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

I think it's been a quite controversial topic for years, like what's the difference between normal network switch and an audio grade network switch, the price difference is certainly obvious though...
Anyway, I've done some researches, most audio reviewers say that under this " new digital streaming era " that an network switch is a must for an audio system, which is understandable for me, I mean because if I wanna play TIDAL or Qobuz or Spotify, I gotta use network so I can stream these online services, so yeah I get that if the network quality is good enough, it can possibly level up the music performance.

But anyhow, I'm new to this area, so I don't like to spend big bucks on my first purchase hahaha... there's a very wide range of the prices though, the top one is Ansuz Power Switch I think, the inner circuit and design look pretty sharp, and surely over my budget lol

So I'm choosing between Bonn N8 and SW-8, these two both got good reviews, and the prices seem so darn much friendly to me as I'm looking for an entry level switch now, do any of you have any insights to share?
or should I just go for the higher level ones?

Best,

preston8452
astolfor's avatar
astolfor
317 posts
 

@cakyol Exactly, that is the entire point I was trying make. 

pwayland
82 posts
 

My understanding is that ethernet cabling and switches powered by smps etc. are noisy and can adversely affect the circuits they are plugged into. This has nothing to do with the digital packets and how the network hands them off to the streamer. I recently implemented the optical ethernet conversion for around $200 with an ifi power supply for the last converter.  Made a significant difference to my ears. 

Improving Digital Streaming with a Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter System – PS Audio

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

Seems that if you have a lower end DAC, Streamer, and Cables you are more prone to EMI/RFI noise and the money you saved on your digital front end will now be spent upstream on power supply’s and voodoo switches…..

cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 

Here is what this is all about, in a summary form:

- Cables and switches themselves do NOT in any way affect the system.

- However, the noise that they and/or their power supplies may produce, MAY
affect sensitive analog circuits if they are placed close enough and may lead
to the mistaken conclusion that the devices & cables themselves are affecting
the sound.

As long as you buy cables and switches which are compliant with the 802 standards, AND they are placed away from sensitive analog signals, you will have no audio issues whatsoever.

Galvanically isolated (optically coupled) devices will also improve  the noise floor.

Spend your money on better streamers or DACs instead.

 

 

 

soix
10,269 posts
 

As an engineer, I can tell you 100% that cables and switches make no difference as long as they work.

@rifraf4u As an audiophile who uses his ears, I can tell you you’re absolutely WRONG.  Do I like that cables make a difference?  No.  Do they make a difference?  ABSOLUTELY.  Just cause you can’t measure things in your engineering world doesn’t mean they don’t sound different.  We can’t measure everything that the ear can hear. 

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