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Relationship between Ethernet Switch and SQ

This one will probably invite some withering mockery, but I will ask....

I only stream, and my streamer (Bryston BDP) is fed with an ethernet cable that runs back to my router.  Literally back to my router; there are enough output jacks on the router that I have a long run to the streamer and no ethernet switch in the chain (or the house system for that matter).   (There is an Eno filter right before the streamer).

I happen to OWN a nice LHY ethernet switch.  I am assuming that there is no reason to use it in this configuration, that is, assuming there are noisier switches, and less noisy switches, there is still no net benefit of adding any switch to this chain.  But maybe, just maybe, in the metaphysics of electrons that I do not understand, there is some reason why a nice switch prior to the streamer accomplishes something (in theory...I get that I can A/B test and try to fool myself whether I can hear a difference).  For the first person with a correct answer, I will mail a nice $600 switch to the address you specify! (JK)

mathiasmingus
tonywinga's avatar
tonywinga
844 posts
 

Thank you.  I'd say that streaming hi res is better than CD.  Local Hi res files have even a bit more body to the images.  My vinyl rig is most excellent but this new DAC gives it a run for its money.  Sound stage size and imaging are close to identical now between vinyl and digital.  I think the digital now has my vinyl beat on detail and resolution.  I wouldn't have believed that at all possible just a few years ago.  And now the digital highs and bass compete with the best of the best vinyl.   

I'm on the fence about a top end streamer.  That's why I have had my son in here evaluating with me the various formats this past week with my current streamer.  It is no slouch.  Lots of cache ram and I am using an upgraded power supply.  Very quiet.  Looking at the K50 but wish I could audition the top Aurender and the K50 in my own house before spending that much on a streamer because at the moment I can't see how I would realize that size of a gain.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,612 posts
 

@tonywinga 

Thanks for posting your listening impressions. I agree with @ghdprentice recommendation to audition a top flight streamer in your system. Between the two brands, any dealer should be able to afford you a in-home audition without any obligation. Keep in mind, Aurender is not ROON compatible yet so there would be a bit of learning curve. 

I prefer Aurender’s Conductor App by a mile over ROON in my system. My emphasis is always on SQ (do no harm to digital bits) over a fancy UI. Congrats again on such a beautiful system. 

tonywinga's avatar
tonywinga
844 posts
 

Thanks again.  I don’t even know what I don’t know with regards to high end streamers.  
I read the Aurrender manuals and am a little intimidated by their software- well really just the idea of learning a new operating system.  I also wonder how my Roon music library would transfer to the Aurrender app. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,612 posts
 

@tonywinga 

The Conductor app is well laid out and easy to navigate. No worries on music library, Conductor app curates your library off ‘network’ or directly connected via USB to any of the Aurender streamers. One thing, I really appreciate about Conductor app is, it keeps your rips in a separate folder (you can also create multiple folders based on your personal preferences). I prefer browsing my rips vs Qobuz stream separately vs all jumbled together as in ROON. 

fredrik222
522 posts
 

@deep_333 cult is cult, you are just one step away from drinking cyanide when John Swenson tells you to.

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