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 2 responses by phantom_av

phantom_av's avatar
phantom_av
326 posts
 

Using Audiophile so called Network cables and switch and additional network gear to improve the sound made some difference with a poorer quality Network Streamer like SOTM and other Chinese made stuff.

Once i moved to a Quality Product, Like the Playback Back Design Dream Series DAC and Streamer which uses a proprietary fibre optic cable all the Network stuff i had made no difference whatsoever.

 

So it depends on the Streamer and DAC your using and how that can isolate noise and interference.

 

Personally i think So called Audiophile Network Cables, Switch and clocks are not needed at all and most of them are substandard off the shelf and rebranded as audiophile stuff.

It really comes down to how your Streamer can isolate noise and your DAC.

phantom_av's avatar
phantom_av
326 posts
 

If these Switches are working for you the problem is the streamer and DAC unable to isolate Noise.

No denying it it actually does work on some audio gear that can not isolate noise properly from the network which gets into the DAC.

 

It has never made a diffrence on the Playback Design System i know used, and as a result i sold off all the junk audiophile grade switches.

 

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