When someone gives their opinion that has used their ears and not their EYES and ears that would really be refreshing.
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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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. |
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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@sns okay, I have little understanding when it comes to some of this. When you say, "modifying server for two ethernet ports" and FMC; what exactly are you talking about? I have a 35-foot Bluejeans Cat6 that I drilled a hole to feed thru to basement and traverse length to front wall and back up directly into Node 2. |
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