Do I really need an " Audio Grade Network Switch "?


I think it's been a quite controversial topic for years, like what's the difference between normal network switch and an audio grade network switch, the price difference is certainly obvious though...
Anyway, I've done some researches, most audio reviewers say that under this " new digital streaming era " that an network switch is a must for an audio system, which is understandable for me, I mean because if I wanna play TIDAL or Qobuz or Spotify, I gotta use network so I can stream these online services, so yeah I get that if the network quality is good enough, it can possibly level up the music performance.

But anyhow, I'm new to this area, so I don't like to spend big bucks on my first purchase hahaha... there's a very wide range of the prices though, the top one is Ansuz Power Switch I think, the inner circuit and design look pretty sharp, and surely over my budget lol

So I'm choosing between Bonn N8 and SW-8, these two both got good reviews, and the prices seem so darn much friendly to me as I'm looking for an entry level switch now, do any of you have any insights to share?
or should I just go for the higher level ones?

Best,

preston8452

Showing 2 responses by jjss49

in a highly resolving system, managing digital noise through to the dac matters

a good switch (with a clean power supply) and other methods to minimize and purge noise in its various forms can be very helpful in making digital sound as smooth and natural as top flight analog

digital noise is but one problem to be solved in digital signal transfer for music

the optical rendu and its ilk going to fiber optical then back is one good solution... but galvanic isolation can be accomplished successfully through other engineered solutions as well

https://audiophilereview.com/cd-dac-digital/usb-cables-noise-and-galvanic-isolation/

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/usb-cables-and-galvanic-isolation

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/512770-ethernet-system-for-audio-putting-it-all-together/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0A0l6keKTg