Snake oil of the year?

@wsrrsw

yep … tried one in my $50k system.

my take : bupkus….nada…. zippo…. = SFA difference in my digital audio performance compared to the simple quality build “vanilla” unit recommended and supplied by my pro IT tech. Pass on it.

NOW OPTION 2: …in stark contrast to the esoteric network switch swap-in / swap-out step above with its marketing techno+bafflegab hyperbole that makes non-IT tech types eyes glaze over…, ….yes … NOW there is a distinct audio digital audio performance improvement with a simple step up in the digital build quality in the new upgraded streamer and DAC ( e.g. my BRYSTON stablemates with discrete linear power supplies etc) …..

yep …. It’s all there now … no quarrel.

I read a lot of reviews and posts in the major audio forums, but I don’t necessarily blindly support their stated opinions , pro and con. I’ll still use my ears in MY system ( emphasis added ) as the ultimate litmus test . Others may have different experiences, no worries …. ,carry on!

it’s the overly aggressive types that cling to a notion of “IT  HAS to be the best” option that I tune out. There is no “best” in this hobby.

There are three sides to every story: your side, my side, and the truth. And no one is lying. Memories shared serve each differently.”

― Robert Evans

@akg_ca

What one did you try? What’s in your system please?

My takeaway is a lot of this stuff is system/room dependent.

I have no beef with those who can afford the best(what ever that is). If I was in that realm I’d have to get divorced to afford it and because of the divorce I’d be unable to affrod much at all. My darTZeels would be real gold too.

I suspect many on this forum are looking for the best they can afford and clearly a lot of knowledge here gets systems that sound better from the shared knowledge.

@wsrrsw

You asked what switch I tried: English Electric 8 Switch .

In my direct experience(s) I don’t support

- any supposition that any network Ethernet switch(es) is/(are) room dependent,

- or otherwise dependent on any other non-digital / analog portion of one’s audio system.

Rather, it is directly the quality build of the digital streamer + DAC portions alone and not lofty priced Ethernet network switches for MY improved audio performance experience.

FWIW This is my system:

REGA OSIRIS integrated amp

REGA ISIS VALVE cdp/ DAC

BRYSTON BDP1-USB digital streamer/ server /

BRYSTON BDA2 DAC

HARBETH 30.2XD standmount speakers on TonTraeger speaker stands

PHILIPS 630 ( USA) tuner ( fully rebuilt and upgraded 2021)

bespoke custom high-end black walnut audio rack

All CARDAS CLEAR interconnects array

CARDAS CLEAR REFLECTION speaker cables

CARDAS CLEAR / CLEAR REFLECTION / GOLDEN REFERENCE power cables

i also have digital streaming capabilities in my “B” system ( ~ $5K with all ARCAM electronics / TRIANGLE bookshelf speakers / CHORD cables) . The network switch digital (non?)-experience was the same for me. Go figger.

Again, others may have different experiences…. Some drive Fords, some drive Chevys …carry on… no worries. Trust your ears- yay or nay …. Fine … But it’s entrenched beliefs on the manufacturers specs or mag reviews that includes marketing hyperbole influencing one’s purchase decisions that leaves me cold and unconvinced.

Nice setup.