Network Switches

I wonder if I could throw out another question to the group; keeping in mind that my budget is limited in the 500 dollar - 750 dollar range.

If I were to pursue an LPS as the first step in enhancing my digital sound; which component would the starting point to add an LPS to optimize sound?

Ethernet switch vs Router Modem vs Server ( Small Green Computer )?

A server or streamer is the component that most benefits from a quality lps. Next in line would be switch followed by router then modem.

@rivinyl 

A gentle caution, It’s so easy to over-analyze the Ethernet signal chain. I’ve been down that rabbit hole—switches, filters, cables, clocks… the nth degree of tweaking.

After all that, here’s my takeaway: Less is often more. You’ll get better results focusing on fewer, higher-quality components rather than stacking layers of tweaks. Simplicity when done right, can sound astonishing.

At the end of the day, trust your ears. Stream smart, not cluttered.

Look at the components that offer robust performance and functionality. 

Tweak your existing setup with following, add optical conversion ahead of your streamer / DAC

https://www.beatechnik.com/product-page/lhy-audio-efi

And this to your basic switch, 

https://a.co/d/2rnfJYr

@rivinyl along the lines of what was recommended by @lalitk

here’s a cheaper option for lan optical isolator 

https://www.musicdirect.com/equipment/accessories/ifi-lan-ipurifier-pro/

comes with Music Direct return policy. 
you would place this device to feed the final Ethernet entry point - if you’re using the electrocompaniet as a streamer the iFi device would be placed immediately in front of the electrocimpaniet ethernet connection  

As to linear power supplies - my thought process is if your Trendnet switch is not plugged into to same circuit as your audio system, adding LPS to it is unlikely to make any difference. I would add LPS to the SGC and add good Ethernet cables throughout with the best one feeding your streamer. 

Thanks for all the suggestions.!