EAhibrid Integrated Cyber Filter Review

Introduction

EAhibird combines two brands, ENIGMAcoustics and hibrid. The former is already established in the Audiophile world with its speakers and SBESL™ technology – electrostatic diaphragms that are ultra-light and self-biased, i.e. no high-voltage bias is required.

My first encounter with EAhibird was with the PureDC-B1, a DC power supply based on Tesla 2170 Li-ion batteries, which impressed me sufficiently to purchase a personal set.

Steven Cheah, principal of Audio Basic offered me a chance to experience the EAL 2000 in my home setup. I never say no to audio goodies!

The very expensive gold-plated Telegartner connectors

The cables are quite flexible compared to some of the stiff rods I've tried

Description

According to EAhibird, the Integrated Cyber Filter allows one to "Experience the analog-like experience through innovative integrated technology."

Two models are available, the EAL 1000 (with copper conductors) and EAL 2000 (with silver-coated copper conductors).

The price of the Integrated Cyber Filter is as follows:-

EAL 1000

1.25M US$ 1,200

1.75M US$ 1,400

2.5M US$ 1,700

EAL 2000

1.25M US$ 1,950

1.75M US$ 2,250

2.5M US$ 2,650

Now, this is by no means cheap so let’s see whether these products can justify their cost? 

Visually, the cables look the part, and if the metal housing looks familiar, you are right. Continuing with the Tesla theme, the electronics are housed in a Cybertruckesque enclosure. 

Ethernet cables are made out of 4 conductor pairs and the circuit includes isolation transformers with ultra OCC coils (x4), common mode filters (x4) and a cap-coil noise filter circuit. EAhibrid also use a patent pending Advanced Waveform Restoration (AWR) circuit – a distortion reduction circuit that uses stable digital signal voltage technology modified from industrial servers and ICT equipment. The heavily shielded cables use immaculately made connectors, and the EAL2000 review sample uses gold-plated Telegartner connectors.

Turning to the cables, these consist of 22AWG conductors made out of silver-plated OCC copper cables. Each of the four pairs are aluminium foil shielded, followed by an additional double foil shielding and silver-plated OCC braided shield on the outer cable jacket. Yes, you read that right - even the braid uses silver-plated OCC copper!

 

 

 

 

Steven linked me up with Paul Huang, founder of EAhibrid who kindly answered my questions on the company and the Integrated Cyber Filter.

Q1. Could you explain more about the relationship between the ENIGMAcoustics and EAhibrid?

A1. (Paul supplied me with a write-up that explained his long acquaintance and consultancy work with ENIGMAcoustics from 2015. ENIGMA is primarily analog focused and EAhibrid was established in 2021 with ENIGMA’s support to target streaming and digital audio quality)  

In short, we were good friends in the beginning. For years, I’ve been their consultant between Hi End Audio and Pro Audio. And then ENIGMA supported and sold the battery tech to me.

Q2. I would like more information about how the AWR circuit works and its benefits to audio.

A2.    As per the information on our website, AWR is adapted from technology used in industrial servers created by others years ago with excellent performance on computers, but not for sound. The main thing AWR does is to channel out the digital noise by reducing ground noise. The result is better signal transmission accuracy and part of the overall grounding.

Q3. The isolation transformers are tiny! How hard are they to make and I assume that traditional network isolation transformers did not satisfy your standards.

A3. Those transformers need super-thin OCC copper and are handcrafted almost like MC cartridges. The master complains that he fails at making them because he always breaks the super-thin wire. But OCC transformers are good for sound in the old-fashioned way, so we still use them in our Cyber Filter.

Q4. I noticed that even the braided shield uses the same quality copper as the signal cables. Can you explain why this extra step was taken?

A4. The shielding material will affect the sound, which is very common on custom-made/hi-end cables. More importantly, we chose the correct directionality for all 8 cables; and the connectors, cables, and soldering, the Cyber Filter box is designed as one circuit. (especially on the ground issue). Additionally, audiophiles said “no ground on ethernet cable” might be better. That’s totally against our Star Ground System and chasing the hi-end sound of streaming.

