are NET Switches worth considering?


I have an Innuos Pulsar Streamer that gives me everything I need - incredible detail, imaging and PRAT. I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with NET switches? I'm particularly interested in the Innuos Phoenix NET and I'm wondering if adding this switch is worth the money. So for those of you who have great streamers is a net switch a must?

I should mention that my only source for music is streaming. 

My Innuos Pulsar feeds my Accuphase DC-37 Processor/DAC and my other components include an Accuphase C2300 preamplifier and an Accuphase A-48S Class-A amplifier.

Thanks in advance!

fire_water

If you can, try one before you buy and have someone help you do a blind test. I tried one and heard no difference. Others have a different experience-perfectly valid, but I wouldn't spend a lot of money without a test.

 

 

@fire_water you can pickup a nice used PhoenixNet for under $2,500 US.  When you consider the power supply and caps that it uses the price is in line with other audio grade switches imo.  And it’s a very good switch.  I’m not that familiar with the Statement but I believe you’re correct regarding the Phoenix’s. I’ve read that the separate Phoenix reclocker  is not that much of an improvement over the Phoenix lite board so it’s probably more cost effective to add the board.  I have found that USB cables can have a significant influence on the sound.  I haven’t tried the Ansuz and I didn’t care for the Front Row either. The Stealth USB cable is the best I’ve tried and what I use.  But you have to be careful with reclockers and some USB cables.  I had a connectivity issue with the Pulsar’s Phoenix lite board and first Stealth and then the second Stealth was no problem whatsoever.  Go figure. According to AI it has something to do with the reclocker’s sampling rate delay. I believe @audphile1 had the same problem.  I use Cardas Clear Beyond power cords for all my components so I haven’t played around much in that regard.  But yes, I have found that power cords can have a significant impact as well.  BTW you have a lovely listening room. I have thought about doing the same thing in my barn.  I know “the boss” would really appreciate it too.  Maybe some day 🤔

I tried several options, including a regenerator, dragon Ethernet cables, an inexpensive fiber bridge. I ended up with a WiFi extender (to remove all grounding noise) on a dedicated circuit, and I’m currently auditioning QSA Ethernet cables. This setup was the best so far for me in my seeming very resolving system. 
 

also running my nagra streamer on an s booster helped quite a bit. 
 

 

I had never even heard of these switches. Welcome to the world of audiophile. The more I see, the more I have come to realize you need to have deep knowledge before going out and spending money on higher end equipment. Live and learn. 

Honestly,

Alpha Audio has tested even a simple d-link switch to very good effect, demonstrating very low noise while improving the signal. They’re very cheap, and with their requiring only 5v for power you can try using an ifi walwart with it to see if that might even take things further. Sounds like you’ve a nice and revealing system. So you might find something different (or hopefully improved) with it. 
 

What I’ve got set up: Ethernet to a d-link (powered by an ifi) to a delock 62619 galvanic filter, to a Volumio Rivo. High quality cables between each stage. Kind of a ridiculous looking chain, but sounds incredible to my ears. And a big difference from going straight from Ethernet, which sounds compressed and a bit glassy by comparison. Your Innous might be better about isolation and clocking? 

I believe a switch can improve things but ymmv.