network switches and cables.


I’m considering upgrading my network cables and adding an audiophile switch for streaming music from the internet.  I may also consider adding a filter system like the Network Acoustics muon pro. I currently use an Innuos Pulsar streamer connected directly from my Comcast cable modem/router using Supra Cat 8 patch cable.  I have some questions for those who have incorporated these types of components into your digital front end.  Any and all help is greatly appreciated.  If you have tried something similar but don’t feel that these types of components are of benefit I would appreciate your experiences as well.  If however you are just a denier, I respect your opinion but please respect mine by refraining from posting demeaning comments.

Some of my questions are:

1. What are the best locations to place the filter and switch? I understand that the order from my router is router to switch to filter to streamer.  But what are the correct distances between the router, switch, filter and streamer? Equal distance? Switch placed closer to the router? Switch placed closer to the filter? Etc.?  Or it doesn’t matter? My modem/router is located in my listening room so I have the option to move the switch and filter around to the desired locations and purchase cable lengths to match.

2. Is the quality of Ethernet cable between each component of equal importance?  So for example is the Ethernet cable between router and switch as important as the Ethernet cable between the filter and streamer, etc?  If they are not of equal importance,  which connection is the more important? Or again, does it matter?

3.  Aside from the streamer and DAC, do the switch or filter/cables have the greater impact on streaming sound quality.

I ask the above questions in case finances do not allow for the purchase of all components at the same time.  I’d like to be sure that I at least purchase the more important components at the onset.

i have already posed the same questions to network acoustics and I’m awaiting their reply.  In the meantime, any help I can get from the forum will again be very much appreciated.

 

marco1

I was leaning towards Network Acoustics switch and cable, but after Stereophile glowing review I’m now leaning towards Reiki switch. Reiki Ethernet cable also provided noticeable improvements, but the price is steep.

@kennyc I wasn’t familiar with Reiki until you mentioned it.  Lots of good press.  Did you purchase their switch?  If so, how do you like it?

Haven’t purchased yet, low priority. After 35 years, just moved so am buried in boxes of stuff.  Haven’t unpacked audio system yet.  Will eventually purchase both the Reiki Switch+LPS and their JundoStream reference network cable.  

@steakster 

Re: ethernet cables.   I’m very happy with my Sablon 2020.  Have 2 of them.  Body, texture, air.  

Recently landed a Sablon 2020 ethernet cable to try. It had been on my extensive list of "items to try" for quite a while. Based on impressions I have read about this cable over the years I had in my mind there would either be a small percentage uptick regarding the possible improvement over my $500+ existing ethernet cable, or quite possibly it may be one of those not necessarily better but different comparisons. What I immediately heard was 10x more significant than whatever that percentage increase in sound quality I had imagined it would be. The bewildering part for me is it sounds cleaner and less digital than the existing cable which has a built in filter. 

This hobby never ceases to amaze me. 

@mclinnguy 👍 

Mark Coles @Sablon Audio is the real deal.   His cables hardly ever show up on the used market. Especially his more recent power cords.   Rare as hen’s teeth.

With my latest WiFi tweak, I’m in streaming heaven.