Network Switches


Another digital question from an analogue guy.

I am currently running an Electrocompanient EDM MKII ( Streamer DAC) and a Small Green Computer Sonic transporter.  Both run off of a Trendnet                         ( unmanaged)  basic switch.

Would an upgraded switch have any sonic impact?

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

 

rivinyl

Im using a LHY SW-6.  Works great.    Using the fiber port to a media converter then to Aurender N200

An interesting thought.  I realized that I run my network switch through my power conditioner ( a Digi Buss ).  The maker of which commented that that should be "cleaning' the power.  So perhaps an iFi X power supply would not add much to the mix.  I wonder whether an optical isolator would be beneficial in that setting.

The review on the Stack Audio Smooth LAN Regenerator used the Smooth LAN near the streamer and an Uptone Audio Ether Regen close to the modem. Seems like since the Smooth LAN is a re-clocker and passive filter, that would be enough. 

An interesting thought.  I realized that I run my network switch through my power conditioner ( a Digi Buss ).  The maker of which commented that that should be "cleaning' the power.  So perhaps an iFi X power supply would not add much to the mix.  I wonder whether an optical isolator would be beneficial in that setting.  

@rivinyl , FWIW,  I tried the iFi LAN iPurifierPro between my switch and my integrated DAC/streamer/amp and vacillated between thinking it made no difference and thinking it slightly degraded sound quality.  I returned it and went with the pair of media converters and SFPs (described above). That approach in my system has resulted in a decidedly lower sound floor with no (at least as fast as I can hear) accompanying loss of dynamics or other degradation to SQ; it also saved ~$200. 

Another variation on the switch:

Has anyone tried this HPE “Aruba” switch with both twisted pair RJ45 ports and 2 slots for optical fiber SFPs?  (Speeds limited to 1g)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1561166-REG/aruba_jl681a_instant_on_1930_8_port.html

Thanks!