IMHO, I would consult the manufacturer of your Ethernet connected gear. When I asked Andrew at Small Green Computer, who makes my Sonic Orbiter server and sold me the Sonore Ultra Rendu bridge, both of which connect via Ethernet, he recommended a $22 Trendnet Ethernet switch. I tend to trust manufacturers on issues like this, as they have the development experience and customer feedback that I don’t have. The Trendnet works fine and does no apparent harm to the sound, as far as I can tell. But since I haven’t compared it with an audiophile switch, don’t take my word for it. YMMV!
Do I really need an " Audio Grade Network Switch "?
I think it's been a quite controversial topic for years, like what's the difference between normal network switch and an audio grade network switch, the price difference is certainly obvious though...
Anyway, I've done some researches, most audio reviewers say that under this " new digital streaming era " that an network switch is a must for an audio system, which is understandable for me, I mean because if I wanna play TIDAL or Qobuz or Spotify, I gotta use network so I can stream these online services, so yeah I get that if the network quality is good enough, it can possibly level up the music performance.
But anyhow, I'm new to this area, so I don't like to spend big bucks on my first purchase hahaha... there's a very wide range of the prices though, the top one is Ansuz Power Switch I think, the inner circuit and design look pretty sharp, and surely over my budget lol
So I'm choosing between Bonn N8 and SW-8, these two both got good reviews, and the prices seem so darn much friendly to me as I'm looking for an entry level switch now, do any of you have any insights to share?
or should I just go for the higher level ones?
Best,
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@cakyol Exactly, that is the entire point I was trying make. |
My understanding is that ethernet cabling and switches powered by smps etc. are noisy and can adversely affect the circuits they are plugged into. This has nothing to do with the digital packets and how the network hands them off to the streamer. I recently implemented the optical ethernet conversion for around $200 with an ifi power supply for the last converter. Made a significant difference to my ears. Improving Digital Streaming with a Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter System – PS Audio |
Here is what this is all about, in a summary form: - Cables and switches themselves do NOT in any way affect the system. - However, the noise that they and/or their power supplies may produce, MAY As long as you buy cables and switches which are compliant with the 802 standards, AND they are placed away from sensitive analog signals, you will have no audio issues whatsoever. Galvanically isolated (optically coupled) devices will also improve the noise floor. Spend your money on better streamers or DACs instead.
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