Network Switches

Here is one of the most useful forum threads about this topic.  I only post on Audiogon because there is no way I can keep up with all the forums and websites, but I have found this thread to be very informative:

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/30376-a-novel-way-to-massively-improve-the-sq-of-computer-a...

It’s good to see more computer/network based audio solutions being discussed here on Audiogon.

It seems that if there is an audio performance benefit from network hardware, that maybe it’s because of “electrical noise” as opposed to “data bits”?  Power supplies seem to make a difference with both analog and digital designs, and most of these “audio grade” switches focus on electrical isolation.  This would explain why fiber and optical connections can benefit some systems.

Maybe instead of counting bits we should evaluate the way power is implemented?

The bits are there, but the power they are riding on could be better?

I think this also applies to USB from a computer to a DAC, which is why I’ve been testing/listening to some USB interfaces for my Apple Mac.  https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/apple-music-mac

Allane: The power is not the data being transmitted. Foolhardy purchase at best, but if your confirmation bias makes it an expensive need, then bully for you.
This is the perfect place for industry professionals to plant the seeds of "need" with buyers. Especially if it is those with a seemingly endless flow of disposable income.It is everywhere on Audiogon.

Nothing like a rebuttal full of invective and bile. Remember to always insult with your rejoinder as it aids in your position.

@allane, keep in mind that there are no 1s and 0s. Would it be so simple if the simplified, textbook explanation were true. In the real world, the 1s and 0s are electrically represented and noise is a great big factor in its distortion.

Though this link deals with USB transmission, the thinking behind it applies to all transmitted data: https://6moons.com/audioreviews2/audiocadabra/1.html

Just the first two pages are all you need to read to get an idea to work with. And, yes, you can spend too much on better gear, but you can also spend too little.

All the best,
Nonoise

While I am under no illusion that data transmission in USB, Ethernet is at all being affected in a home network given the astonishingly low bit error rates typical in a home and jitter is simply not an issue at all in any modern USB DAC and not at all in Ethernet. But, I cannot rule out, especially given I am also under no illusion that all audio products have good analog design, that noise injection through the power supply could make a difference in some circumstances. In a well designed products it should not/will not, but I cannot assume that is ever the case. The type of power supply noise generated would not be negated by high end cables. They could even make it worse by providing a lower impedance power path. Then again, some like the "airy-ness" that noise provides.

allane37 posts10-30-2019 8:32amIt seems that if there is an audio performance benefit from network hardware, that maybe it’s because of “electrical noise” as opposed to “data bits”?  Power supplies seem to make a difference with both analog and digital designs, and most of these “audio grade” switches focus on electrical isolation.  This would explain why fiber and optical connections can benefit some systems.

Maybe instead of counting bits we should evaluate the way power is implemented?

The bits are there, but the power they are riding on could be better?

I think this also applies to USB from a computer to a DAC, which is why I’ve been testing/listening to some USB interfaces for my Apple Mac.  https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/apple-music-mac