2. digital
  3. 174216-169961

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 itsjustme

itsjustme
681 posts
 

no you do not. And yes, i have listened, jsut to be open minded.

Note the argument is stringer than some data above would suggest. For the most part it does nto matter if the jitter is the same or not between costly and cheap-o hubs, because THAT JITTER DOES NOT APPEAR AT THE DAC CHIP ITSELF.   In fact, on USB interfaces, the bits are read in essentially asynchronusly into a buffer. All timing is basically lost.  They are then, at least in really good DACs, clocked out as precisely as possible. This costs.  QED.

 

Now a good network with good throughput will minimize buffer underruns, and will allow the highest bit depth, over/up sampling etc.

 

So yes, networks matter but not int he respect these high end units suggest.

 

Oh, and they dont sound better. Many things do, not those.

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