Network Switches

For those naysayers who claim switches can't make a sonic difference its the same old story. Man, I've heard the same thing about myriad things, probably every single component in one's system. Theoreticals don't impress me, empirical evidence matters much more for me, relatively large numbers of people in concurrence is my gold standard for trying something. 

Switches are one of those rare components that invites great variability as to benefits. I maintain this due to the fact they accomplish so little, specifically designed LAN filters are better filters/isolators. What else does a switch add other than convenience, someplace to connect streaming audio components to a home network where router placement far from audio system? You're home network already compromised by a crappy noisy router, long cheap LAN cable run from router to switch, most likely running router via noisy SMPS off whole house AC. All the mitigation efforts applied post crap router are only band aids, the damage already done. 

My question is while it seems many concur that the home network has sonic impacts in the sense they find LAN filters and optical conversions to be effective, why is it people don't reconsider the router? Seems to me the routers, being at the headwaters of entire streaming chain needs attention. The Dejitter Switch X is the first I know of to offer an audiophile solution to this. I suspect we'll see more of these types of devices coming if and when the positive reviews continue to roll in. 

“why is it people don't reconsider the router?”
@sns 

I can think of few reasons; convenience, no upfront cost and support from their ISP. For most folks, ISP routers simply works so why bother, right? 

Replacing your ISP router can be daunting for most users but for those with revealing digital systems and a commitment to noise management, it can quietly elevate everything. Just like low-level detail, you won’t know what you’re missing until it’s gone. 

@sns Amen.

Lest some of us are confused...Below are some definitions.

In a network, a router connects different networks together, allowing devices on those networks to communicate with each other and the internet. A switch connects devices within the same network, enabling them to share resources and information. A server provides services and resources to other devices on the network, such as web pages, email, or applications. 

@tshark I don’t doubt switches make a difference. The difference though can be either positive or negative. I have a very good dedicated streamer and a dac with a a tried and true network card. The difference between using a dedicated streamer feeding the DAC via a good USB cable and streaming using the network card in a DAC yields different results. And so it should. And I’ll be hard pressed to buy into an idea that a switch or a regen/reckocker between the router and a DAC can bridge that gap completely. Going down the rabbit hole with Ethernet tweaks without adding a good streamer is a waste of time and money. IMO.
 

This brings us back to the point I was making earlier about investing in components as opposed to tweaks to feed an inferior streaming device. 

The OP is using an inbuilt streamer/network card. Ideally to step up in sound quality a dedicated streamer is money better spent than a high end switch. A better Ethernet cable alone can improve things significantly but then again it won’t reach the level of performance you get with a proper streamer. This has been my experience and it’s unfortunately the reality in most cases. 
 

Alternatively if the Elecrocompaniet in question is a streamer with a built in DAC, a dedicated outboard DAC would be the next logical step in improving performance. 
 

Good morning,

If you’re serious about your music and your videos for movies and price no option, I would look into the Nordost QNet Network Switch, the Nordost QSource Linear Power Supply and their various cables.  I know it is a bit pricey but it can cost you more money in the end chasing the rabbit.  Heck you can even connect your Roon Nucleus to it using the same Linear Power Supply.

just a thought and happy listening!