Snake oil of the year?
AQVOK Switch SE Audiophile High-End Network Switch Lan. I think we are going to have some fun with this one, let it rip here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMFQ3YvR3Eo
Here is the product page.
Showing 6 responses by akg_ca
Audiophile Network switches? There are prior threads dissecting this. Here is a sample of the “audiophile” network switches assessments from some our fellow forum members
djones51 4,473 posts 01-17-2022 6:20pm “…There is no such thing as an audio grade switch …”
" ... No, I have not, nor will I ever. Having been a network technician for over 30 years I know that a network switch’s job is to faithfully receive packets and transmit them to their intended target. If it doesn’t do that it will be replaced as defective. Implying that these devices can color audio signals is patently ridiculous, but I knew at some point some one would try it and some one would buy it...."
" ...Well, I just tried using a wifi repeater and noticed no improvement (or degradation) of sound quality. ... "
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$2,500 Ethernet Switch Effectively Isolates Audiophiles From Cash https://www.tomshardware.com/news/ethernet-switch-for-audiophiles Key quote on this switch effect metaphor: ”… However, the reviewer says, "This review is based on my subjective requirements, my subjective ears, my specific system configuration, and my specific listening room." This means there are no actual measurements of sound quality, so you’ll need to take his observations with a grain of salt. ,,,” …hmmm .,, more like exaggeration requiring a boatload full of salt….ergo … horse hooey.
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yep … tried one in my $50k system. my take : bupkus….nada…. zippo…. = SFA difference in my digital audio performance compared to the simple quality build “vanilla” unit recommended and supplied by my pro IT tech. Pass on it. NOW OPTION 2: …in stark contrast to the esoteric network switch swap-in / swap-out step above with its marketing techno+bafflegab hyperbole that makes non-IT tech types eyes glaze over…, ….yes … NOW there is a distinct audio digital audio performance improvement with a simple step up in the digital build quality in the new upgraded streamer and DAC ( e.g. my BRYSTON stablemates with discrete linear power supplies etc) ….. yep …. It’s all there now … no quarrel.
I read a lot of reviews and posts in the major audio forums, but I don’t necessarily blindly support their stated opinions , pro and con. I’ll still use my ears in MY system ( emphasis added ) as the ultimate litmus test . Others may have different experiences, no worries …. ,carry on! it’s the overly aggressive types that cling to a notion of “IT HAS to be the best” option that I tune out. There is no “best” in this hobby. There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying. Memories shared serve each differently.” ― Robert Evans
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You asked what switch I tried: English Electric 8 Switch . In my direct experience(s) I don’t support - any supposition that any network Ethernet switch(es) is/(are) room dependent, - or otherwise dependent on any other non-digital / analog portion of one’s audio system. Rather, it is directly the quality build of the digital streamer + DAC portions alone and not lofty priced Ethernet network switches for MY improved audio performance experience. FWIW This is my system: REGA OSIRIS integrated amp REGA ISIS VALVE cdp/ DAC BRYSTON BDP1-USB digital streamer/ server / BRYSTON BDA2 DAC HARBETH 30.2XD standmount speakers on TonTraeger speaker stands PHILIPS 630 ( USA) tuner ( fully rebuilt and upgraded 2021) bespoke custom high-end black walnut audio rack All CARDAS CLEAR interconnects array CARDAS CLEAR REFLECTION speaker cables CARDAS CLEAR / CLEAR REFLECTION / GOLDEN REFERENCE power cables i also have digital streaming capabilities in my “B” system ( ~ $5K with all ARCAM electronics / TRIANGLE bookshelf speakers / CHORD cables) . The network switch digital (non?)-experience was the same for me. Go figger. Again, others may have different experiences…. Some drive Fords, some drive Chevys …carry on… no worries. Trust your ears- yay or nay …. Fine … But it’s entrenched beliefs on the manufacturers specs or mag reviews that includes marketing hyperbole influencing one’s purchase decisions that leaves me cold and unconvinced.
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