In the above it says “If left floating then this cable will not perform to Cat6a specifications, but will still function perfectly well as Cat5e”.
Six years and 381 pages later😂…
As I’m all Melco’d up with a new N1 and S100/2 Switch, I’m going to try Melco’s C100, their upgrade from the C1AE. One of the main differences being, only grounded at one end.
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Try a Melco C1-D20 SFP+ between the switch and the N1
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Hi Ian
I wanted to try the C1 SFP+, but all the dealers I tried (including Futureshop) told me that I couldn’t try it first, as it was a Niche cable. So if I didn’t like it, I’ve just put £749 down the drain!
However, I did buy SF-SFPP2EPASS-002 for £56!
The billion dollar question, how does this cable compare with the Melco C1 SFP+? I wish I could have demoed them back to back.
I am going to order a Melco C100, and compare that against the SF-SFPP2EPASS-002.
David,
did you hear a difference btw. optical vs “Standard” cable with Melco?
Many thanks!
The cable I purchased is made of 30 AWG copper.
When the Melco C100 Ethernet arrives I will do a back to back test.
I do have an ADOT Fibre Optic in between the Router and the Melco S100 Switch.
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Did you upgrade from the Melco N5 to N1S38 ? If so what are the main differences ? I went from the n1zh60 to the n1s38 and the improvement was substantial
The major difference for current N5 to N1 is a change from HDD storage to SSD. There is also an additional USB output port for a purpose which escapes my memory as it is not a feature I would have any use for. There are also cosmetic differences to the casework.
Otherwise they seem similar and share instructions. At least one review indicates similarity ( What Hi-Fi although I cannot post a link at the time of writing).
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Seems they have an external clock option for N1 as well, not sure what it brings…
Yes there is a 10mHz master clock input. However I cannot see what advantage this may bring in the context of using N1 as a streamer or as a NAS unit. I regard it as a marketing ploy.
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Hi Pete
I am reliably informed by Alan, that the Motherboard is a tad better on the N1.
Thanks David. However I would not think of changing my N5 for N1 as the N5 is just so satisfying. As I write I am listening to a live concert from Wigmore Hall on BBC Radio 3 with Rachel Podger playing Biber via Mosaic/airable and Melco N5/S100. I have been at Wigmore on many occasions and though what I hear at home is not the same ( of course) it kind of sounds plausibly like I might have heard if I was present. That’s enough for me 
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Sorry @Stockholm1973, not sure if that question was directed at me? If so…Yes I did. I was offered the N1 at a price I just couldn’t say no to! 
Also, either I’ve got superhuman hearing at 72 years old, or the HDD was faulty. I could hear the drive spinning very slightly, late at night, sitting on the sofa 10’ away!
As Pete has mentioned, apart from the SSD and some cosmetic enhancements, not an awful lot of difference. However, I am reliably informed by Melco (DELA) that the N1 has a better Motherboard than the N5.
Once I get all the correct cables in place, I’ll be in a better position to comment on N1 vs N5.
I think your analysis should be correct and that he HDD was faulty. I just made the room as quiet as possible ( switched off the room fan) and could hear zero even with my ear pressed up against the case. Mind you even older ears.
Looking forward to your future comments.
Funnily enough Pete, going to the Docs tomorrow about my left ear, as it feels a bit strange. A cross between water in the ear and your ears popping on a plane. Perhaps I was hearing things? Seriously though my girlfriend could just about hear it too.
It’s probably just me being my usual old pedantic self. However, when you’re paying £7,499, it’s got to be right.
Wishing you every success for your visit.
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The result…Some Microsuction in a few weeks. 
By complete surprise, Royal Mail delivered the C100 Ethernet cable this morning, bearing in mind I only ordered it yesterday!
I have no idea if Ethernet cables have to ‘burn in’, but here are my initial findings.
1.0m C100 vs 2.0m SF-SFPP2EPASS-002, (Direct Attach Cable). No apparent difference.
(Cables connected from the S100/2 respective ports to the N1 respective ports).
1.0m C100 vs 0.75m Audioquest Cinnamon. No apparent difference.
(Cables connected from Port No 2 on S100/2 to dCS Bartók LAN Port).
The Player Port on the N1 was not used.
The fact that the Audioquest Cinnamon is grounded at both ends, doesn’t appear to have made any difference…at the moment. 
[Interesting cable opinion.
quote=“Merlot52, post:403, topic:882”]
The fact that the Audioquest Cinnamon is grounded at both ends, doesn’t appear to have made any difference…at the moment. :thinking
[/quote]
Although a shielded ethernet interconnect is not advised for connection to a dCS unit it will still work. However there is a potential for introducing noise. I would stick with the unshielded recommendation from dCS.
See page 5 ( I think) of the Melco printed setup guide. Bartok is a network audio player and I suggest trying the Melco recommendation once your hearing issue is resolved.
Good luck with your ear treatment.
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Sorry Pete, I may be having a senior moment. Please could you clarify, as I may not have the exact same N1/N5 Instruction Manual as you? Mine was obtained online.
Thanks
I will PM you with a scan which cannot be posted here for copyright reasons.
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