Basic switch....should I upgrade?


I'm using a D-Link switch into a EtherRegen (with an AfterDark PSU & Clock) via a Signature Ethernet Cable. Coming out of the EtherRegen I use a basic fiber optic cable into my streamer. (All connects/cables not mentioned are upgraded.)

Simply put, should I upgrade the switch or does the fantastic EtherRegen clean up the switch's audio shortcomings?

Please don't tell me to get a TT!  

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I've been following the advice of @melm, ​​@dbb, & @sns  with streaming improvements & it's been VERY beneficial. 

  • D-Link DGS105 switch (with ifi iPower X power supply 5v)
  • AQ Pearl Ethernet cables 
  • Fiber Patch Cable (30')
  • 2 Ethernet to Fiber converters (both with ifi iPower X power supplies 5v)
  • Linear Power Supply to streamer (I went with Nuprime LPS-212)

 

The cost to improvement ratio has been a bargain.

You can’t “clean up” a bad network switch. Bad network equipment causes packet loss, jitter, and other bad things. 
 

think of it as have a super clean and transparent window, and shine light light through it, the light looks exactly like intended. But if you but a dirty old  window between the source and the clean window, the clean window can’t do anything at all to “clean up” the source. 
 

that said, the transfer protocols at the layers above take care of quality, with a crappy network switch like d link, you may experience enough issues that it could potentially impact sound quality, and there is nothing you can add to fix this. Now, “audiophile” switches are typically not better from my research, you really need an enterprise switch, from juniper, extreme networks, or arista for example. 

I don't have a clue what you guys are talking about.🤔  Too old school I guess.