Testing Ethernet switch

I enjoy this forum and have learned a lot- especially from the good folks who have responded when I've asked for advice. I'm amazed at how much passion this hobby brings. The descent into personal invective over the relative importance of posting photos of your system a few weeks ago was entertaining, comical and vaguely disturbing all at the same time. 
 

the switch discussion is similar. I couldn't hear a difference and have a hard time understanding how it could matter- kinda like fuses. But if someone finds it's an improvement it's not for me to deny their experience- maybe my old ears aren't good enough. On the other hand, I thought I could hear improved sound with higher end cables- not ten grand cables but better than stock. So I bought them

was the improvement real? Imagined? Confirmation bias?

I don't know. Don't really care because it sounded better to me. And it's listening to music, not a physics test. 
 

measurements can be useful and are objective 

what somebody considers to be pleasing sound is inherently subjective

cheers 

Folks  may wish to stay naïve, Folks may wish to learn. Folks may read my posts, Folks may choose not to. 

Quick Amazon search:

Budget 50' CAT6e  $8.75  Budget twin fiber  $29.49

Budget fiber switch $375, Budget copper $21.99   

You can use fiber to copper converters if you have fewer clients for a little less. 

As I keep saying and one particular person does not seem to read, Fiber works just fine. Passes the same IP traffic but just costs more. A solution in search of a problem. 

Miss the days when Almarg was still with us. Man had a wealth of knowledge and shared it with everyone with style and grace, no chest puff, no I know better than everyone else.

Keep in mind this is tvrgeek’s opinion.  He is not a degree’d engineer or scientist nor has he published papers in technical journals on this subject matter.  Therefore, he is not a subject matter expert.  Correct me if I’m wrong.  Treat his opinion as such.

I am not a subject matter expert on the internet or ethernet either.  I have an opinion too.  My opinion differs greatly from his.  My opinion is based on personal experience.  I am however an  experienced, degreed engineer.  I understand the value and context of measurements and how to interpret them.  I also have 44 years in this hobby and have experimented and trialed various mechanical and electrical upgrades with varying degrees of success as well as participating in the observations and discoveries made by fellow audio hobbyists.  One of the craziest tweaks still that I have encountered in this hobby is using a bulk tape eraser on CDs.  It works, my fellow audio friends have experienced it as well.  No one can adequately explain to me why or how it works.  Doesn’t matter.  What matters is the application and the repeatable results with a $20 Radio Shack bulk tape eraser.  The experience is like hearing a record with a poorly tracking cartridge before the CD is demagnetized.  After demag, the sound is much clearer.  One day someone may figure it out but since the CD era is about over I think it is not likely.

@tonywinga you are 100% correct. @tvrgeek I guess for some $11.00 variance is a lot of money. My house and our community was built on a fiber network. I also should be more cognizant of others resources. Again it is your opinion and two cents, and that is what it is worth. Don Quixote keep tilting at windmills.