Network Switches

The iFi does no harm in my system. I can’t hear any difference with it in. It provides electrical isolation and protection against transient voltage surges. I am totally cool with the fact that I don’t hear any difference with it. As opposed to Network Acoustics Eno Streaming System that I used to own and that killed the dynamics, to me this ifi gadget is a winner. Others reported improvements in sound with the ifi and that is possible but highly dependent on streamer and environment your system lives in - rfi, emi, etc.

People love playing with network tweaks. It’s a low hanging fruit. Address room acoustics, component quality and power distribution that all make a much bigger impact than adding crap to remediate non-existent issues in network. That’s my $0.05

I use fiber conversion but only to air-gap my cable modem from my router.  This is mostly to deny lightning this path to all my expensive electronics in the house.  It comes at a cost however in that I now have 2 additional power supplies to deal with.  In the data closet that’s fine, but I would only use this at the audio side if my streamer took fiber directly.  Otherwise I’m just creating more problems than necessary. 

For Ethernet isolation, again, my biggest concern is lightning. The twisted pair strands in the Ethernet cable are inherently galvanically isolated.  They have to be or you’d have high currents running from switch to switch in some buildings.  However at the end of long runs (30' or so) I use medical grade Ethernet isolators (UL 60-601) instead of audio grade.  The reason is medical-grade isolators are tested for 4kV isolation and can deny a voltage surge another path.   Avoid any network surge protector with a ground wire.  

“None of these options would break the bank”
@rivinyl 

If you haven’t already, upgrade the wall-wart power supply of your Trendnet switch, something like the iFi SilentPower iPower2 for a noticeable impact. 

In my experience, LAN silencer-type devices don’t do much. I’d recommend saving that money and putting it toward a Network Acoustics ENO or ENO2 passive filter upstream of your EDM MKII. Those bring genuine gains in clarity and ease without adding artificial smoothness. ENO2 comes with money back guarantee, send it back if you don’t hear noticeable improvement. I might add, around $1K, the ENO is probably the best tweak you can try out. 

BTW, how do you like your EDM MKII?  I am looking for one box solution for my 2nd system…it’s native compatibility with JPLAY app make it even more appealing.

+1, @audphile1 on addressing “room acoustics, component quality and power distribution”

I love the ECM.  Its very natural sounding, perhaps a touch warm ( which I like ).  Vocals are so lifelike ; its a bit spooky at times.  It does need a good 50- 100 hours break in.   I had several prior DACs including Bricasti and Linn; and this is much more natural and organic sounding.  Its definitely a keeper.  Rob at Audio Art sells them now and he is great to work with.

Couple of questions for you regarding your post.  Would I be better served with an LPS for the network switch or my router/modem?

And where would the Network Acoustics ENO be positioned?

@rivinyl 

IME, LPS are overkill for mass produced network switches and/or router modem. Aforementioned iFI wall wart is more than adequate for them. You would position ENO between your switch or router and ECM. In order words, ENO should be the last device before Ethernet signal enters your ECM. 

And thank you for your feedback and referral on ECM. It does aligns with what I’ve been reading online.