If you use your PC as a music server or as a source for streaming services it might well benefit from the JCAT NET Card FEMTO Ethernet adapter. Made by the computer audio experts at JPlay this is claimed to be the first “high-end” ethernet adapter for noiseless and jitterless data transfer from a PC media server.
Setting up a media server on a PC or using a computer as a network audio renderer (endpoint) is easy nowadays. But the problem with computers is that they were never designed with audio in mind. While there are improvements for USB-based playback available, the network controller part of a PC remains noisy. JCAT is designed to put an end to the imperfections of network playback with NET Card FEMTO – a network interface designed specifically for transferring high-quality audio over LAN. By using ultra-low noise linear power supplies and FEMTO clock technology combined with an “enterprise level” Ethernet controller from Intel, the JCAT NET Card FEMTO ensures maximum network transmission quality. It is designed to sit between your NAS drive, or the PC if that’s where you keep your library, and a streamer, cleaning up and reclocking the signal in the process. It works in the same way with streaming services such as Qobuz that are accessed via the PC.
Specification
• Audiophile PCI Express GbE LAN adapter
• Ultra-low noise linear regulators and filters eliminate noise interferences from PC
• FEMTO Clock Technology (Crystek CCHD-957) lowers jitter below measurable levels
• Industrial grade components with operating temperature range from -400 to +850
• Enterprise level Intel i350 Ethernet controller
• Gold plated high durability EMI shielded RJ-45 connectors
• Two LAN ports supporting up to 1Gbit connection speeds
• LED-off feature to counteract noise
• Requirements for optional PSU: 5V/1.5A min
• PSU can be supplied from computer PSU via LP4 connector or from an external PSU via 2.1/5mm center positive DC jack connector
• Low-profile & full-height laser cut PCIe brackets included
• All x1-x16 lane PCI Express 2.0 slots supported
• Supported operating systems: Windows (all editions) and Linux
The JCAT NET Card FEMTO is available now for €422 at the JCAT online shop.