Basic switch....should I upgrade?

@antigrunge2

Your Ethernet reminds me of old corroded water line that is held together with so many patches to prevent water leaks and contamination 😂 🤣

If your streamer looks just as exquisite as this TT then by all means skip the TT 😊 Back to your query, I don’t think changing out switch before EtherREGEN would yield much improvement. I do like the suggestion of upgrading to iFI 5V power supply on your existing D-Link switch.

“Less of a chain (wires, power et all) to me makes sense.”

That’s why I’ve been recommending trying Network Acoustics ENO passive filter. It is probably the most effective noise filtering device without the ‘extra’ baggage (LPS, clocks, Ethernet switch, fiber converters and so on).

@wsrrsw

I’m aware of latest offerings (Muon filter and Rubicon Ethernet switch) from NA albeit at higher price point. You may try EE8 and see if it’s worth the improvements in your system. You can read up on Muon and Rubicon switch here,

“You‘d think a decent designer could do better!”

@antigrunge2 

You’re so right. I would like to see a completely isolated Ethernet chamber with some kind noise filtering tech inside streamers / servers. Essentially a ENO or MUON filter type approach built into every audio streamer / server would prevent some of us jumping through hoops to eliminate noise 😊

@antigrunge2 

Look out for upcoming Network Acoustics Rubicon switch.  A box like ENO inside a streamer / server would serve as a solid foundation to noise containment. Tweak geeks like us will always find a way to improve upon existing standards 😉

@audphile1

Here is one example, I own quite a few of their amazing DSD recordings.

@fsonicsmith

Thanks for weighing in on importance of ‘everything matters’ in a high resolution streaming setup. BTW, you have a gorgeous system! Wonderfully balanced and I couldn’t help drooling over your Garrard 301 with Reed 3P tonearm. One of the top 3 tonearms under consideration for my upcoming TT setup. 

Enjoy! 
 

@kennyc

Choosing an audiophile network switch is confusing. - Not at all.

Researching switches sonic performance based on empirical comparisons seems the only way I can judge price/performance - Bingo! This is the only way to know if a Ethernet switch / filters makes a difference or not.

@kennyc

I hear you, the market is now flooded with audiophile switches. I am not going to debate on what’s the best price/performance or bang for the buck as this varies in the context of one’s system and each individual perspective. I have spent $8K in my Ethernet switch / LAN cables and LPS setup. To me, that’s a bargain considering the performance upgrade and overall investment in my digital front end.

I can only suggest you to pick best switch (based on user reviews) you can afford to audition in your system. If it doesn’t work to your satisfaction, send it back!

@wsrrsw 

Which model did you go with from Ubiquiti? 

@wsrrsw 

Thank you for the info. Like you, I also prefer LAN cables over fiber. The fiber sounded ‘bland’ in my system.