Network Switches

I have been obsessed with this issue and have tried all kinds of network switches and streamers....I could write a book.  Here’s what I have been using with awesome results.

Central Panel on Dedicated Circuit:

• AT&T Fiber Modem
  
• Ubiquiti UDM
  
• Ubiquiti Switch 8-150w
  

Listening Room on Separate Dedicated Circuit:

• Ubiquiti Switch Flex Mini Powered by POE from Switch 8-150w
  
• Sonos Port with Factory Power Supply (Furman Power)
  
• Bluesound Node 2i with Factory Power Cord (Furman Power)
  
• Linn Klimax DSM with Factory Power Core (Furman Power)
  
• Apple Mac Mini (2020) with Factory Power Core (Furman Power)

Interconnects & Cables:

• iFi SPDIF iPurifier with the iFi Power Supply (Furman Power)
  
• Lifatec Glass Optical Toslink
  
• Custom Cardas Analog & Digital Interconnects (WBT Connectors)
• Custom Cardas Speaker Cables (WBT Connectors)
• Custom Power Cables (WBT Connectors)
  
• Custom CAT6 Ethernet Cables (Platinum Connectors)

Amplifiers & Speakers:

• Luxman NeoClassico II CD-N150/SQ-N150 with Klipsch Forte III
  
• Nagra Classic INT/DAC with Franco Serblin Accordo
  
• 47 Labs Shigaraki DAC/AMP with Lens
  
• Mytek Brooklyn DAC+/AMP with Harbeth P3ESR
  

My favorite combination:
Sonos Port (WiFi) - iFi SPDIF iPurifier - Custom Digital Interconnect & Power - Nagra Classic DAC/INT - Harbeth P3ESR

I also got great sound from the Mac Mini (Apple Music/ALAC) using USB.  The Franco Serblin Accordo speakers also sounded wonderful, depending on my mood.  They are just different speakers.

What has really surprised me is how good the Sonos Port sounds with the iFi SPDIF iPuifier.  I was not expecting the Sonos and iFi to sound so good.  I prefer it over my Linn DSM and the Bluesound Node 2i.  I know that I’m limited to 16/44, but that’s what my CDs and Apple Lossless files are, so I don’t feel like I’m missing anything.

I’m aware this goes against a lot of “audiophile” thinking and that using a Sonos Port with Nagra/Harbeth might sound silly, but after MONTHS of listening, this is what I came to.  I also tried (and have though the years) lots of different cables, but I just make my own with excellent results.

Please note that I use the Sonos Port in WiFi mode, which works flawlessly.  Does WiFi sound better than wired Ethernet?  No.  Again, after MONTHS of listening, I can’t tell a difference.  I tried most of the “audiophile” switches listed in this thread, and some of them (maybe) had a subtle improvement, but the iFi always sounded the best no matter what switch I used, and it really made the Sonos Port shine.

What I learned is that power supplies and galvanic isolation make a difference. It’s not only about bits/data, but the power/current in the signal.  I think that’s what several people in this thread kept stating.  Power, especially in digital, makes a difference.  I don’t think we have to spend a lot of money on switches and cables, but making sure they are powered and terminated properly goes a long way.
Now....I’ll duck and dive to avoid the sticks and stones heading in my direction.  Be easy, I’m just a music listener that spends too much time playing with audio.

Thanks for reading!

I’m curious about these “audio switches”.  I’ve been using Ubiquiti and Cisco Meraki for the last several years with success.  I have found that fiber can sound better, most likely because of isolation.

I question some of the claims, but I’ve also learned that digital can be sensitive at the source/transport.  I look forward to more feedback from all of you and will probably try a few of these myself.  The SOtM and Melco are on my radar.

Toslink = Optical
Network = Fiber

Here is one of the most useful forum threads about this topic.  I only post on Audiogon because there is no way I can keep up with all the forums and websites, but I have found this thread to be very informative:

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-a...

It’s good to see more computer/network based audio solutions being discussed here on Audiogon.

@yyzsantabarbara 

I agree, Ubiquiti is wonderful networking gear.  I’ve been using them for several years with great success.  I use the Switch 8 (150watt) a lot for central and local switches.  It works great to POE their standard Switch 8 or to deploy as a local fiber switch with their XG switches.  The UniFi Controller interface is excellent.

@soix 

Ruckus is one of the best at enterprise and campus level WiFi.  Have you used it in an audio based design?  I have worked with Ruckus gear on large scale projects, but never as an audio solution.  Just curious.

It seems that if there is an audio performance benefit from network hardware, that maybe it’s because of “electrical noise” as opposed to “data bits”?  Power supplies seem to make a difference with both analog and digital designs, and most of these “audio grade” switches focus on electrical isolation.  This would explain why fiber and optical connections can benefit some systems.

Maybe instead of counting bits we should evaluate the way power is implemented?

The bits are there, but the power they are riding on could be better?

I think this also applies to USB from a computer to a DAC, which is why I’ve been testing/listening to some USB interfaces for my Apple Mac.  https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/apple-music-mac