“On my logic, the accuracy of the clock in the ethernet domain is irrelevant to sound quality”
Acording to your logic, if accuracy of the clock in the Ethernet domain is irrelevant then why some of these switch manufacturers (I can name a few) advertising the importance of clock in a switch. Excerpts from Reiki Audio blog you linked in your post.
“Reiki Audio SuperSwitches employ an enterprise standard 25MHz clock which delivers the highest possible audio performance.”
The clock signal in a digital circuit serves as a timing reference. The clock helps coordinate when data should be read or written, ensuring proper sequencing and functionality of the circuit. If a switch needs a clock to function then by all means a cheap or subpar clock can easily degrade the audio. No one here is arguing over IP…I believe the core of the argument here is why OP heard audible improvement by connecting a highly accurate external clock which is obviously superior than the one included inside the EtherREGEN.
IME, anytime you can improve the accuracy of clock, you’re likely to hear audible improvements. The magnitude of these improvements are clearly system dependent and one’s listening skills. The proof is in listening and not waging an argument “oh that’s simply not possible given the standards sets by TCP/IP”.
Peace!
