2. digital
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Do I really need an " Audio Grade Network Switch "?

I think it's been a quite controversial topic for years, like what's the difference between normal network switch and an audio grade network switch, the price difference is certainly obvious though...
Anyway, I've done some researches, most audio reviewers say that under this " new digital streaming era " that an network switch is a must for an audio system, which is understandable for me, I mean because if I wanna play TIDAL or Qobuz or Spotify, I gotta use network so I can stream these online services, so yeah I get that if the network quality is good enough, it can possibly level up the music performance.

But anyhow, I'm new to this area, so I don't like to spend big bucks on my first purchase hahaha... there's a very wide range of the prices though, the top one is Ansuz Power Switch I think, the inner circuit and design look pretty sharp, and surely over my budget lol

So I'm choosing between Bonn N8 and SW-8, these two both got good reviews, and the prices seem so darn much friendly to me as I'm looking for an entry level switch now, do any of you have any insights to share?
or should I just go for the higher level ones?

Best,

preston8452

Showing 1 response by akg_ca

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akg_ca
2,146 posts
 
djones51

4,473 posts

“…There is no such thing as an audio grade switch …”

 

I agree with @djones51, but here is a sample of the alleged “audiophile” Network Switches

Melco S100

https://www.melco-audio-masters.com/upl ... eet_v3.pdf

SOtM sNH - 10G

https://www.sotm-audio.com/sotmwp/engli ... m/snh-10g/

The Linear Solution Reference Audio Switch.

https://thelinearsolution.com/ref_swtch.html

A Repost of our fellow forum members assessment herein:


https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/ ... i%20router.

" ... No, I have not, nor will I ever. Having been a network technician for over 30 years I know that a network switch’s job is to faithfully receive packets and transmit them to their intended target. If it doesn’t do that it will be replaced as defective.

Implying that these devices can color audio signals is patently ridiculous, but I knew at some point some one would try it and some one would buy it...."

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/ ... t=ethernet


" ...Well, I just tried using a wifi repeater and noticed no improvement (or degradation) of sound quality. ... "

 

 

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