Here’s the switch you’re considering compared to a basic netgear. There’s no audible difference.
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,
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In New England we have a multi state audio club and hear tons of things the uptone audio Ether regen for $600 truly does clean all the noise before entering your equipment . on another level my brother had for Audition the $2200 Synergistic research switch that come with their very good new purple fuse and a nice powercord it made streaming much more real and settled we compared several switches from $30 net gear another $1k switch which the$630 uptone audio best. the synergistic was much better would I buy one I am going to buy one years end it was that good it weighed over 8 pounds the powercord and fuse are $1 k or more and come with it the powercord is a must , I have AQ top Diamond Ethernet and USB cables which bring very godsystem synergy with theUptone there is a lot in the design to make suck an impact and to me worth the$2200 your other equipment too much be very good to get the most out of the investment. |
djones514,473 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 https://www.melco-audio-masters.com/upl ... eet_v3.pdf SOtM sNH - 10G https://www.sotm-audio.com/sotmwp/engli ... m/snh-10g/ https://thelinearsolution.com/ref_swtch.html
" ... 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...."
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The SR switch was reviewed on Tom’s Hardware. If you look closely you can see the inputs are the same as a TP Link $16 switch. https://www.tomshardware.com/news/ethernet-switch-for-audiophiles https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/5-port-switch/tl-sg105/
The little TP Link is nice switch if you need more than 4 out they have an 8 port. |
I’m in the camp that EVERYTHING makes a difference. I do wonder, however, if you install something like an Optical Rendu if the switch makes as much of a difference. I’m sure a better switch sounds better, but with the optical separation I don’t know if the difference is minimized. Just thinking out loud here fellas, so please don’t crucify me for just throwin’ it out there. |
- 84 posts total