Network Switches

@rikkipuu The difference between a router and switch is the router can assign IP addresses, common switches don't. A managed switch does have the ability to assign IP addresses, so managed switch can replace a router. Since regular switches don't one must keep router in streaming chain, switch is added after router, generally the advantage of the switch is to isolate streaming chain from the whole house router, router continues to serve the whole house system. I also see switches added in setups where router located far from the audio system, long LAN cable to switch, switch located near audio system so shorter, audiophile LAN cable serves audio system. Some switches also have optical capability, same with routers, this may be an advantage as well.

Would an upgraded switch have any sonic impact?

Yes, but one needs both a highly transparent audio chain and choose a higher quality audiophile switch to hear the difference/improvement

If so what switches in the 500 dollar range would be recommended?

None.  Usually one has to spend significantly more to hear a meaningful difference/improvements like Network Acoustics, Ansuz, SR, Telegartner.  Below these quality/price points positive results are more uncertain

People be wildin on this thread...anyone considering an expensive/audiophile ethernet switch: Please DYOR. I strongly suggest using ChatGPT/Grok to explain TCP/IP and you'll see it's actually a pretty genius technology for that guarantees bit-perfect end-to-end data transmission. 

Pizza tastes the same whether it's delivered in a limo or a Hyundai Elantra.

Analog transmission is different - in that realm, everything matters.

2k "used" for a flipping switch, you say?....Right, right, Ted Denny is so deserving, ain’t he? I should dissect his crap one day and compare it to a Cisco 100 dollar run of the mill for ya.

But, ’you got what you paid for’, said Denny, I bet, mmhmm (facepalm).

Bet he is a EECS PhD too from Devry, eh?

Synergistic Research has one of the best Ethernet hubs and cables. Good independent reviews online. Can buy used around 2K. If you are streaming a lot and have a good system, it is well worth it.

@admin 

This forum needs a facepalm emoji in order to deal succinctly with the toxic delusional nonsense being spouted.

Who wants to waste words responding to $2000 network switches - used, no less? Since when has "audiophile" become synonymous with credulous & benighted? Do we have to explain EVERYTHING ten times over? This is becoming tedious. Emoji, please.