Ethernet Switch Recommendations Please


Hi - I am currently using a Melco S100 switch and considering upgrading. I had an Ansuz D2 before the Melco and thought it was a fantastic switch, but ended up selling it when I moved. Any first hand experience and recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks, Todd

tntmcdade

@chowkwan - At the risk of over-simplifying, a router provides a transition between two separate networks, whereas a switch just allows multiple devices to communicate on a given network. Technically, if you only had one device - say, a streamer - you could just use a pure router to get your music from the internet. 

Most people are interested in audiophile switches because many on the market are reputed to reduce or eliminate network noise (which is a real thing - networks are noisy places). You might just want to put the switch between your streamer and your router to achieve this. But most people have more than one device, and therefore need a switch. As a side note, many Internet routers have built-in switches so that multiple network cables can be connected. These are of the noisy variety, however, and so an ‘audiophile’ switch may be needed for the best fidelity anyway.

Hope this helps…

@tntmcdade if a switch is absolutely necessary then go for it. Otherwise I would sell the T3 and the Melco switch and invest in a better quality streamer or a streaming DAC if you use Roon with good Ethernet cable. Better ROI than a switch. IMO. 

audphil1 - The T3 is definitely a stepping stone and I knew that when I bought it. I am interested in the new Auralic Vega G2.2, but still researching options. I just finished room treatments using GIK Acoustics and I am so impressed with the results. I am starting to really hear the magic of these Magico A5.