Listening Tests

I tried the EAL2000 in two setups. In my main setup, I placed the EAL2000 directly between the Grimm MU1 streamer and my network switch. In my second setup, the Cyber Filter was interposed between a Wiim Ultra (used as a streamer only) and the room’s network switch. The brief details of the setups are as follows:-

Setup 1 (Secondary Setup)

Netgear switch – Cyber Filter – Wiim Ultra Streamer – Chord Hugo TT2 (used as DAC and preamp)

Schiit Aegir power amp

Tannoy Kensington GR speakers

Setup 2 (Main Setup)

Cisco switch – Cyber Filter – Grimm MU1 – Totaldac D1-Six DAC

Conrad Johnson GAT S2 preamp & Conrad Johnson ART27A power amp

Vivid Giya G4 speakers 

In both systems, music was streamed from Tidal. 

Although I’ve heard clear differences in experimenting with ethernet filters and aftermarket cables, nothing quite prepared me for the experience of the EAL2000.

In Setup 1, the transformation was akin to substituting my digital source and solid-state power amp for a fine turntable and tube amplification. A lot of the positive attributes of vinyl playback were observed including tonal density, much improved dynamics and a smooth flow that was fluid and free from grain. There was nothing sonically defective in using a generic LAN cable, but the sound was quite predictable - clear, precise and even. But there was no fooling yourself that you were listening to a digital source, with a more clinical approach and flatter soundstage presentation. 

I was most impressed that a LAN cable swap (albeit with filtering) could make such a profound change to the system. This has to be the neatest party trick to make cable skeptics lose faith in their religion. 

In Setup 2, the changes were also clearly observed, although it wasn’t quite the night and day difference heard on Setup 1. There was some chatter about the Grimm’s immunity to network gremlins, so the fact that there were clearly audible improvements surprised me. 

The most noticeable change in the sound was an increase in tonal density, and bass impact. While I didn’t notice an increase in soundstage width, there was definitely a deeper and added dimensionality to the soundstage. While the increase in vocal warmth added a pleasing glow, it did smooth out some texture and articulation. The strengths of the EAL2000 is definitely in how it makes your music sound more “analog” with more dynamics, tonal density and smooth flow. Besides a fluid ease to music, the best way to describe the effect was an increased vigour in bass lines and turning up the “contrast knob” on your system. In short, I experienced an analog-like experience on my digital audio setup - claim substantiated.  

Conclusions

The EAL2000 will likely not please users who prefer a sharp incisive sound, ruler-flat neutrality and start-stop on a dime agility. But for reluctant digital audio users who feel that their analog rigs sound superior, the EAL2000 may be the missing link to their everlasting digital audio happiness.    

This review unit was kindly provided to me by Audio Basic, the local dealer for EAhibrid.

EAhibrid Integrated Cyber Filter  - US$1,950 to US$ 2,650

Audio Basic

1 Coleman Street

#02-12, The Adelphi

Singapore 179803

http://audiobasic.blogspot.com

International Sound & Sight Exhibition 2024 (29 Nov - 1 Dec)

It's that time of the year again! Head down to the International Sound & Sight Exhibition 2024 to experience top-flight audio systems and more.

ISSE 2024 runs from the 29th of November to 1st December at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre (5 minutes walk from Somerset MRT station).

Here are the details of the show :-

Date: 29 Nov - 1 Dec 2024

Time: 11:00am - 7:00pm

Venue: Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre. 11 Cavenagh Rd, Singapore 229616

Ticket: $15 / $20 (2-day pass)

Tickets sold on-site by Sound & Sight Journal

This year's sampler disc features our very own Chloe Chua and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra performing Butterfly Lovers & Paganini. Buy the two day pass and you will get the special UPM AG CD version created from the glass master personally handled by Aik, founder of Hugo Productions.

Here is a walk-around video of the rooms :-

And here are the pictures and write-up :-

First, we have the large rooms on B1.

Hifi.com.sg

Tunes were being played courtesy of the Audionote turntable, Airtight amplification and Avantgarde speakers. The ATM-2211 monoblocs were especially handsome.

Simplicity Control

Luxman electronics and Magico speakers make for an especially beautiful sounding combination! 

Ong Radio

For some reason, B&W 800 series speakers were featured in more than one room. Paired with McIntosh electronics, this setup sounded really good and effortless. 

Audio Maestro

Keeping things strictly in the family, this was a setup made out of Ansuz, Aavik, Borresen and Axxess.

