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Where to place your best switch?

I have a cheap switch after my modem/router connected with cat 8 between them. From that switch I have a 35 foot run of cat 8 that fits into my Eno filter which is then connected to my streamer. (This cheap switch also has a PC, audio receiver, and my TV upstairs connected to it.  I have read that audio is best to be separate?) I have purchased and on it's way  a high quality LHY Switch that has an OCXO clock and linear power supply built in. MY two options would be:

1. Replace the cheap switch with this switch.

2. Place the better switch at the end of the 35 ft  long cat 8 and use a short quality ethernet cable such as a WW Starlight 8  into the Eno Filter.

My suspicion is that #2 will be better but I was wondering if all these connections make a difference and detract from any gains. I have been reading a lot but many of these threads get into pissing matches and get off topic so it's hard to sift through them. 

 

I realize I can just try both options myself. I am not going down the fiber optic route, I am happy with the 35 foot cat 8 connection. This is in my basement and the cable is run already.

128x128fthompson251

Showing 1 response by carlsbad

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

I just went through this. I concluded to put the generic netgear switch near the router and then put the Etherregen at the streamer with a short quality cable into the streamer.

Then I realized I could move my Roon Core over to the audio stand and elimate the negeear switch all togehter. So I have an 8 meter AQ silver plated cable supplying my Etherrregen and then all my accessories hooked to it.

Addressing Erik’s comment. Etherregen comes with a switching power supply but they claim that their onboad power managment system is all that is necessary. I bought the Nutone audio linear power supply, could hear no difference, and sold it. I didn’t sell it because I could hear no difference. Small improvments are sometimes not audible in a listening session. It was not expensive, and I would have kept it. I sold it because I was sure the difference was small and it runs too hot for my taste. I"m looking casually for an LPS for it, 7 to 12 volts that runs cooler. I just bought Farad power supplies for my DAC and they are nice but pricey.  They DID make a difference on the DAC.

Jerry

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