Network Switches

Fiber conversion also comes in various qualities, I've been through generic, moved up to Sonore OpticalModule and OpticalRendu. Using AfterDark Clay X Fiber cables with Finisar 1475 transceivers. So, fiber conversion quality can extend from cheap generic to Sonore equipment, and then we have power supplies to these devices to think about, DC cables and transceivers also make a sonic difference

What dac interface to use also a consideration, usb should not and is not the de facto best. I've found I2S superior to even quality usb implementation in three different dacs, one of those dacs having one of the best usb implementations I've come across. Whatever interface is chosen, optimal implementation always key.

Bottom line on streaming is, sound quality can be incredibly variable, took 10 years of experimentation with every single facet of the streaming chain to complete my setup. First thing to attend to in any streaming chain is dac and streamer, all these other optimizations are marginal gains vs having top quality dac and streamer. So first place to spend money is dac and streamer, I'd never spend $1500 or even $500 on some audiophile switch with a $10k dac, let alone much less expensive dac. The Sonore OpticalRendu is a really good investment for reasonable money, you get fiber conversion, optimization of usb interface and  streamer capability via Roon Endpoint in one package. This is first place I'd spend my money if trying to improve a middling streaming setup. Adding some fancy switch is money poorly spent in comparison to this. 

Finally, not saying all audiophile switches of no value, I'm considering replacing my audio or 'clean' network router with a managed switch, specifically the Dejitter Swtich X. Now I would suggest even a generic managed switch could be a nice upgrade for many. With the managed switches you have the ability to assign IP addresses along with all the same features of all switches. The managed switch  replaces the router entirely, the single noisiest component in streaming chain, this due to EMI-RFI contamination, self generated noise, network congestion. Using the managed switch one assigns IP address to a whole house router, your run LAN cable to whole house router, voila, no more RFI contamination, less self generated noise and network congestion. The Dejitter swtich is simply a highly modified managed switch, the advantages of this switch are manifestly clear based on my research. 

Certainly, like analog interconnects, network cabling, power supplies have an influence.

I just use a Netgear GS105 at the music-server direct to an EtherRegen (MK1). The ER is powered from a Lumin U1 PSU, the GS105 from a Chinese 5A 12V linear supply. By adding SilentPower lan ipurifier pro and knock off Odin CAT8 cables, that harshness seemed to be tamed. Not a big deal, but enough to keep the gear in place. 

So much misinformation on how networking works. 

TCP/IP packets are 100% digital, there is no place for noise, if there is any noise, it is not part of the packet. 

In networks, you want as few hops as possible. A hop is going from one device to another. Generally, anything you remove from the source - destination is best. Streaming can happen without any faults on a 10mb network, anything over 100mb is just not required. 

Next you want the shortest path you can get, unless you are running fiber, fiber doesn't care about distance as much. 

On that note, fiber has 0 interference, unless you bend the fiber cable, never bend a fiber cable, but you can loop it.

Almost all cheap consumer switches are junk. There are a few good ones out there, but most are super cheap, crap. 

Get a name brand made for commercial use. Yeah, a good power supply will help, but the switch quality is more important. 

No idea on the filters, really have no idea how they work, or what they really do. Cables are important, pin out is important, get certified cables, it's what's being used to get the packets to you, so it's good enough for you.

Starting 4 years ago I built up a switch adding things that improved the sound of streaming. EtherRegen +Afterdark clock to re-time the ER, then two Farad linear power supplies then all the afterdark cables. Each added something better at the time. It was almost 4K of switch components. I lent the entire rig to my friend who said it deadened the sound. I did a full switch system to no extra switch gear and found I had gone too far as well. I sold it all off.

Last year when After Dark came out with their Netone switch which I bought. The Netone includes fiber or ethernet in, a fiber bridge if you can't feed it fiber. I ordered mine with the built in linear power supply (LPS), and of course it has a clock built in at well. The Afterdark Netone made a vey nice, but not huge sonic improvement with no sonic downside I could hear. My streamer used to drop out overnight before I had the Netone. Now it never drops Qobuz. So you get a switch, fiber bridge, LPS and a clock in one box on sale for 600 bucks from time to time. I recommend you try it.

 

wokeuptobose

144 posts

06-05-2025 at 01:53pm 

Starting 4 years ago I built up a switch adding things that improved the sound of streaming. EtherRegen +Afterdark clock to re-time the ER, then two Farad linear power supplies then all the afterdark cables. Each added something better at the time. It was almost 4K of switch components. I lent the entire rig to my friend who said it deadened the sound. I did a full switch system to no extra switch gear and found I had gone too far as well. I sold it all off.
 

yep. None of this is necessary. I tried a few tweaks and removed them all. Good Ethernet cable going into high quality streamer feeding a high quality dac is all you need. Dumping $ into Ethernet tweaks (except a good cable) is a waste of money that could be directed to real improvements such as component upgrades stepping up to a better DAC. Or a better streamer, amplifier, speakers, etc