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Where to place your best switch?

I have a cheap switch after my modem/router connected with cat 8 between them. From that switch I have a 35 foot run of cat 8 that fits into my Eno filter which is then connected to my streamer. (This cheap switch also has a PC, audio receiver, and my TV upstairs connected to it.  I have read that audio is best to be separate?) I have purchased and on it's way  a high quality LHY Switch that has an OCXO clock and linear power supply built in. MY two options would be:

1. Replace the cheap switch with this switch.

2. Place the better switch at the end of the 35 ft  long cat 8 and use a short quality ethernet cable such as a WW Starlight 8  into the Eno Filter.

My suspicion is that #2 will be better but I was wondering if all these connections make a difference and detract from any gains. I have been reading a lot but many of these threads get into pissing matches and get off topic so it's hard to sift through them. 

 

I realize I can just try both options myself. I am not going down the fiber optic route, I am happy with the 35 foot cat 8 connection. This is in my basement and the cable is run already.

128x128fthompson251
erik_squires
15,740 posts
 

My feelings on this is always that the power supply matters more than the switch.  The ability of wall warts to inject noise into the AC line should not be underestimated. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,063 posts
 

#1. Replace the cheap switch with LHY Switch and sit back, enjoy music.

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

I just went through this. I concluded to put the generic netgear switch near the router and then put the Etherregen at the streamer with a short quality cable into the streamer.

Then I realized I could move my Roon Core over to the audio stand and elimate the negeear switch all togehter. So I have an 8 meter AQ silver plated cable supplying my Etherrregen and then all my accessories hooked to it.

Addressing Erik’s comment. Etherregen comes with a switching power supply but they claim that their onboad power managment system is all that is necessary. I bought the Nutone audio linear power supply, could hear no difference, and sold it. I didn’t sell it because I could hear no difference. Small improvments are sometimes not audible in a listening session. It was not expensive, and I would have kept it. I sold it because I was sure the difference was small and it runs too hot for my taste. I"m looking casually for an LPS for it, 7 to 12 volts that runs cooler. I just bought Farad power supplies for my DAC and they are nice but pricey.  They DID make a difference on the DAC.

Jerry

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251 OP
298 posts
 

Well I ordered a 1/2 meter silver ethernet cable to place between the switch and the Eno's filter, so I will put the best switch next to the system and give that a go.

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