Why do I need a switch?

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. 

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.

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.

OK since we just experimented with this last week, the Silent Angel makes a good streamer and switch.  Like Bill says, it takes out the noise.  Not sure how effective the really cheap ones are but you can test them to see if there is an improvement.  You can reach out to me if you are interest in the SA products.  I am not a dealer but an industry insider.

Happy Listening.