Snake oil of the year?

@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. 

Tough to judge by the picture of your system, but you might be several thousand dollars away from the ehternet switch being the weak link in the chain. 

And for free, you could improve your sound by experimenting with speaker placement in your room.  They are awfully close together and maybe above ear height.