Do I really need an " Audio Grade Network Switch "?

I have the best audio system I have ever heard… in fifty years of pursuing the high end. My digital streaming is equal in every way to my analog end (also outstanding). I use a common NETGEAR router ( which I upgraded recently and it had no impact on the sound) and a cheap NETGEAR wall wart extender next to my system. My system would compare well with the very best available.

So, I do use a EtherRegenerator… ($600), it does not significantly influence my system (like upgrading an already good power cord or interconnect). It is the quality of my streamer (Aurender W20SE) that is responsible for the incredible sound… and the subsequent components and speakers. See my ID to see my systems. Perhaps additional emphasis on the network can improve things. But I think the Aurender is cashing the files and making sure the network has not screwed them up and no noise is in the digital stream.

in a highly resolving system, managing digital noise through to the dac matters

a good switch (with a clean power supply) and other methods to minimize and purge noise in its various forms can be very helpful in making digital sound as smooth and natural as top flight analog

Following the suggestion of an industry professional in this area I’m using an inexpensive D-Link Ethernet switch together with an iFi Ultimate 5 volt power supply. The switch has a grounding screw which is grounded to my preamp.

Inserting this into the system made a very clear improvement in SQ. Could I have achieved much more by buying an $x00 audiophile switch (which may very well have a D-Link at its core)? I don’t really know.

I think it is best to consider your system as a system. I believe that a lot of things in a rig can benefit the whole system. So a good network switch can help your system if you stream and use Roon a lot. But you will need to have similar quality of cables and components before and after the switch to make the whole thing worthwhile. Plus there is power management and the other cables. Is it worthwhile to have an expensive switch when using, for instance, stock ethernet and power cables? I don’t think so. I believe in improving your system’s weakest point. 

Yes, you might need a better switch, not necessarily “Audiophile “.  My CA CXN 60 streamer wouldn’t recognize my NAS.  CA told to me to to change the switch, and that did the trick

A music streamer doesn’t make sure the bits get to the dac, the network does that. Also, caching (not cashing) has no impact on the sound and in my opinion is a waste of an ssd. 
You can get a cheap music server and the bits would get to your destination (the dac) intact, no matter what you use, the network makes sure each data packet gets to its destination.

Happy with Ansuz D2 switch, D-TC cable into Aurender N10.

The switch impressed me from minute one.

Adding Ifi power x on the router made a difference as well 😎

To the question of “needing” an audio grade network switch - no.  However, in my and many other’s experience - they can make an improvement.  It’s not because they deliver better bit packets, but because they do not add as much noise on the signal.  I think @ghdprentice is largely correct in that the streamer makes the most noticeable beneficial impact (more than the DAC and/or network gear). For those who care, spending up on the streamer/serve can yield substantial improvements. It did for him as it did for me.  But, I will also note that I enjoyed a smaller, but still noticeable improvement when I upgraded my network switch (English8 in my case - about $600) as well as adding the Network Acoustics ENO filter.

So - need? No. Good value from switches?  I’d say yes as it was the least expensive upgrade I’ve made to my system. 

Only one way for the OP to know is to try.  Make sure they have a return policy. But, don’t be surprised if you end up keeping it.

Best,

But if you have an optical connection between a dac and a switch then there is no need to get a better switch because optical connections remove the noise and solve all the noise problems.

So the real solution is to go optical isn't this correct?

digital noise is but one problem to be solved in digital signal transfer for music

the optical rendu and its ilk going to fiber optical then back is one good solution... but galvanic isolation can be accomplished successfully through other engineered solutions as well

https://audiophilereview.com/cd-dac-digital/usb-cables-noise-and-galvanic-isolation/

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/usb-cables-and-galvanic-isolation

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/512770-ethernet-system-for-audio-putting-it-all-together/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0A0l6keKTg

At this point no single best streaming solution has been discovered.  @jumia You'd think 100% galvanic isolation would make anything prior superfluous, this not the case. Every single component in streaming chain will manufacture noise and/or allow noise in from emi/rfi, tthis noise detracts from attaining full resolving capabilities. Galvanic isolation certainly blocks the noise, but can't remove that which exists prior within equipment, connections and cable. So, as much as it makes sense to block noise after servers, it also makes sense to block it prior to server.

My experience is what comes after server more important than prior, the closest components or cabling just prior to dac most important. Still, the whole question of what's important brings to mind the old Linn argument that source is most important in systems vs. loudspeakers. The truth is everything is important, always be mindful of weak links and treat those as they arise.

For my particular setup, the audiophile or any switch for that matter, was detrimental, adding another component, power supply and cabling only served to add noise, sometimes simpler is better.

So I guess one of the biggest benefits is to have a Superb power management system to plug various components into.  At least this gives the components a fighting chance to start fresh with hopefully improved and clean power. And beyond the component box, good as it is, everything beyond the component should be connected with higher quality well shielded cablng.  

you know, the technicals can be so complicated and so poorly explained most of the time.  It's not rocket science, you just have to be aware of magnetic and electrical interference that does occur and having addressed this you add higher quality cables and maybe a little air freshener in the room and you're all good to go.