2. digital
  3. 174216-169961

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 fastfreight

fastfreight
886 posts
 

Hi preston8452,  Clearly some people say it won't make a difference, and others say they have tried one and it does.  Very few say they have tried one and it did not make a difference.  But maybe it didn't in their system. Certainly peoples systems and hearing will affect their opinion as well.  I have nice stuff, including nice streamer / DAC, good cables and I am ecstatic with the sound.  I added an EtherREGEN, and to my ears it was a nice improvement.  I then added the Bonn 8 Silent Angel network switch, replacing a Netgear switch, because as you stated, the price was appealing and I wanted to try one.  To my ears, the Bonn 8 improved things again.  Not as much as the EtherRGEN, but I feel it added and was worth it.

I recommend you try one!  Ken

fastfreight
886 posts
 

A few weeks ago I received my JCAT M12 switch.  It replaced my (now available) Bonn 8 switch by Silent Angel.  It made a HUGE improvement  Then this weekend I received my Optimo 3 power supply also from JCAT.  It again made a big leap in performance.  I was skeptical a switch could do this, or a switch with LPS.   But it has.  Both the switch and the power supply sit on an isolation platform from Townshend.  All computer gear is upstairs in my office, and a Supra Cat 8 cable delivers the goods to my music systems.  I also use a Network Acoustics Filter prior to my Auralic Aries G2.1, which feeds my DAC with USB.  Some say this is overly complex, but the sound has improved greatly from my early days of streaming to where I am now.  I like all the computer gear in my office and out of site from my listening room,  and it is all also on a completely different circuit and panel.

fastfreight
886 posts
 

@sns Merry Christmas to you and all!  I have now been enjoying the JCCAT M12 SWITCH with the JCAT Optimo 3 power supply for some time now.  Together, this switch and PS make a big difference over the Silent Angel Bonn N8 ( and I was using the HDPLEX to power it).  Yes, the M12 is a Telegartner switch.  Bill Parish, GTT audio, who I respect immensely, heard my system before and after the upgrade, and clearly heard the improvements as well.  And yes, JCAT equipment and customer service is absolutely first rate!

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