Yes …. An audiophile grade high-end network switch made an audio performance upgrade ….But …incorporated into a full cradle-to-crave (network switch / cable / upgraded network switch power supply) upgrade approach.
MY EXPERIENCES :
this was a sequential step series as follows before max improvements were achieved.
(1) Choice of Ethernet cables matter …. A lot. Think quality build / upgraded top shielding / too TELEGARTNER connectors. I started out with cheap big-box store cables that were completely trash, and progressively moved up in a hands-on experimentation approach. I now have high-end Ethernet cables, just like analogue IC’s and analogue speaker cables.
(2) I then watched the Hans Beekhuyzen YouTube videos that persuaded me to take the next step to insert a quality build audiophile network switch. ( for me …SILENT ANGEL) .There are other much more expensive options.
https://youtu.be/34MxeKeSo0o?si=P3Py5iagCrO_GJ-N
https://youtu.be/ZCFvIzzMqfk?si=Z_xTxFmX58TSZ8_S
(3) The standard included-in-the-box network switch power supply was a better than most wall wart, SO an upgrade was done to an external quality- build linear power supply . Again, it was only when this last step was instituted, did the audiophile network switch insertion audio upgrade flash out to its max .
For reasons beyond my pay grade to explain, now the insertion of an audiophile grade network switch / high-end external power supply improved the audio performance.compared to my system lacking that network switch.feature.
Who knew? Go figger.
(4) A final point that was comparably less in overall impact audio improvement, but still there. …..insert a iFi LAN SILENCER. It added some further taming of that ethereal remaining last bits of digital “ edge “ or “ glare “ …..albeit on a much smaller scale then the other upgrade steps above,
TAKEAWAY
The steps herein for audio digital streaming and network digital file playing upgrades were real, and not insignificant even in isolation. They were distinct and wholly welcomed as a system upgrade in MY system.
my personal opinion based on my personal systems.
Others may have different results .
I have four audio systems in my home ranging from about $3K to $50K. The comments above are drawn from my top “A” system with its top audio resolution capabilities.
Upgraded quality build Ethernet cables upgrades are a must in all, but the cost vs audio performance benefits for adding a high-end network switch + external high-end linear power supply were intuitively increasingly diminished or even largely “meh?’ going farther down thec rigs list .