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

Happy with Ansuz D2 switch, D-TC cable into Aurender N10.

The switch impressed me from minute one.

Adding Ifi power x on the router made a difference as well 😎

To the question of “needing” an audio grade network switch - no.  However, in my and many other’s experience - they can make an improvement.  It’s not because they deliver better bit packets, but because they do not add as much noise on the signal.  I think @ghdprentice is largely correct in that the streamer makes the most noticeable beneficial impact (more than the DAC and/or network gear). For those who care, spending up on the streamer/serve can yield substantial improvements. It did for him as it did for me.  But, I will also note that I enjoyed a smaller, but still noticeable improvement when I upgraded my network switch (English8 in my case - about $600) as well as adding the Network Acoustics ENO filter.

So - need? No. Good value from switches?  I’d say yes as it was the least expensive upgrade I’ve made to my system. 

Only one way for the OP to know is to try.  Make sure they have a return policy. But, don’t be surprised if you end up keeping it.

Best,

But if you have an optical connection between a dac and a switch then there is no need to get a better switch because optical connections remove the noise and solve all the noise problems.

So the real solution is to go optical isn't this correct?

digital noise is but one problem to be solved in digital signal transfer for music

the optical rendu and its ilk going to fiber optical then back is one good solution... but galvanic isolation can be accomplished successfully through other engineered solutions as well

https://audiophilereview.com/cd-dac-digital/usb-cables-noise-and-galvanic-isolation/

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/usb-cables-and-galvanic-isolation

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/512770-ethernet-system-for-audio-putting-it-all-together/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0A0l6keKTg

At this point no single best streaming solution has been discovered.  @jumia You'd think 100% galvanic isolation would make anything prior superfluous, this not the case. Every single component in streaming chain will manufacture noise and/or allow noise in from emi/rfi, tthis noise detracts from attaining full resolving capabilities. Galvanic isolation certainly blocks the noise, but can't remove that which exists prior within equipment, connections and cable. So, as much as it makes sense to block noise after servers, it also makes sense to block it prior to server.

My experience is what comes after server more important than prior, the closest components or cabling just prior to dac most important. Still, the whole question of what's important brings to mind the old Linn argument that source is most important in systems vs. loudspeakers. The truth is everything is important, always be mindful of weak links and treat those as they arise.

For my particular setup, the audiophile or any switch for that matter, was detrimental, adding another component, power supply and cabling only served to add noise, sometimes simpler is better.