Element 5

The Barefoot Sound active speakers really impressed. If you want to keep your setup simple and like studio neutrality, do give these a listen.  

Jolida and Starke Sound

Then, on to the 8th floor.

AV One

If you love displays, you cannot help but fall in love with the Hifi Rose. The streamer's display is huge and the partnering DAC made me feel like I was in a laboratory. The Chord amplification looked like a million bucks (its actually priced at a fraction of that), making the traditional looking Dynaudio speakers seem conservative in comparison. 

Daring hi-fi stunt #1 has to go to this setup. The Wiim Amp was powering the Focal Aria Evo X No. 1. Since the Wiim has a built-in streamer, that's about it, just throw in an internet connection, speaker stands and cabling. It sounded far better than you would think. 

Bjorn Hegelstad of Isotek was giving an insightful talk about the company's products as well as the need for power conditioning. He made an interesting point about the proliferation of EV vehicle chargers and solar power systems, and the electrical noise they put out into the environment. 

Eversolo's new flagship AIO streamer and preamp, the A10.

Live Acoustics

Aqua streamer, Swix Audio Design DAC, Line Magnetic amplification and a custom-built horn speaker system made for one of Live Acoustic's customers. I've always liked the steampunk industrial design of Line Magnetic's products. 

Acuslik-labor

I attended a demo in one of the previous ISSE shows. These tweaks really work!

Yamaha Singapore

The Yamaha S-3000 speakers were sounding fine. Switching between digital and analog, both playback sources sounded great. The GT-5000 turntable was fitted out with a DS Audio optical cartridge. The DS Audio phono stage was physically as large as the Yamaha components. 

Reference Audio

The Wilson Benesch speakers had definitely been working out in the gym. It's workout partners were Isotek, Melco, Wattson Audio and Gryphon. 

Horizon Acoustics and CD Acoustics

A notebook computer was used to run Roon, with USB output to the Aries Cerat Helene DAC. The Aries Cerat Protos amplifier was driving the Harbeth SHL5plus XD. Lessloss power conditioners were also used. 

Meticulous attention to equipment support and bass corner trapping resulted in an especially transparent and natural sound. Remember only to use hifi-grade crates and cardboard boxes for best effect. Oh, if you are sharp-eyed, you will notice the Tungsten Groove footers, Lessloss, Verstarr and Luna Noir cabling. Hidden from view are the QSA power accessories and fuses. 

Infinite Sound

Very pleasing sound. It's been a while since I've seen Audio Physic speakers. 

SIVA

That looks like a Tannoy Kensington GR with supertweeter. 

Jay Audio

This setup was really nice. Somehow, all the B&W speaker setups sounded great this year. The Marantz 10 series line-up is special. I attended the product presentation given by Massimo at another media event and the attention to detail is amazing. The copper mesh on the power amp is visually stunning. 

Audio Maestro

The wedge-shaped speakers reminded me a bit of Spica speakers of the past. These Audiovector speakers were very natural and comfortable to listen to. 

Sky Audio

Steve Sai decided to give Point Audio a run for their money for daring hi-fi stunts. Streaming Youtube via Bluetooth would have most audiophiles running for the door. The audience though was enthralled by the sheer dynamics and liveliness of this setup. 

Other than the Aurorasound electronics, the rest of the gear was new to me. We have Coherent Audio speakers and a Beoneway CD 3.2 player and Bluetooth receiver.

Aural Designs

The Sonus Faber Concertino is back, with a 30th anniversary edition. As you would expect from Sonus Faber, it's made of solid walnut and leather. I was already in the hobby when the speaker was first released, so now I really feel old. Here, the Italian beauty was paired with a Teac source and Audio Research amplification. 

Absolute Sound

Sonus Faber speakers with a full Esoteric stack. Why choose black or white when you can have both? 

X Audio

Aurender's new A-1000 was used as a digital transport, fed directly into the Mola Mola Kula integrated amp with the optional DAC unit installed. The speakers used were the Vivid Audio Kaya 45. The Phasemation 300B amplifier was not playing when I visited.

The crowd was suitably entertained and awed by the Acoustic Revive RHR-21 Acoustic Resolution Exciter (who comes up with these names?). As a long-time Vivid Audio speaker owner, it wouldn't be fair for me to praise the sound. Go have a listen and be the judge.   

Thank you for reading and see you at next year's ISSE!