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

@astolfor 

The interface between a PHY device and the CPU are *INTERNAL* to the design of the device.  Once the signals reach the PHY and are emitted to the Ethernet wire, there is no clocking involved.  You are looking at BOARD LEVEL HARDWARE design (RMII bus).

This has nothing to do with how the signals on the Ethernet wire travel.

Using Audiophile so called Network cables and switch and additional network gear to improve the sound made some difference with a poorer quality Network Streamer like SOTM and other Chinese made stuff.

Once i moved to a Quality Product, Like the Playback Back Design Dream Series DAC and Streamer which uses a proprietary fibre optic cable all the Network stuff i had made no difference whatsoever.

So it depends on the Streamer and DAC your using and how that can isolate noise and interference.

Personally i think So called Audiophile Network Cables, Switch and clocks are not needed at all and most of them are substandard off the shelf and rebranded as audiophile stuff.

It really comes down to how your Streamer can isolate noise and your DAC.

Yes, and preferably with a Linear Power Supply. 

Ho Hum…..

These types of threads are as boring as the typical digital vs analog threads.

I have a DCS Vivaldi stack. And I CAN tell you that different switches sound different. I have gravitated to an entreq switch