Testing Ethernet switch

I tried an audiophile switch back to back with a cheap off the shelf switch and couldn't hear the difference. My system is fairly resolving and I would have gladly paid the price but I couldn't hear a difference 

but I'm not emotional about it- if you can discern an improvement, that's great, go for it. Definitely a good idea to test an expensive switch in your system before dropping the cash but if it improves your experience good for you, just didn't do anything for mine. 

I enjoy this forum and have learned a lot- especially from the good folks who have responded when I've asked for advice. I'm amazed at how much passion this hobby brings. The descent into personal invective over the relative importance of posting photos of your system a few weeks ago was entertaining, comical and vaguely disturbing all at the same time. 
 

the switch discussion is similar. I couldn't hear a difference and have a hard time understanding how it could matter- kinda like fuses. But if someone finds it's an improvement it's not for me to deny their experience- maybe my old ears aren't good enough. On the other hand, I thought I could hear improved sound with higher end cables- not ten grand cables but better than stock. So I bought them

was the improvement real? Imagined? Confirmation bias?

I don't know. Don't really care because it sounded better to me. And it's listening to music, not a physics test. 
 

measurements can be useful and are objective 

what somebody considers to be pleasing sound is inherently subjective

cheers 

What a fascinating discussion with a very predictable arc. You can't hear a difference. No, I can hear a difference. You can't hear a difference because my science says you can't hear a difference. No, I can hear a difference because my science is better. You can't hear a difference because I have more certifications. No I can hear a difference because my certifications are better. Well, you can't hear a difference because my system is better than yours. No, you can hear a difference because my system cost more money than yours which is the ultimate measure of knowledge. Only one step away from the natural conclusion of all such comparisons. I appreciate the passionate views, and it is entertaining
 

One solution might be for those who believe they can hear a difference to invest their money in audiophile switches, and those who believe you cannot hear a difference to do the opposite

Otherwise, it seems unlikely that will we will reach consensus 

not expecting any Perry Mason moments here