ Vodka in place and then again after replacing it with the ENO products. Initially, I was concerned that the ENO system may have added some brightness to the sound, in that the music seemed more vivid and defined. Family and Christmas got in the way, so it was a few days before I could have a proper listen. Once those distractions were over I decided to listen to music as usual and not overthink about the ENO being in the system. I commented to a friend that the system was sounding particularly good, but was not sure if it was the effect of the ENO system or was due to me being more relaxed. Listening to a DSD download of Miles Davies’ Kind of Blue, I was struck by how the music was presented in such a relaxed yet involving manner. Dead Can Dance’s Into The Labyrinth (DSD rip from the MoFi SACD) seemed to grip the music and hold my attention, even more than usual. Everything was seemingly free of the speakers; the presentation being more in the room.

During these few days, despite my initial reaction, I did not find the sound overly bright, and indeed, there was no hint of harshness. This is a product that benefits from a period of settling in, I believe. I set up a playlist of about half a dozen tracks and listened with the ENO still in place. I then removed and replaced the ENO with my own Audioquest Vodka and listened to the playlist again. I was pretty shocked to find the music seemed slightly muted and less vibrant without the ENO in the system. Whilst still possessing good soundstage width, the musicians seemed to have taken a step back into the soundstage, with less sense of front to back distance between them. Indeed, the music was both less exciting and involving. I then put the ENO products back into the system which restored everything to their former glory, and, to be quite honest, I do not want to remove them. This reviewing business can get expensive.

The ENO products have brought to my system a level of transparency, sense of dimension and musical involvement which I have previously only experienced from the best vinyl systems I’ve heard. Putting the ENO products into my system did not fundamentally change the sonic balance or character; instead, it provided more of what was already there. I would describe the effect as multiple subtle improvements, leading to more enjoyable musical experiences. I can now follow individual instruments, and hear how they are played with greater ease.

This afternoon I played the recently released 24/192 download of Pink Floyd’s Animals. People who know this album will appreciate it can sound a little shut-in. Here it sounded glorious, the drums sitting well back from the speakers, with keyboards and guitars projecting not only well into the room but also beyond the side boundaries. Comparisons with my usual Audioquest Vodka Ethernet cable revealed the balance of the ENO system to be a little lighter. Still, the added sense of excitement, space, and dimension more than made up for this. Next, I listened to a more bass-heavy recording, Goldie’s Timeless seeming appropriate. The bass on Inner City Life did have a little more weight via the Audioquest Vodka, but with the ENO cables, the bass had more space around it and again the added excitement and vast soundstage made the track more enjoyable.

CONCLUSION

I loved what the ENO filter and cable bought to my system. The cost of the products here are not inconsiderable, and indeed this might not be the best way of spending £995 on everyone’s streaming set up. In my case, the improvements it has brought to my system is both worthwhile and definitely addictive.

AT A GLANCE

Build Quality:

There is nothing flashy here but high quality. The cables are fitted with very sturdy connectors.  The ENO Cable is being very flexible certainly helps with installation.

Sound Quality:

Capable of delivering a vast soundstage if your system is up to it. Lively and engaging presentation, yet no sense of harshness.

Value For Money:

No two ways about It, £995 is a lot of money to spend on something to connect two components. However, the performance improvements I experienced using the filter and cable justified this price in my system.

We Loved:

Lively, engaging, involving and spacious sound

Flexible cables

We Didn’t Love So Much:

I suspect if your system is already on the lean sound of neutral, these cables may upset the sonic balance

Price: From £995.00 including VAT, when the ENO filter and 1m network cable are purchased together as the ENO Streaming System. Additional lengths are available at an extra cost.

Elevator Pitch Review:  The ENO filter and cable are a combination capable of bringing a new level of performance to high-end streaming systems. Priced at £995, they will not be for all people and may not suit everyone’s system, but they are something I will be reluctant to remove from mine. If you think your system is worth it and you can justify the expense, giving them a try is a no brainer, especially with the 30-day money-back guarantee!

SUPPLIED BY NETWORK ACOUSTICS

Chris Baillie