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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 mitch2

mitch2
3,691 posts
 

So both the Bonn N8 (which I own) and the SW-8 use customized TCXO clocks.  Some report even better results using switches with OCXO clocks, like this one and this one.  

To your question, do you really need to spend the money for an "audio grade" network switch - not in my experience.  Setting aside the technical reasons that the clock in the switch shouldn't make a difference when feeding a competent server, and also setting aside what it really means to have an "audio grade" switch (i.e., better clock, more expensive, what makes it "audio grade"?), I simply have not heard a difference.  I run 45 feet of Ethernet cable from my router to my server.  I have heard no improvement or difference between a bunch of stuff I have tried and compared such as:

  • Ethernet cable vs. fiber optic cable feeding my server
  • Bonn N8 vs. Netgear switch, and 
  • Small boxes by UpTone Audio and W4S vs. nothing

There are things I am curious about trying such as the Intona Isolators, ENO Ethernet filter, and the DJM Electronics GigaFOILv4–INLINE Ethernet filter, but based on my experience I just cannot make myself spend the money when I cannot hear any problems with my current set-up - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

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