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Relationship between Ethernet Switch and SQ

This one will probably invite some withering mockery, but I will ask....

I only stream, and my streamer (Bryston BDP) is fed with an ethernet cable that runs back to my router.  Literally back to my router; there are enough output jacks on the router that I have a long run to the streamer and no ethernet switch in the chain (or the house system for that matter).   (There is an Eno filter right before the streamer).

I happen to OWN a nice LHY ethernet switch.  I am assuming that there is no reason to use it in this configuration, that is, assuming there are noisier switches, and less noisy switches, there is still no net benefit of adding any switch to this chain.  But maybe, just maybe, in the metaphysics of electrons that I do not understand, there is some reason why a nice switch prior to the streamer accomplishes something (in theory...I get that I can A/B test and try to fool myself whether I can hear a difference).  For the first person with a correct answer, I will mail a nice $600 switch to the address you specify! (JK)

mathiasmingus

Showing 1 response by elrod

elrod
231 posts
 

It all depends how deep down the rabbit hole you want to go. If you're considering inserting an audiophile switch, where currently a switch isn't actually needed, I'd say you'd have to replace the CAT 5 cables with audiophile CAT 5 cables for the synergy it may provide. You wouldn't want any improvement from the switch limited by inferior cables...

No one will be able to give you an absolute answer. I would think that any answer will probably be laced with unproven pseudoscience (like my answer).

Bottom line is whatever helps you sleep at night...

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