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Ethernet switches - PartA: Switches List, info & Experience


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While there is currently quite a buzz about Uptone Audio EtherREGEN, I thought I'd list the other switches designed for audio for info.  Melco S100 was also recently released.

 

These are listed from lowest to highest cost but grouped by manufacturer.  Prices are what I could find, not best price, and AU$ is simply conversion from US$, £ or € - excluding shipping and import costs.

 

Costs range from AU$350 to a staggering AU$20k.

 

This list is just for information - not my recomnendations.  

 

Feel free to post your personal experience with any switch listed.  In particular, if you upgraded to one of these listed, please outline what it replaced and the rest of your ethernet system it is connected to directly or indirectly (cables, psu, fibre, etc).

 

Comparisons between these switches would also be of interest.

 

Also feel free to advise where to read other peoples' experience with these switches (eg. on other furums).

 

I will add to this list and include links to reviews if I am made aware.

 

Let's try not to clutter this up with technical debates.  If you wish to advise or read about why these shouldn't work, then I created Part B for that purpose. 

 

The List: (more added 7 Dec 2021)

 

Silent Angel Bonn N8 - TCXO Audiophile Ethernet Network Switch
US$340/AU$495
https://cruxaudio.com/collections/thunder-data/products/bonn-n8-high-end-audio-network-switch

Screenshot_20191223-165459_Chrome.jpg

 

Fidelizer Etherstream

(modified Cisco SG110D-08)

US$395/AU$570

https://www.fidelizer-audio.com/etherstream-network-switch/

 

Renolabs

AU$680 - $900

https://renolabs-audio.com/danh-muc-san-pham/audio-switch

 

Nuprime

(ie. upgraded Bonn)
€450/AU$720
https://nuprimeaudio.com/product/nuprime-omnia-sw-8/?v=6cc98ba2045f

SW-8_3.png

 

English Electric (Chord Co)

8Switch

£450/AU$850

https://englishelectric.uk/

8switch-slider-3-e1588176173222.png

 

Uptone Audio EtherREGEN
US$640/AU$930
https://uptoneaudio.com/products/etherregen

Screenshot_20191223-165331_Chrome.jpg

 

Aqvox
€400-800/AU $640 - $1300
http://www.myhifishop.de/Devices:::1.html

Screenshot_20191223-171039_Chrome.jpg

 

Paul Pang
Single switch AU$450
Dual switch AU$1950

Quad Switch AU$3100
http://ppaproduct.blogspot.com/2015/07/audio-grade-switcher.html?m=1
ppaproduct.blogspot.com

 

IMAG2782.jpg

 

AfterDark

AU$645-1050

https://www.adark.co/collections/audiophile-grade-networking-system/products/afterdark-project-clayx-constellation-optical-lan-isolated-network-switch-x-black-handhartilo-mini-series

I have translated this page to English in a post on Page 4 of this thread.

 

The Linear Solution
Switch OCXO US$590/AU $855
Switch v2.0 US$750/AU$1100
Reference switch US$1500/AU$2200
Router OCXO US$1200/AU$1750
https://thelinearsolution.com/tls_switches.html

 

Review of OCXO switch:  https://www.google.com/amp/s/audiobacon.net/2018/09/28/the-linear-solution-ocxo-audiophile-switch-reference-ethernet-cable-the-missing-pieces-of-digital-audio/

 

SOtM

Base AU$1200

With Clock AU$2300

With Clock input AU$2600

 

Optional upgrade AU$300

7N-UPOCC Internal Silver Wires - EVOX capacitors - EABS- 200

(ie. $1500, $2600, $2900 respectively).


https://www.sotm-audio.com/sotmwp/english/portfolio-item/snh-10g/

https://cruxaudio.com.au/collections/sotm-ultra/products/snh-10g?variant=15858914918471

 

Review: https://www.google.com/amp/s/audiobacon.net/2019/04/05/sotm-snh-10g-audiophile-ethernet-switch-review/amp/

20191223_170500.jpg

SOtM also have this package which includes a modified D Link switch - 

 

Russ Andrews

AU$1760

https://www.russandrews.com/russ-andrews-network-switch/

 

