Do I really need an " Audio Grade Network Switch "?

I have the best audio system I have ever heard… in fifty years of pursuing the high end. My digital streaming is equal in every way to my analog end (also outstanding). I use a common NETGEAR router ( which I upgraded recently and it had no impact on the sound) and a cheap NETGEAR wall wart extender next to my system. My system would compare well with the very best available.

So, I do use a EtherRegenerator… ($600), it does not significantly influence my system (like upgrading an already good power cord or interconnect). It is the quality of my streamer (Aurender W20SE) that is responsible for the incredible sound… and the subsequent components and speakers. See my ID to see my systems. Perhaps additional emphasis on the network can improve things. But I think the Aurender is cashing the files and making sure the network has not screwed them up and no noise is in the digital stream.

in a highly resolving system, managing digital noise through to the dac matters

a good switch (with a clean power supply) and other methods to minimize and purge noise in its various forms can be very helpful in making digital sound as smooth and natural as top flight analog

Following the suggestion of an industry professional in this area I’m using an inexpensive D-Link Ethernet switch together with an iFi Ultimate 5 volt power supply. The switch has a grounding screw which is grounded to my preamp.

Inserting this into the system made a very clear improvement in SQ. Could I have achieved much more by buying an $x00 audiophile switch (which may very well have a D-Link at its core)? I don’t really know.

I think it is best to consider your system as a system. I believe that a lot of things in a rig can benefit the whole system. So a good network switch can help your system if you stream and use Roon a lot. But you will need to have similar quality of cables and components before and after the switch to make the whole thing worthwhile. Plus there is power management and the other cables. Is it worthwhile to have an expensive switch when using, for instance, stock ethernet and power cables? I don’t think so. I believe in improving your system’s weakest point. 

Yes, you might need a better switch, not necessarily “Audiophile “.  My CA CXN 60 streamer wouldn’t recognize my NAS.  CA told to me to to change the switch, and that did the trick