Network Switches

@ devinplombier

679 posts

06-13-2025 at 11:17am 

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
 

I take it that you have never owned or even have experienced the product in your own system especially since you say it looks like a black painted smoke detector!  Not every system is eye catching to some folks. That's the beauty of making your own choice but at the end of the day, the product works especially with the Linear Power Supply.  It’s not built to everyone’s liking nor is any other product for that matter.  So much so as some of the products we see in today’s industry.  Example, some amplifiers look like computer towers and brings a healthy price tag of 70-160k.  Not for everyone’s taste. At the end of the day if you want a product that works as intended, then that’s one of the choices that one has to choose from.  If that’s not your cup of tea based on looks not performance, that’s your choice.  Most network devices are built to perform, not built to be beauty queens in my opinion. I don’t know of anyone placing them center stage in front of their amplifiers, preamps, speakers, or turntable.  At least from what I’ve seen from thousands of photos. I know my wife loves how my system looks and sounds but I wonder if most the individuals on this forum wife or husband like what their significant others has as a HiFi rig these days. Think about that for a second!!

Am I the only one detesting people who ex cathedra diss equipment of which they have no personal experience whatsoever? Whether it’s envy, churlishness, one-upmanship or simple pigheadedness, it adds nothing but rancour and spite to a conversation between people who are trying to learn from each other. 

Bluntly: will you shut the f__k up!

While I ponder the many noted options, I do have one other ( and simpler ) question.  My home wifi is a mesh network and thus the main pod ( from which my switch/server/ streamer emanate) is wired by an ethernet cable to the cable modem/router.  I have upgraded the ethernet cable that feeds the switch etc, but have been using a garden variety cat 6 cable to connect the main pod to the modem router.  Would there be any benefit to upgrading the router - pod #1 cable?  Perhaps better shielding at that level might clean up the signal?  Certainly would be an easy fix.

@rivinyl 

Try this cable and see whether it brings any audible improvement over your standard cable. 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GCVWRY2?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_TYB58WNP1WXQEYC5CGND

@lalitk I have the 22awg Linkup. Is the 26awg better?