Looking for a true upgrade in sound quality

You could try a different DAC.  Many people who actually understand networking are very skeptical of network tweaks.  Switches and network cables don’t have a sound, except silence when not working.

Many people who actually understand networking are very skeptical of network tweaks. Switches and network cables don’t have a sound, except silence when not working.

@jji666 Many people who understand networking refuse to just use their ears because they’ve convinced themselves something can’t possibly make a difference. You’ve also said streamers have no sound so let’s consider the source here. It’s fine to be skeptical, but dismissing something without hearing it is arrogant and ignorant — but it’s a lot easier, I’ll give you that.

Why the name calling and assumptions?  I've used hundreds of network cables, dozens of switches and routers.  

What I said about streamers was that they weren't something to "match" with analog components as tone controls - i.e. to add warmth to a cold system type of thing, and that matching a DAC was the better bet to "mate" with that OP's gear, as that OP asked (different thread). 

This OP asked if there might be a sound improvement from using an outboard DAC versus what's built into his streamer.  I think there might be and would well prioritize that over questionable network tweaks. My suggestion is to focus budget on a core component like a DAC.  

What I said about streamers was that they weren't something to "match" with analog components as tone controls

@jji666 No, in that other thread you literally said word for word that streamers have no sound just like you did about switches and network cables here.  I’ll go find it and copy it here if needed.  If you wanna walk that back somehow, fine, but you absolutely said that streamers have no sound so don’t try to say otherwise. 

They don’t have a sound. I did add more to my statement in a later post that explained that what I was referring to was that it is pointless to try to match to specific analog gear in the sense of "my system is cold, I need more warmth" like one might do when adding tubes to a system. The pure streamer won’t do that. A DAC might.

But I will stick with the bare statement here if you would like me to. That way you can have a bigger target for your ad hominem.

You may have others who agree here, but your statements are contrary to the knowledge of a massive majority of network engineers, physicists, and other scientists, etc. But what’s critical is simply that newbies understand that there is substantial disagreement with network tweaks, and more importantly that even if some believe in their effect, the priority is well below that of any core component in the system.

When someone is shopping for their first outboard DAC (my assumption) it makes sense to suggest good DACs...not an off the shelf switch that has been put in a platinum case with a linear power supply.

And I’ll repeat - I have used many switches, routers, and network cables. So please don’t tell me I don’t listen.

Edit/PS:  I am not an ASR guy.  I do believe components can have different sounds.  But I do not apply analog logic to the digital end.  It's just different.  But moreover I disagree with those who take a simple newbie question about DACs as an opportunity to go straight to network tweaks.