Waversa Systems
€1500/US$1670/AU$2400
http://www.waversa.com/
https://www.magic-mastering.com/shop/en/network/1301-waversa-ws-smarthub.html

 

New version

https://waversasystems.com/wsmarthub30

US$2200/AU$3200

 

Info about Smarthub performance
https://www.hificlub.co.kr/web10/mobile/m_brd_wz_view_n16.asp?table=brd_10281&pid=13642&brdcat=230

https://www.hificlub.co.kr/web10/mobile/m_brd_wz_view_n16.asp?table=brd_10281&pid=13641&brdcat=230

 

Screenshot_20191223-164157_Chrome.jpg

 

Waversa

Wrouter

US$5400/AU$7300

https://waversasystems.com/wrouter

https://www.kevalinaudio.com/product-page/waversa-wrouter

 

Synergistic Research

Ethernet Switch UEF

AU$3700 ish

Incl Foundation power cable

Package deals for reduced price ethernet or power cables.

https://www.synergisticresearch.com/accessories/ethernet-switch-uef/

 

The Ethernet Switch UEF provides a dramatic step forward for streaming and digital performance ... a real game changer.

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/synergistic-research-ethernet-switch-uef/

 

DELA S100

AU$2500-3100

https://www.adark.co/products/dela-s100-audiophile-network-hubs?variant=31467579605110

Seems to be a version of Melco (below) - with upgrade options.  DELA is a Melco company.

 

Also BS-GS2016M / A

https://www.dela-audio.com/product/bsgs2016a/

Unsure if this is designed for audio.

 

Melco S100
AU$3500
https://www.melco-audio-masters.com/uploads/1/0/1/5/101505220/mel_2073_s100_a4_2pp_info_sheet_v3.pdf
https://www.bmcw.com.au/melco-audio

 

Also in black

Screenshot_20191223-163006_Chrome.jpg

 

Entreq Empire

AU$3000

https://www.entreq.com/

NB: it includes a built in battery power supply with DC outputs to power external devices (eg. Router), and other goodies.

91744472-4HWZ3.jpg

 

Telegärtner M12 (via JCAT)

These include 2 x special ethernet cables

 

Magic 
€2550/AU$4100
https://jcat.eu/product/m12-switch-magic/

 

Gold
€4165/AU$6700
https://jcat.eu/product/m12-switch-gold/

 

Reviews: 

Magic https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/telegartner/

Gold  https://darko.audio/2018/03/for-the-audiophile-who-has-everything-telegartners-m12-switch-gold/

Screenshot_20191223-164851_Chrome.jpg

 

Innuos PhoenixNet

AU$5200

https://innuos.com/phoenixnet/

https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/innuos4/

 

Special Class:

 

Ansuz Acoustics Powerswitches

 

These provide power for active cells on Ansuz cables, in addition to being a network switch.  Their cost likely reflects dual functions.  I gather cost increases with improvements to power functions/features rather than switch function.  I am seeking further info.

 

X-TC, A2, D2, D-TC Supreme

€2000-12000

 

https://ansuz-acoustics.com/products/powerswitch

 

ansuz_powerswitch_frontrear_new.jpg

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2 hours ago, Decky said:

815TTkJaVxL._SL1500_.jpg

 

$39.99 It works. ? 

 

Perhaps not ideal for audio, but no doubt it does work, and probably better with upgraded PSU ... but lets discuss this in Part B thread ... https://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/298458-ethernet-switches-for-audio-part-b-why-a-regular-switch-will-suffice/?tab=comments#comment-4434674

Edited by dbastin
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I replaced my Netgear switch with a standard Aqvox switch ($800).

Improvement is the same as upgrading any component. Well worth the change. The Aqvox has been compared to standard switches in my system and another hiend system with the same results

The Aqvox does not however negate the benefits of using high quality Ethernet cables.

Once I installed Audio quest diamond Ethernet cables into the Aqvox the sound was complete.

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It's hard to find comparisons between them to indicate how they differ ... and if more cost buys better performance.

 

Here's a numner of forums threads that shed light on comparisons.

