2. digital
  3. 174216-169961

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
bcaudio1
12 posts
 

My two cents, I probably wouldn't bother with something like that, especially if you're just streaming over the internet.

 

The only situations where I could see this making a difference would be if you had your digital files already stored on a computer, NAS, or home network server.  And then only if your equipment (DAC, headphones/speakers, preamp/amp) is resolving enough to present any improvement.

 

Of course, I'm curious if anything like that would make a difference in my system, but I'm spending money on other things first (power, cables, etc.)

antigrunge2
1,399 posts
 

@soix,

refreshing to find someone actually using his ears on this rigorist dogmatist thread

delm
54 posts
 

I have been there with an ETHERregen, power, and external clock.  It made a difference in sound from the DAC (Meitner MA1) if I used a wired interface, eg AES/EBU, from the EMM NS1 to the DAC.  If I used Toslink with a DH Labs glass master cable anything upstream of the NS1 did not matter.  Bottom line, separate DAC and optical (Toslink if well implemented or ST fibre) into it.

djones51
4,947 posts
 

When someone gives their opinion that has used their ears and not their EYES and ears that would really be refreshing.

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

Audio Snake Oil

 

Sorry could not help it. If you can hear it then its real.

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