Network Switches

Synergistic Research has one of the best Ethernet hubs and cables.

@b_lee 

SR makes a Router and a Switch.  What's the difference?  What does an audiophile Router do that a Switch does not?  Is it similar to two switches?  Is the order Modem, Router then Switch?  What goes into the Router, just the Modem and Switch?

Excellent thread. 

The back of the house Ethernet is often a chain of parts  

Most of us spend for and value top tier connects for other parts of our systems and the same should be true for our digital connections that often require a switch. On a bicycle a clean chain is best. Sure a dirty one works but…….
 
In my experience Ethernet out from the wall “cleaned up” is better. 

@rikkipuu The difference between a router and switch is the router can assign IP addresses, common switches don't. A managed switch does have the ability to assign IP addresses, so managed switch can replace a router. Since regular switches don't one must keep router in streaming chain, switch is added after router, generally the advantage of the switch is to isolate streaming chain from the whole house router, router continues to serve the whole house system. I also see switches added in setups where router located far from the audio system, long LAN cable to switch, switch located near audio system so shorter, audiophile LAN cable serves audio system. Some switches also have optical capability, same with routers, this may be an advantage as well.

Would an upgraded switch have any sonic impact?

Yes, but one needs both a highly transparent audio chain and choose a higher quality audiophile switch to hear the difference/improvement

If so what switches in the 500 dollar range would be recommended?

None.  Usually one has to spend significantly more to hear a meaningful difference/improvements like Network Acoustics, Ansuz, SR, Telegartner.  Below these quality/price points positive results are more uncertain