Network Switches

@sns Amen.

Lest some of us are confused...Below are some definitions.

In a network, a router connects different networks together, allowing devices on those networks to communicate with each other and the internet. A switch connects devices within the same network, enabling them to share resources and information. A server provides services and resources to other devices on the network, such as web pages, email, or applications. 

@tshark I don’t doubt switches make a difference. The difference though can be either positive or negative. I have a very good dedicated streamer and a dac with a a tried and true network card. The difference between using a dedicated streamer feeding the DAC via a good USB cable and streaming using the network card in a DAC yields different results. And so it should. And I’ll be hard pressed to buy into an idea that a switch or a regen/reckocker between the router and a DAC can bridge that gap completely. Going down the rabbit hole with Ethernet tweaks without adding a good streamer is a waste of time and money. IMO.
 

This brings us back to the point I was making earlier about investing in components as opposed to tweaks to feed an inferior streaming device. 

The OP is using an inbuilt streamer/network card. Ideally to step up in sound quality a dedicated streamer is money better spent than a high end switch. A better Ethernet cable alone can improve things significantly but then again it won’t reach the level of performance you get with a proper streamer. This has been my experience and it’s unfortunately the reality in most cases. 
 

Alternatively if the Elecrocompaniet in question is a streamer with a built in DAC, a dedicated outboard DAC would be the next logical step in improving performance. 
 

Good morning,

If you’re serious about your music and your videos for movies and price no option, I would look into the Nordost QNet Network Switch, the Nordost QSource Linear Power Supply and their various cables.  I know it is a bit pricey but it can cost you more money in the end chasing the rabbit.  Heck you can even connect your Roon Nucleus to it using the same Linear Power Supply.

just a thought and happy listening!

If spending $3,799 on a switch that looks like a spray-painted smoke detector (plus $2749 for its companion power supply) is considered sane, one wonders what "chasing the rabbit" looks like. Respectfully.

devinplombier

If spending $3,799 on a switch that looks like a spray-painted smoke detector (plus $2749 for its companion power supply) is considered sane ...

Are you saying that you evaluate audio gear based on appearance? Would you like it better if the switch was in a bigger box with blue meters?

I’m not a fan of Nordost and haven’t tried the product, but appearance isn’t the obstacle.