Power supply for ethernet switch?

Think everyone needs to read this, to get a fundamental understanding of how ethernet works. 

https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/packet

It's so different from an audio signal, noise can not piggyback on a packet. Ethernet jitter will not affect sound like audio jitter. It's completely different. Jitter in e-net can just slow down transfer, in worst case just have the packets be retransferred, greatly slowing down transfer. 

IMHO, when someone gets a better PS for a switch, the increased in sound quality, might just be from removing the noise from the home power. I can see where if you have a crap PS, and get a clean PS that maybe the router might be able to process things better, or just work a bit better in general. 

Money is much better spent in just getting certified CatX cables instead. 

Hi, All!

So after digging, reading, searching, comparing, and just as I was about ready to pull the trigger on the Silent Angel, while watching Hans' review I came across his review of the EtherREGEN. Decision made, I'm going with the EtherREGEN! 

Maybe I'll add a power supply down the line as well...

Just want to thank all who took the time to respond and offer advice!

30 day money back guarantee, nothing to loose to try it.

https://uptoneaudio.com/products/etherregen

In the first 3000 Alex has sold I believe he has had 4 returns (going off of memory)

I am one of ones who didn't return it. 

There may quite a few used ones coming up for sale when the Gen 2 etherregen is released, estimated to be this June, just to let you know. 

The official Uptone threads are on this forum: 

https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/forum/25-uptone-audio-sponsored/

Let us know!

@mclinnguy Thank you! I did see that Gen2 was in the works. Might wait for that one, though if there’s a jump in cost over the original not sure if I can swing it. But no harm in waiting I guess. But the EtherREGEN is absolutely the route I’m going. The reviews (especially Hans’) totally tipped the scales. For now my Trendnet switch will hold the fort. I’m also going to hold off on a power supply for now until I pull the trigger on the EtherREGEN. The 30 day guarantee is nice but I totally think I’ll also add to the list of keepers of this unit.

Thanks for also providing the link!

@kingbr, I use two network switches in cascade in between my CAT-6 router and a Network Acoustics ENO Ethernet System filter that feeds my music streamer. The first is a cheap D-Link DGS-105 five port switch, and the second is a business grade Cisco SG250 smart switch. I use an iFi iPower SMPS on the D-Link switch and an iFi Elite X switch mode power supply with the Cisco. Both are plugged into an AudioQuest Niagara power conditioner. Many folks would ask why would anyone use expensive power supplies on inexpensive network switches for streaming music from the internet? My answer is that having the cleanest power possible running into and through any listening chain is crucial if you want to hear everything on a piece of recorded music.

Despite the well-meaning intentions of those who wish to help prevent us from spending money unwisely, I recently purchased the Reiki Audio switch and upgraded power supply through Liquid Hifi. (See: reikiaudio.com) It seemed more thoughtfully designed and built than the others I considered, other than the one from Taiko.

Newly installed, it brought a sizable and unmistakable improvement over my previous switch - the English Electric.  

I don’t think expensive network switches are for everyone. They range from an expensive accessory to very expensive accessory. And I can imagine some home networks will benefit more than others, some less, based on the many variables present. Nevertheless, for me, it was an entirely reasonable and worthwhile investment.

YMMV. 

@mgrif104 

Never heard of that one. Thanks for the info. 

This may be interpreted by some as enlightening, others may interpret it as pure lies, so be it: 

Reiki founder Nigel Bell comes from an IT background and like many others doubted the benefit of using a network switch in a streaming system until he tried a cheap example and had an epiphany. He expected to hear nothing or nothing more than a subtle change but in his words “it simply wasn’t”. That was in 2019 when he was working on an equipment rack that not only sounded good but looked good enough to put in a living room, and this revelation forced a change of approach and resulted in the Reiki SuperSwitch range.

https://hifiplus.com/articles/reiki-audio-superswitch-master-pro-servant-pro-filtering-network-switch/

@mclinnguy 

I wasn’t familiar with them either until about a month ago. But a fair amount of digging and consideration for what each respective firm was doing led me in this direction. I think they’re all trying to reduce EMI noise and use improved power supplies. Reiki and Ron Buffington at Liquid HiFi - the dealer I worked with (recommended) were better able to make that case.

I’m quite pleased with the results.

Best,

I just noticed Network Acoustics is now shipping their Tempus switch with an upgraded power supply.

Any tempus power supply shipped after Oct 23rd, 2024 is the upgraded version.