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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
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim OP
4,688 posts
 

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. 

ghdprentice
6,965 posts
 

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.

 

jeffstrick's avatar
jeffstrick
176 posts
 

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

daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
563 posts
 

I would get rid of as much noise and interference.  There are several other things that will give more improvement than a switch.

Good cords, dedicated circuit, ethernet filtering, no wall warts in the circuit.  I would say these items would help all systems.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,134 posts
 

If you truly want better sounding digital ,then go to little green computer to see options 

never have separate modem,routers  i bough5 the latest docsis 3.1 motorola 8702 combo much faster,more cohesive , and get rid of the crappy $10 power supply 

$299 12v Zlinear power supply for starters , for sure helps streaming 

then a converter hub from Ethernet to fiber optic to a Sonore Deluxe as your digital converter end point with has very low noise regulators and Femto clocks  a good LPS there .I use the excellent Linear Tube Audio  LPS ,it’s the best under $1200 I have found for $750 ,, a substantial upgrade in sound that goes to your server .and good quality Ethernet cables is important and very Audible.remove all weak links in the chain. Digital noise is jitter that can and does travel house to house  if you hav3 coax cable coming into your house.

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