Network Acoustics eno2

Hi-fi products often emerge from a ‘Eureka!’ moment for their designer. For Richard Trussell of Network Acoustics, this happened with the original eno ethernet filter. A trained electronics engineer, he retired from the IT industry and started selling hi-fi from home. His ‘Eureka!’ moment came when he discovered that a better-quality ethernet cable could improve the sound. This piqued his curiosity to find out why. The Network Acoustics eno2 is the latest development from that ‘Eureka!’ moment.

In 2019, Rich partnered with advertising creative and part-time cable maker Rob Osbourn. The two friends set about honing Rich’s prototype ethernet filter to produce the original eno. They formed a lockdown startup and christened it Network Acoustics. The eno2 I am reviewing here is a reworking of that original model. It’s redesigned to be compatible with 1Gb/s or 100Mb/s networks. It has an aluminium case instead of a plastic one. Network Acoustics also ditches the captive output lead, allowing users to choose their cable. It comes with one of Network Acoustics’ high-quality 0.75m streaming cables. It’s also available as a Streaming System, including an additional 1.5m cable.

Doubters gotta doubt

Trussell says some doubters will tell you the ethernet signal is digital and thus incorruptible. Still, he points out that it is, in fact, an analogue waveform, a bit like a sine wave. That noise can get into the cable, mix with the signal and adversely affect the sound. This noise is mainly RF, coming everywhere from sources such as wi-fi, mobile phones, TVs, satnav, Sky and many more. This noise, he says, can get onto the earth plane and interfere with the timing of the conversion process in your DAC.

The eno2 is a purely passive device. It uses a new version of its proprietary eight-core electronic filtering technology. The Network Acoustics eno2’s filter targets the electrical noise without interfering with the ethernet signal. Trussell found that the thickness of the aluminium case could also hamper the filter’s effectiveness. He tried many variations until he found the thickness most effectively shielded the circuitry from external RF interference. The box sports two high-quality Neutrik RJ45 ethernet sockets, and the 0.75m cable supplied uses high-purity silver/copper alloy.

As recommended, I connected the eno2 in the preferred configuration between my English Electric network switch and the Innuos Zenith MkIII streamer. Even though a network switch re-clocks the signal and has a degree of galvanic isolation, Trussell says they can add electronic noise, hence the need for a filter further down the signal path. I played the Innuos through a Pro-Ject PreBox RS2 Digital DAC, Avid Accent amplifier and Russell K Red 120Se speakers. 

Dramatic Tutu

I started with a little Miles Davis and searched Qobuz for the title track from his Tutu album. The difference the Network Acoustics eno2 made was dramatic. Instantly, the soundstage opened out; the bass line with its typical Marcus Miller growl was tighter, more tuneful and easier to follow. Davis’s trumpet had more presence, with a better insight into how he shaped and crafted each note in his devastatingly understated style. Percussion and drums were better focused and sharper, and they provided more insights into how the drummer hit the skins and cymbals. In other words, it all hung together better and made more sense musically.

You can’t beat a beautifully recorded vocal, so I turned to ‘Build Me Up From Bones’ from the Sarah Jarosz album of that name. Straight away, I could hear so much more detail in her mandolin play, its attack, body, note shape, and volume, while her voice took on a presence, openness and solidity that made her sound more like she was in the room. There was better separation, definition and voicing of the plucked and pizzicato violin backing, while the cello had more weight and bowing detail.

Presence and dynamics

I then searched Qobuz for one of my favourite guitarists, Peter White, and played the title track from Groovin’. The difference the eno2 made to the sound of his guitar was huge. It had so much more presence and dynamics, and there was a greater insight into his masterful technique and how he played each note. The trumpet in the background was also much better separated and easier to follow, while the reggae-style bass line was tighter and moved better. On the Network Acoustics eno2, you could explore each musician’s contribution to the piece. 

I am a massive fan of the late, great Al Jarreau, and I next chose one of his favourite songs, which Chris Walker covered on his tribute album We’re in This Love Together, which is the track I decided to play. He is backed on this by keyboard legend Bob James and the amazing Gerald Albright on sax, and it was his sax opening that sold me on how good the eno2 is. It was better focused, more articulate and had more bite and graunch, while Walker’s vocals were much more open and had more space around them. The emotion in his vocals was palpable, and when Regina Belle joined him, the eno2 easily conveyed their distinctive characters. I also liked how I could hear better what Bob James was doing on the piano, while the bouncy bass line that helped drive the track along was tighter and more tuneful.

Comparisons

I also compared the eno2 with several lower-cost filters. I was undoubtedly convinced that the eno2 was worth the extra money. It greatly improves openness, soundstage, musical integrity and timing. 

Network Acoustics suggests that using an eno2 between the router and the network switch is also beneficial. I only had one sample to try. However, using it between the switch and the streamer significantly improved the experience. It makes the music make more sense, which, in turn, enhances enjoyment. 

Never underestimate this tiny, rather unassuming silver box. OK, it has no flashing lights, knobs or switches. But small as it may be, the improvement it brings in sound quality was tremendous. If you want to boost your streaming system’s performance without spending a fortune, the eno2 could be the answer. I strongly recommend it. 

Technical specifications

• Type Passive 1Gb/s ethernet filter
• Compatibility 100Mb/s, 1Gb/s, 2.5Gb/s
• Filter Cleans all eight conductors in standard ethernet cable
• Case Tuned shielded aluminium enclosure
• Connections Two RJ45 sockets
• Streaming cable High purity OCC with Telegartner Cat8.1 connectors with gold-plated contacts (0.75m length supplied)
• Dimensions (HxWxD) 30mm x 105mm x 83mm 
• Weight 550g
• Standard Package includes eno2 Ethernet Filter and 0.75m Streaming Cable 
• Price £995, $1,100, €995 

Manufacturer

Network Acoustics

www.networkacoustics.com

+44(0)23 8061 5627

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