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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
delm
65 posts
 

I have been there with an ETHERregen, power, and external clock.  It made a difference in sound from the DAC (Meitner MA1) if I used a wired interface, eg AES/EBU, from the EMM NS1 to the DAC.  If I used Toslink with a DH Labs glass master cable anything upstream of the NS1 did not matter.  Bottom line, separate DAC and optical (Toslink if well implemented or ST fibre) into it.

djones51
4,947 posts
 

When someone gives their opinion that has used their ears and not their EYES and ears that would really be refreshing.

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

Audio Snake Oil

 

Sorry could not help it. If you can hear it then its real.

sns
4,218 posts
 

So much controversy over streaming devices and sound quality. I hear reasoned arguments involving technical issues from both sides.

 

So, I go to the one tried and true method  that always provides me with a final judgment when it comes to audio, and that is called LISTENING. This is audio people!

 

In my experience the most important upgrades in streaming chain were, dedicated server, separate streamer, modifying server for two ethernet ports, FMC, and  quality LPS on all equipment in streaming chain,  Next step down was quality usb cable, below that ethernet cables. This all assumes one's dedicated audio AC and grounding is taken care of.

 

I did purchase an audiophile switch, the only network or streaming device I've ever tried that resulted in diminished sound quality. I presume this may be due to my two ethernet port setup with server, which means signal having to detour through an added ethernet cable and the switch to FMC vs. direct out of server to FMC.

 

I'd add the audiophile switch is likely the most controversial component in streaming chain based on my research from the more streaming oriented forums. At this point I'm thinking it's superfluous if one has done two ethernet port server thing and/or FMC. It may also be running LPS on my router has some bearing on this.

yyzsantabarbara
5,583 posts
 

Audiogon Discussion Forum

The above post describes what I discovered last night with an EtherRegen + SOnore OpticalRendu streaming into a Musetec 005 DAC.

I am going to get a Sonore OpticalModule for my other system to stream with Sonore OpticalRendu that I also have on that system. The link above gets into the details of why I tried this.

 

 

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