 

Comparison of 7 switches, in Dutch, but use translator and see diagrams

Concludes top 3 being:

Cisco Meraki, SoTM & Silent Angel Bonn 8
https://www.alpha-audio.nl/review/zeven-switches-voor-streaming-audio-getest-blind/

 

Sotm & M12 comparison - splitting hairs - and more on switches
https://devialetchat.com/Thread-Audiophile-Grade-Ethernet-Switches-The-new-generation?pid=86497#pid86497

 

Sotm , EtherRegen & M12 comparisons (NB. using just Supra Cat 8).
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/sotm-snh-10g-network-switches-x2-the-new-king-of-usb-network-gadget-setup.27758/page-12

 

Comment that Waversa better than Sotm (last post)
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/network-ethernet-switch-with-a-one-box-server-streamer-renderer-recommended.27889/page-2

 

I'm adding reviews to The List.

Edited by dbastin
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@dbastin it was a good idea to start this thread and even a better one to start a parallel thread on why Ethernet switches do not make a difference. As expected, the other thread is more lively with more posts than here.

 

I am now a believer, having started the EtherREGEN owners thread.  I bought it on an evaluation basis and have kept it.  I cannot explain it as an IT professional on why it improved SQ but as an audiophile, I went WOW!.

 

Suggest that people who are arguing that the 0's and 1's in Ethernet do not make a difference, should at least try an "Ethernet solution" on their own systems.  

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A Believer!  

I agree, this stuff sometimes makes no sense but does improve sound quality ... and that's all I need to understand.

So, approach with an open mind and spirit of experiment and adventure to hear what there is to be discovered.

 

I am not surprised Part A is a bit quiet as given reviews are rare and heaps of nay sayers I suspect people are rarely confident enough to commit to a switch, and many waiting the EtherRegen.

 

BTW, I was initially thinking of starting a similar pair of threads about ethernet cables ... I suspect there will be a lot more believers contributing to Part A, but a more firey debate in Part B.

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1 hour ago, dbastin said:

A Believer!  

I agree, this stuff sometimes makes no sense but does improve sound quality ... and that's all I need to understand.

So, approach with an open mind and spirit of experiment and adventure to hear what there is to be discovered.

Sound advice. 

 

Based on what I have read and experienced,  the impact of an Ethernet Switch for audio is setup dependent and also dependent on one's own listening preferences.   The only way to find out whether it works is to try it.  I do not know about the others, but the EtherREGEN comes with a 30 day money back guarantee, a no risk option for those who are open minded.

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  • 1 month later...

Comparisons done by Taiko Audio between

- Telegartner M12 Gold switch
-2x Sotm snh-10G, with clockboard, rifa cap and silver wire upgrade
-Uptone Ether Regen
-Netgear GS-108
-Startech ET91000SFP2 Fibre Media Converters (FMC)
-Startech SFP1000ZXST Small Form-factor Pluggable transceivers (SFP)

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-the-crème-de-la-crème.27433/post-625209

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  • 2 weeks later...

If you have a hour or 5, have a read of the Naim thread which has 6,000+ (yes, thousand!!) posts.

https://community.naimaudio.com/t/ethernet-switch-and-cables-mania/4385

@Assisi I believe that Darkebear on the Naim forum was the person who started the 2 switches are better trend.  Many there are using the Cisco 2960 or variants.

 

Darkebear now has the EtherRegen behind a Cisco.  If I can get a very cheap used Cisco 2960, I may yet try this arrangement.  

 

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4 hours ago, Snoopy8 said:

If you have a hour or 5, have a read of the Naim thread which has 6,000+ (yes, thousand!!) posts.

https://community.naimaudio.com/t/ethernet-switch-and-cables-mania/4385

@Assisi I believe that Darkebear on the Naim forum was the person who started the 2 switches are better trend.  Many there are using the Cisco 2960 or variants.

 

Darkebear now has the EtherRegen behind a Cisco.  If I can get a very cheap used Cisco 2960, I may yet try this arrangement.  

