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network switches and cables.

I’m considering upgrading my network cables and adding an audiophile switch for streaming music from the internet.  I may also consider adding a filter system like the Network Acoustics muon pro. I currently use an Innuos Pulsar streamer connected directly from my Comcast cable modem/router using Supra Cat 8 patch cable.  I have some questions for those who have incorporated these types of components into your digital front end.  Any and all help is greatly appreciated.  If you have tried something similar but don’t feel that these types of components are of benefit I would appreciate your experiences as well.  If however you are just a denier, I respect your opinion but please respect mine by refraining from posting demeaning comments.

Some of my questions are:

1. What are the best locations to place the filter and switch? I understand that the order from my router is router to switch to filter to streamer.  But what are the correct distances between the router, switch, filter and streamer? Equal distance? Switch placed closer to the router? Switch placed closer to the filter? Etc.?  Or it doesn’t matter? My modem/router is located in my listening room so I have the option to move the switch and filter around to the desired locations and purchase cable lengths to match.

2. Is the quality of Ethernet cable between each component of equal importance?  So for example is the Ethernet cable between router and switch as important as the Ethernet cable between the filter and streamer, etc?  If they are not of equal importance,  which connection is the more important? Or again, does it matter?

3.  Aside from the streamer and DAC, do the switch or filter/cables have the greater impact on streaming sound quality.

I ask the above questions in case finances do not allow for the purchase of all components at the same time.  I’d like to be sure that I at least purchase the more important components at the onset.

i have already posed the same questions to network acoustics and I’m awaiting their reply.  In the meantime, any help I can get from the forum will again be very much appreciated.

 

marco1

Showing 1 response by jazzman7

jazzman7
358 posts
 

@marco1

I have no personal experience with ethernet filters, so will not comment on them.

I have had very positive experiences with audiophile grade network switches; first with an English 8 switch purchased in 2021 which provided an easily heard  improvement in sound quality in my system; and then last year purchased an even more advanced switch, a Melco S100/2 to take advantage of its SFP capabilities.

In terms of placement, my recommendation is to place the switch just ahead of the streamer.  If employing both a filter and an audiophile switch, I'd place the filter between the switch and the streamer, with nothing else between them.

With respect to ethernet cables, I'd put your best cable between your switch and streamer. 

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