Network Acoustics Muon 2 Ethernet Filter

The Muon2 Ethernet filter is Network Acoustics’ reference passive ethernet filter. Muon2 is universally compatible for use in systems operate at speeds up to 2.5Gb/s, and connects between the router/network switch and the streaming device.

Supplied as standard with a 1.0m Muon2 Streaming Cable Network Acoustics’ new reference Ethernet cable and a set of 3 Pyramid Isolators.

Description

Inside The Muon2 Ethernet Filter

Four stage noise filtering

Building on the widely acclaimed Eno2 and Muon Pro, the Muon2 Ethernet Filter employs a new 8-core architecture designed to operate at speeds up to 2.5 Gb/s. At its core is a new four-stage cascaded filtering system, with elements working in series and parallel to remove two distinct forms of unwanted electrical noise: Differential Noise, which interferes with the data, and Common Mode Noise, which radiates EMI through the system. The new circuit design also prevents self-induced electrical ringing and features a fully integrated grounding system to draw noise away from the signal path.

Co-Founder Rich Trussell says: “With the Muon2 Filter and Streaming Cable, we set out to consider every component part holistically. The circuit must remove as much noise as possible from the analogue signal that represents the ones and zeros of the digital code, without losing or damaging the signal itself. But just as important are vibration control, enclosure material, isolation, and the cable that makes the final connection with the Streamer. Get all of those right and the result is something truly special.”

solid beechwood enclosure

From work on previous products Network Acoustics identified that micro-vibration has a big impact on sound quality, so they established that the choice of enclosure material would be critical to achieve the level of performance they wanted for Muon2. After testing a wide range of metals and polymers, they turned to wood, settling on beech as the best material for absorbing vibration without colouring the sound. To realise their design, Network Acoustics partnered with high-end speaker maker Auer Acoustics, who precision-mill each enclosure from a single piece of beechwood.

Co-Founder Rob Osbourn says: “Beech is made up of short, tightly compacted fibres that act like a bundle of microscopic acoustic springs, which force vibrational shockwaves to spread across countless cellular boundaries and be rapidly absorbed. Beech neutralizes background vibrational noise making it the perfect choice for Muon2’s enclosure.”

Pyramid Isolators

Supporting the enclosure, Network Acoustics developed their new Pyramid Isolators. Hand-machined from hardened silicate minerals to a sharp point, they perfectly isolate the Muon2 Ethernet Filter from surface-borne vibration. The audible effect is greater focus, finer micro-detail, and a more stable soundstage.

Engineered Without Compromise

The Muon2 Ethernet Filter is the result of 7-years of listening-led development in noise rejection, materials science, and vibration control. Key innovations include:

• 8-core architecture designed to work at speeds up to 2.5Gb/s
• Cascaded four-stage filtering system: series and parallel elements that target both Differential Noise and Common Mode noise
• Anti-ringing circuit design to prevent self-induced electrical ringing in the signal path
• Precision-machined solid beechwood enclosure, developed in partnership with speaker cabinet specialists AUER Acoustics
• Network Acoustics Pyramid Isolators, hand machined from hardened silicate minerals to decouple the Muon2 chassis from external vibration.
• Fully integrated grounding system to draw noise away from the signal path
• Dedicated grounding point for use with external grounding devices.
• Supplied as standard with a 1.0m Muon2 Streaming Cable — Network Acoustics’ new reference Ethernet cable.
• Finishes: high-gloss metallic black or silver.

Each Muon2 Ethernet Filter is hand-assembled and individually tested in the UK against a reference system to guarantee consistent performance.

The Muon2 Streaming Cable Included

The Muon2 Streaming Cable plays two critical roles for Network Acoustics: first, it is the essential final component for linking the Muon2 Ethernet Filter to a streamer and second, it is their new reference Ethernet cable.

Featuring a new 8-core architecture designed to work at speeds up to 2.5Gb/s the muon2 Streaming Cable is built around Network Acoustics’ new reference high-purity conductor, precision wound and damped with multi-layered cotton and silk dielectric to absorb micro-vibrations. The cable is finished with NA’s proprietary shielding grounded only at the source end, and is terminated with ‘Telegärtner Japan’ gold connectors for a flawless connection.

Co-Founder Rob Osbourn says: “Streaming may still seem to some like a simple matter of ones and zeros, but whether used alone or alongside the Ethernet Filter, the Muon2 Streaming Cable is as close as we can get to the perfect Ethernet cable and audible proof that designing a cable specifically for streaming music, to preserve the timing and purity of the signal, can transform a recording into a live performance.”

Streaming First And Last

As with all Network Acoustics products, the Muon2 Ethernet Filter is purpose-built to eliminate noise and jitter, preserving the precise timing needed for accurate digital-to-analogue conversion. The result is music with greater detail, space, and a natural sense of flow and openness that makes it sound truly real. With the Muon2 Ethernet Filter and Muon2 Streaming Cable, Network Acoustics complete a reference streaming chain that lets high-end streamers and DACs reveal their full musical potential.

Specifications

• Dimensions (with feet): [W] 115 mm x [D] 190 mm x [H] 80 mm
• Weight: 1200g
• Input/Output: 2 x RJ45
• Supplied Cable: 1.0 m Muon2 Streaming Cable,

Box Contents

• Muon2 Ethernet Filter
• 1.0 m Muon2 Streaming Cable
• Quick Start User Guide
• Set of 3 Pyramid Isolators
• Pyramid Isolator positioning template
• Certificate of Authenticity