 

I haven't had time to read the Naim thread.  My comment in the "B" thread about switches and using two was based on @Dacman's comments to me when we tried the two Paul Pang switches.  He had found the two in a chain together was better.  When we tried the two different Paul Pang's it was one at a time because of time constraints.  It will be interesting to go down the path of multiple switches

 

John

 

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58 minutes ago, Assisi said:

I haven't had time to read the Naim thread.  My comment in the "B" thread about switches and using two was based on @Dacman's comments to me when we tried the two Paul Pang switches.  He had found the two in a chain together was better.  When we tried the two different Paul Pang's it was one at a time because of time constraints.  It will be interesting to go down the path of multiple switches

 

John

 

just a general comment but i believe a good system must start with good power and a good source. i spoke to kevin re fibre optic converters  .....all good.

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5 hours ago, Snoopy8 said:

If you have a hour or 5, have a read of the Naim thread which has 6,000+ (yes, thousand!!) posts.

https://community.naimaudio.com/t/ethernet-switch-and-cables-mania/4385

@Assisi I believe that Darkebear on the Naim forum was the person who started the 2 switches are better trend.  Many there are using the Cisco 2960 or variants.

 

Darkebear now has the EtherRegen behind a Cisco.  If I can get a very cheap used Cisco 2960, I may yet try this arrangement.  

 

 

Sure, but what's it actually doing?

 

There are double the attenuators in line like this.

There is effective subnetting.

 

Both replicable without a second switch, arguably at lower cost and more effectively so.

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On 10/02/2020 at 3:35 PM, Snoopy8 said:

If you have a hour or 5, have a read of the Naim thread which has 6,000+ (yes, thousand!!) posts.

https://community.naimaudio.com/t/ethernet-switch-and-cables-mania/4385

@Assisi I believe that Darkebear on the Naim forum was the person who started the 2 switches are better trend.  Many there are using the Cisco 2960 or variants.

 

Darkebear now has the EtherRegen behind a Cisco.  If I can get a very cheap used Cisco 2960, I may yet try this arrangement.  

 

i have a 2960 you can play with (and teach me how to use)

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On 22/12/2019 at 2:26 AM, dbastin said:

Comparisons between these switches would also be of interest.

....

 

I will add to this list and include links to reviews if I am made aware.

Hans Beekhuyzen is a good source for formal reviews and comparisons of audiophile Ethernet switches (in date order)

SOtM sNH 10G

AQVox AQ-Switch SE

Silent Angel Bonn N8  includes comparing using 3 streamers (Bluesound Node 2i, SOtM SMS-200 Ultra, Auralic Aries G2) and 3 switches (standard TP-Link 8 port switch, Silent Angel Bonn N8, SOtM sNH 10G)

Uptone EtherREGEN

Edited by Snoopy8
Added details of switches for Silent Angel compare, grammar
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Hans says EtherRegen is better than Bonn 8, Aqvox SE & SOtM (base model).

 

He says SOtM base model and Aqvox SE very similar, but he prefers SOtM by a tiny margin.

 

Also says in a moderate hifi, Bonn 8 delivers 70% of SOtM benefits for 40% of cost.  But with Aries G2 the difference between these 2 switches is not as great, but there is a benefit with SOtM nonetheless.  He speculates the G2 already does a lot of 'cleaning up' of the ethernet and thus benefits less from the higher performing SOtM

 

I recall reading Auralic prides itself on G2s strong point of WiFi, so I am surprised (and a bit disappointed) Hans didnt compare these switches with no switch - wifi.

 

But a key point for me is to consider how well each audio device is dealing with ethernet even without a switch designed for audio.

 

From other reading, comparisons between EtherRegen and SOtM (with clock upgrade) there does not seem to be a clear consensus as to which is better, and this may be due to system context and listener preferences.  In light of this, the cost difference suggests ER is very good value (if your system benefits from ERs treatment of ethernet and has enough resolution to appreciate it).

 

I still haven't uncovered any review of Melco S100.

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1 hour ago, dbastin said:

I still haven't uncovered any review of Melco S100.

