Aardvark Ultra…

Superior network noise suppression

By Roy Gregory

I’ve written enthusiastically about the Aardvark network noise filter in two previous articles (https://gy8.eu/review/aardvark-in-line-rj45-filter/, https://gy8.eu/review/threes-a-charm/). I love its physical practicality and I love the bizarrely suggestive nature of the name, but most of all, I love what it does to network noise levels and file replay performance. Simple and extremely cost effective, it is one of a number of such devices being offered to the audiophile market (as opposed to carrying over from the computer/network market). It is also somewhat unusual in that it is entirely hand assembled, with silver soldered connections throughout, even extending to the ‘field fit’ Telegärtner RJ45 connector, with its auto crimp termination. The Aardvark has quickly become a ‘reach-for’ tuning device in any network-based system, be that for file replay or system control.

The original Aardvark – £500 (inc tax) and now dubbed the Classic – has recently been joined by the outwardly similar but even more ambitious Aardvark Ultra. Identifiable by its darker grey colouring and the Ultra moniker moulded into the filter casework, closer examination will tell you that the casework is slightly larger while the unit as a whole is noticeably heavier – physically and financially (£999 inc tax). Otherwise, it is outwardly essentially identical, with the same metal-bodied connector, joined by the all-important flexible linkage to its encapsulated, bespoke, in-line filter. Why is the flexible link so important? Because so many network components (routers, switches and the like) use tightly packed or recessed connections, a particular issue with the otherwise excellent CAD Ethernet Control. Locating the physical bulk of the filter itself at least somewhat remote from the socket it’s connected to is essential if the device is going to be universally applicable. On the one hand, theory tells us that the closer the filter sits to the input, the more effective it will be, while a ‘stand off’ and its associated connections creates potential ingress points for noise, noise entering the system after the filter. Given this clash of theoretical demands and practical constraints, the ultra short, hardwired and heavily shielded link used by Aardvark looks like the best compromise – a conclusion bourn out by the price/performance balance delivered by the Classic.

“Shields at 60% Cap’n…”

What does the Ultra bring to the party? In a word (or three) – considerably more shielding. The interior of the RJ45 connector is meticulously coated with EMI shielding, while the filter casing and transformer are hand wrapped in layers of heavy copper and Mu-metal (the stuff that watch-makers like Rolex and IWC use to shield the movements of their expensive timepieces). In manufacturing terms it makes what is already a laborious process even more exacting and time-consuming. But does it make a musical difference?

One of the issues with running the Wadax Reference Server and Reference DAC is, superb source though it is, the one thing it isn’t is representative, both on grounds of cost and topology. Its elevated price and proprietary Akasa optical interlink between Server and DAC mean that it’s neither a common choice or even one that conforms to market norms. With that in mind I opted to run the Aardvark listening in a more conventional set up, built around the Ethernet-HD streaming input of the CH Precision C1.2 fed from a network connected Roon Nucleus, equipped with a (superb and soon to be reviewed) Sean Jacobs ARC6 DC4 linear power supply). With the network emphasis on ‘normal’ I arranged two set ups, built around a Netgear switch, linear power supply and either basic Cat 6 cable or Nordost Heimdall network cables. With the weak link in this particular chain being the network itself, it’s a perfect scenario in which to put the Aardvarks to work.