Why do I need a switch?


I just watched a few videos about audiophile switches and I don’t understand the need. Cable comes into my home and goes to a modem and then a NetGear Nighthawk router. I can run a CAT6 to my system or use the wireless. If you don’t need more ports, why add something else in the signal path?  On one  of the videos the guy was even talking about stacking several switches with jumpers and it made the sound even better. He supposedly bought bunch’s of switches at all ranges and really liked a NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS108Ev3) That costs $37 on Amaz.

Thanks in advance.

128x128curiousjim

@erik_squires 

Are you talking about those things that are @$67 for the pair on Amaz—? Or some other brand? 
 I have never heard of gas discharge surge protection.  What air gap/gas line products do you use?

Thanks

Hi Curiousjim, your sound will be as good as what is feed to your streamer. Noise is the enemy here.  Reduce it and hear so much more into your music. 
 

Cost for all I mention depending on new or used is $900-$1400 or so.  

Thanks grannyring,

I’m still trying to wrap my head around a switch improving my sound. My little brain keeps saying getting a better modem and router makes more sense than adding something after the modem and the router. And while I have the N130 Node and the Pardo LPS, maybe I should look at a N-10 or a N-20 first or maybe start small with the optical boxes @erik_squires was talking about. 

You can get improved sound by fiddling with the network or buying a better streamer. I would prefer to buy a better streamer. So, my system sounds fantastic plugged in to my wall wart WiFi extender (to my Nighthawk modem / router) next to my system. As good as my great vinyl rig.

Some folks put in switches… and Ethernet Regen (I have one… did not improve the sound for me… I have a top notch streamer) and all sorts of other stuff. It can help a basic streamer sound better.

 

Fiber is the only way to go for me. Marked improvements. Just don’t go cheap.