Will need to use Google Translate from a Taiwan website:

Melco S100 review

http://my-hiend.com/wp/沒有任何懷疑的100提升-日本melco-s100發燒級switch網路交換器/

 

Melco S100 comparison with SOtm sNH-10G

http://my-hiend.com/wp/評測番外篇-發燒級switch集體試聽/

 

What's Best Forum from user Hols with Melco S100, SOtM sNH-10G in various configs: Part 1Part 2

 

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1 hour ago, Snoopy8 said:

Translated for your convenience ... and it follows that Hols on WBF found the 2 switch combo of Melco and SOtM pleasing, they are different flavours of equally excellent sound.

 

Evaluation Fanwai: Enthusiastic Switch collective audition

 

Leo Yeh January 4, 2020

 

This article is to report the conclusions of our collective evaluation to everyone.  For the sake of fairness, the audition method uses blind testing. Listen in the order of D-Link, Melco S100, SOtM sNH-10G high-level version, and then the fourth unit is randomly changed to confirm that the listener has heard Melco and SOtM. The difference.

 

Beforehand, Ted, Emma and I first selected a track for testing, from Tidal and NAS, and then added it to Roon's playlist.

 

After the collective audition, the three of us have the same conclusion.

 

Leo Yeh
Whether it is Melco or SOtM, it is very obvious to hit the D-Link, which means that as long as you have not replaced the fever-grade Switch users, don’t hesitate anymore. This is the most obvious investment to improve the sound recently.  And it is a comprehensive promotion.  So Melco and SOtM are better? Although this is the answer you don’t want to see most, I’m sorry, the two levels are similar, the difference is in the direction of the sound, Melco is delicate, the background is black, listening to some vocals and musical instruments are separate  

Obviously, SOtM has a high energy density and can feel more alive, so it depends on the direction your system wants to go.

 

Ted Chen
Undoubtedly, both Melco and SOtM have obviously improved the overall sound performance, but the final sound direction is slightly different. It can be seen that the audio system is quite sensitive to network switches.  In terms of sound performance, Melco's sound is more condensed and delicate, while SOtM is more open and dynamic. After all, I can't judge which one is better, because the same level, depending on the system mix, both are recommended.

 

Emma Lin
Put on SOtM sNH-10G, the dynamic range is wider, the low frequency is more powerful, the vocals should be unrestrained, the overall music is closer to the listener, the music of Melco S100 sounds gentler than SOtM, SOtM's arrogance  More than Melco, but both are very sensitive in conversion, because everyone's feelings about music are different. Both are quite good in music processing, depending on the needs and choices.

 

Melco S100 review
http://my-hiend.com/wp/?p=33194

 

SOtM sNH-10G review here
http://my-hiend.com/wp/?p=30251

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1 hour ago, Snoopy8 said:

Translated for convenience - I left out a few small sections just describing the switch.

 

100% improvement without any doubt: Japan Melco S100 enthusiast Switch network switch

 

Leo Yeh January 4, 2020

 

Recently, the hottest digital streaming product in the market is the Switch network switch. For no reason, as long as you have experienced any Switch with a fever level, you will be attracted by the sound improvement it brings. It was originally  Digital streaming brand, Melco Audio from Japan also recently announced a fever-grade network switch S100, priced at NTD 58,000. Why is Melco, which is backed by a powerful computer brand Buffalo, launched later than other brands on the market? I think this has something to do with the spirit of the Japanese tortoise, it will not be published until it is perfect.

 

Why do you want to keep the slower 100M? Because Melco has continued to compare and listen, it is found that audio equipment such as DAC, sounds better at 100M transmission, as for the 1000M interface is suitable for PC or Roon Core and other data processing operations  

 

Equipment used.  During the evaluation period, I also followed the original recommendations and connected the NAS with Roon Core to the 1000M interface, and the DAC and Music Server and other devices to the 100M interface.

 

The main purpose of the audition is to compare with the home network switch (D-Link DGS-1005A), which is also the switch that MY-HiEND originally used.

 

Switch to Audio-only Switch.

