Relationship between Ethernet Switch and SQ


This one will probably invite some withering mockery, but I will ask....

I only stream, and my streamer (Bryston BDP) is fed with an ethernet cable that runs back to my router.  Literally back to my router; there are enough output jacks on the router that I have a long run to the streamer and no ethernet switch in the chain (or the house system for that matter).   (There is an Eno filter right before the streamer).

I happen to OWN a nice LHY ethernet switch.  I am assuming that there is no reason to use it in this configuration, that is, assuming there are noisier switches, and less noisy switches, there is still no net benefit of adding any switch to this chain.  But maybe, just maybe, in the metaphysics of electrons that I do not understand, there is some reason why a nice switch prior to the streamer accomplishes something (in theory...I get that I can A/B test and try to fool myself whether I can hear a difference).  For the first person with a correct answer, I will mail a nice $600 switch to the address you specify! (JK)

mathiasmingus

@mathiasmingus, I run two fairly inexpensive network switches in cascade between my CAT6 router and my ENO Filter System AG before my always to be ridiculed and mocked on this forum with derision Roon Nucleus music server, where the switches are powered by iFi Elite X SMPS units. For me the proof was in the listening. If you put a switch in your listening chain and things sound smoother and less digital, then keep it there for awhile. If not no biggie. 

@iseland cab you expand? You are suggesting convering IP data at the router and then back again, similar to the isolation approach in this (I think now relativelhy well known) video?

 

Fiber optics implementation is quite the opposite of a clutter free setup. Unless your router/modem and streamer offers fiber optic connectivity, you are simply creating clutter for minimal gains. IMHO, The Network Acoustics ENO and ENO Pro are the best passive Ethernet noise filters currently available. 

@lalitk agreed. All you will get is clutter. Add linear power supplies to those fiber optic converters and get even more clutter. I have tried that fiber optic setup with several streamers that accept only copper network cables and actually don’t like the resulting sound. Besides it’s a spaghetti and a mess. I would just get a good Ethernet cable and call it a day. That’s all you really need - neat and organized with improved sound.