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

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. 
 


 

 

There is no doubt given the number of Network Switches on the market, that best practices are becoming better understood. This is where having a good relationship with an audio dealer is very useful. Of course dealers might have one or two options for networking products, they will not have every switch on the market that is of interest to you. Have a look at the new KECES Audio eWAVE switch. At $1500usd - this in combination with one of their KECES DC power supplies and an optical network isolator gives you the total package of network fine tuning.

short summary is yes they can matter, sometimes greatly, in improving streaming sound quality

just like power conditioners, physical isolation, and so on, one must try for oneself to find out