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

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

+1 on the LHY  SW 10 PRO. It made a very significant improvment over my Afterdark Netone. Interestingly, I took my Netone and put it in my utility room and feed it with a Viablue cable from my google modem. From the Netwone I go fiber to my system and the fiber feeds the SW 10 PRO, I use a Shunyata Ethernet Omega X from the SW 10 Pro to my Pink Faun Ultra. My friend says that he borrowed a second Omega X ethernet cable and tried it in his utility room where my Via Blue is located and it made a audible improvemant. I don't understand why this gear has the effects they do, and if your system doesn't resolve at a high level it may not be the best use of your resources. I will definatively recommend the LHY SW 10 PRO at a street price of 2400 delivered. It's a fantasic value. 

A good audiophile grade ethernet switch makes a significant and important difference.  I wouldn't have believed it without the experiences of hearing the improvements every time.  It's like getting a DAC upgrade.  A well-designed switch that incorporates both dirty and clean ports provides a most remarkable improvement.  And they don't need to have a fancy chassis, just a good power supply.