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 3 responses by jumia

But if you have an optical connection between a dac and a switch then there is no need to get a better switch because optical connections remove the noise and solve all the noise problems.

 

So the real solution is to go optical isn't this correct?

you know, the technicals can be so complicated and so poorly explained most of the time.  It's not rocket science, you just have to be aware of magnetic and electrical interference that does occur and having addressed this you add higher quality cables and maybe a little air freshener in the room and you're all good to go.

So I guess one of the biggest benefits is to have a Superb power management system to plug various components into.  At least this gives the components a fighting chance to start fresh with hopefully improved and clean power. And beyond the component box, good as it is, everything beyond the component should be connected with higher quality well shielded cablng.