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

So much controversy over streaming devices and sound quality. I hear reasoned arguments involving technical issues from both sides.

So, I go to the one tried and true method  that always provides me with a final judgment when it comes to audio, and that is called LISTENING. This is audio people!

In my experience the most important upgrades in streaming chain were, dedicated server, separate streamer, modifying server for two ethernet ports, FMC, and  quality LPS on all equipment in streaming chain,  Next step down was quality usb cable, below that ethernet cables. This all assumes one's dedicated audio AC and grounding is taken care of.

I did purchase an audiophile switch, the only network or streaming device I've ever tried that resulted in diminished sound quality. I presume this may be due to my two ethernet port setup with server, which means signal having to detour through an added ethernet cable and the switch to FMC vs. direct out of server to FMC.

I'd add the audiophile switch is likely the most controversial component in streaming chain based on my research from the more streaming oriented forums. At this point I'm thinking it's superfluous if one has done two ethernet port server thing and/or FMC. It may also be running LPS on my router has some bearing on this.

To get two ports out of my server (exteme modded mac mini) I assigned/bridged thundebolt port as ethernet port, thunderbolt to ethernet conversion cable, instantly have two ethernet ports. On other servers you could do this with usb ports. Or off the shelf servers such as Antipodes and Sonicorbiter I9 which have two ethernet ports built in,  I9 also has advantage of being optical out.

Ethernet direct out of server beneficial if running separate streamer/end point, in this case it bypasses switch or router, also useful for direct out to the FMC's, Optical conversion is best way to isolate streamer/dacs from network noise. I can just about guarantee the future will be all optical network solutions.

FMC is fiber media converter, this converts ethernet to optical, you can do this on cheap with FMC like TP link MC220 or you can go higher end with Sonore opticalrendu products.

For those wanting to learn more about streaming, audiophilestyle.com forum is the place to go.https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/

I'd agree I've heard little difference with devices pre server. Its post server where all the meaningful improvements come from. I'm listening to just installed Sonore opticalrendu (powered by Uptone JS2 LPS), wonderful improvement upon SOTM SMS200. I'm now full optical from first FMC which is direct out from server, to usb out to Dac. Prior had two FMC and ethernet cable to go through. Usb out of any server is highly unlikely to be best streaming solution. Optical post server is optimal setup, absolute isolation between server and dac is a must, dont need all these add on filters with this method.

Well, lets go in to the nitty gritty.https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/62477-john-swenson-tutoring-paper-considerations-regarding-usage-of-external-reference-clocks-etherregen-and-other-sine-vs-square-impedance-cables%E2%80%94and-a-money-saving-surprise-at-the-end/

@fastfreight  I believe that's actually Telegartner switch. I don't doubt that may be switch that may actually do some good, much proprietary engineering here. This would be only switch I'd consider after my bad experience with audiophile switch based on one of the common boards found in many of these switches.

Still, I can't imagine streaming getting much better than what I'm getting with JCAT Net XE board in my custom streamer powered with JCAT Optimo LPS. JCAT equipment is absolutely first rate!