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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
gosta's avatar
gosta
839 posts
 

So, what is it supposed to do?

sns
3,005 posts
 

Well, lets go in to the nitty gritty.https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/62477-john-swenson-tutoring-paper-considerations-regarding-usage-of-external-reference-clocks-etherregen-and-other-sine-vs-square-impedance-cables%E2%80%94and-a-money-saving-surprise-at-the-end/

jorjlien's avatar
jorjlien
52 posts
 

I'll go for a LPS or iFi iPower to the modem & router will do the job on better signal. Much cheaper than network switch. 

jerrybj
861 posts
 

Yes, certainly cheaper.

But in my experience, the network switch I have was markedly better than without.

fastfreight
700 posts
 

A few weeks ago I received my JCAT M12 switch.  It replaced my (now available) Bonn 8 switch by Silent Angel.  It made a HUGE improvement  Then this weekend I received my Optimo 3 power supply also from JCAT.  It again made a big leap in performance.  I was skeptical a switch could do this, or a switch with LPS.   But it has.  Both the switch and the power supply sit on an isolation platform from Townshend.  All computer gear is upstairs in my office, and a Supra Cat 8 cable delivers the goods to my music systems.  I also use a Network Acoustics Filter prior to my Auralic Aries G2.1, which feeds my DAC with USB.  Some say this is overly complex, but the sound has improved greatly from my early days of streaming to where I am now.  I like all the computer gear in my office and out of site from my listening room,  and it is all also on a completely different circuit and panel.

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