Relationship between Ethernet Switch and SQ

Thanks so much for all the food for thought.  I did not think I would immediately make a purchase based in this thread...but I did.  It may surprise you (for those who care to read on), but I include my reasons.  I bought …..another Bryston(!) - a BDP3.  Reasoning (following a moderate amount of research):

1. I like the BDP2, and the BDP3 should provide some sonic uplift.
2. My system has moved from silver to black - replacing a silver 2 with a black 3.
3. The Bryston user interface is terrible - web based, and similar to a 1982 personal computer.
4. ,,,which means a lot of people steer clear based on the interface.  But I am very comfortable with it at this point, including all the configuration details, and it is very reliable.
5. Research generated a largely consistent message of: BDP3 is underrated, excellent SQ (cruddy interface).
6. I just run AES/EBU.  For USB, I’m sure an Innuos Zenith Mk 3 + Phoenix (and certain other high-end gear mentioned here) would likely exceed. 
7. Very clean unit negotiated for $2350 used (plus tax and shipping). 
8. Great company with great build quality and support.
9. 2 or 3 years from now, digital will likely have advanced again - I will reassess after having good sound at good value for a few more years.

So that’s what I did! Somebody may argue that was a poor play for some reason, but not much lost if so.  Thanks again for your input!

@mathiasmingus congrats on the purchase! The BDP3 if my memory serves is Roon ready. I’d give that a shot for the free trial period and compare the sound quality of Manic Moose vs. Roon. I’ve seen the Bryston software and I am pretty sure Roon is leaps and bounds better. Worth every penny especially when contrasted against the Moose. 
 

@lalitk thanks…didn’t know that. 

@audphile1 Oh yes, BDPs are Roon ready and I am a Roon user.  (Again with configuration details that may throw the unitiated).  I have not critically compared whether the Moose may sound better - I believe at least one person suggested so.  Which leads to the topic for another thread - I am DONE with Windows 11!  I used a dedicated Windows 11 laptop as my Roon core, and after the last Roon update, I have not been able to get Roon and Windows Defender to cooperate.  Enough.  Bought a used Roon nucleus which is in transit! And LPS to accompany.

That sounds like a good setup! Enjoy!

audphile1

Cheaper streamers buffer. Higher end streamers cache. Some higher end streamers buffer but use a healthy buffer area and processing to ensure the data is clean.

What streamer are you using, @audphile1 ? What streaming service are you using that "isn’t fast enough for streaming so error checking goes out the window, replaced by ’error correction’ meaning that if a bit is dropped, some value between the 2 adjoining bits is chosen (interpolation) "?

You can fiddle with power supplies on your streamer all you want, but you’re likely to get much greater improvement by looking at your streaming service and cleaning up whatever network problems are contributing to your dropped bits.

Meanwhile, I think @mathiasmingus made a great choice in the Bryston BDP-3. I dumped an Aurender for the Bryston and have never been happier. Yes, the interface is crude and some people just can't get passed that. But it's a terrific streamer.