 

Significantly increased by 100%, the background is darker, and the sound is more pure (Leo Yeh)


This is not the first time we have tried the Audio Switch, which has a fever level. However, when we auditioned and compared, we still felt a great deal about the sound improvement brought by the Switch. After switching to the Melco S100, the sound difference can only be used suddenly  To describe, the original sound is obviously dull and noisy, and the distortion is large. The Melco S100 is transparent and transparent, the sound quality is more delicate, and the background is darker. Listen to the "Across the Stars", performed by the Los Angeles Art Orchestra, the sound quality of the violin is much better, and the orchestra's performance is more clear. The original Switch seems to be out of focus, and because the background is darker and the details such as details are better.  For those who originally used the regular Switch, I'm sure as long as I have tried the Melco S100, I will definitely pay for it, and it is difficult to switch back.

 

It's just a comprehensive promotion without saying a word (Ted Chen)

 

Since last year, enthusiast-grade network switches have been continuously appearing on the market. It is a very good thing for us or enthusiasts to have more choices. Before the emergence of enthusiastic-grade network switches, I never thought of such  The equipment will affect the sound so much, but after trying out different brands of fever network switches, it is indeed an upgrade tool that must be prepared for network streaming and listening to music.  As far as I see Melco's design of this type of product is very reasonable and convincing, because Melco itself has many years of experience in designing network streaming players, the impact of network transmission on sound should have been experienced long ago, and it is huge in the parent group Buffalo.  Under the resources, it should not be difficult to launch a network switch for audio products. My expectations for this S100 network switch must be higher than other brands.  The appearance of S100 is exactly the same as other products of Melco. It adopts stainless steel and all-metal casing, multiple network output and input at the rear, and optical fiber transmission is available for users to choose from.

 

Compared with our original DLink network switch, the final sound is not at the same level at all. The help provided by Melco S100 is too much. It is not too much to say that changing a set of audio equipment.  A digital streaming player with hundreds of thousands or even millions, but when it is used with a 3C network switch, it feels terrible.

 

During the audition, I compared with our magazine Leo and Emma in the same field, and exchanged songs with each other. Each song, whether familiar or not, can feel a huge gap.  Take chlara's "evosessions" as an example, starting from the dark background, guitar positioning, subtle dynamics, string details, up and down bandwidth, audio and video cohesion, sound field depth and vocal color, mouth clarity, and sound penetration  All of them are improved. Compared with the original sound, the low-frequency sound is loose, the middle frequency is not concentrated, and the high-frequency is noisy.

 

Stronger.  To be honest, to point out the difference between the Melco S100 and ordinary network switches is like telling the difference between Porsche and domestic cars. It is fundamentally different in taste and convenience. It is easy to say, but it ’s superfluous. I have to tell everyone that this money must be spent.

 

Sound quality is more condensed (Emma Lin)

 

The network switch is already a rammer in the current digital streaming market. As long as it can improve the sound quality, I think everyone should buy one. The Switch network switch is currently in several brands I have seen, and the volume is not  It is large and light in weight. It does not take up much space for the space. Melco S100 has a fair appearance without excessive design and decoration. It has a full metal chassis and multiple network outputs and inputs at the rear. It is available in black and silver.  For your choice, our review is black. Black is safer for space and system.  And after evaluating several Switch, what will happen to the Melco S100 this time? This time I listened to my colleagues in this magazine collectively and played the familiar songs for communication.

 

"Lover" for the test, playing the second track "Cruel Summer", this song has a strong sense of dynamics, low frequency is also very sufficient, first use Dlink to play, although the sound quality is OK, but you can hear a little burr, the music goes smoothly;  After putting on the Melco S100, the difference actually appeared, the burr was gone, the sound was modified a lot, the closeness of the music was more cohesive, the width and depth of the sound field were significantly changed, and a little more space was felt, and the low frequency was not like one.  The original was as aggressive as it was relatively relaxed.

Edited by dbastin
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The above translation is to me bit confusing.  One word stood out for me.  

On 15/02/2020 at 10:17 PM, dbastin said:

Stronger

I said in another thread that after listening to the two Paul Pang network switches that I had an itch and it may needed to be scratched.  (I had it real big itch a few days ago.   Some Jack Jumping ants got me.)  I said I would wait for a while before I did anything.  I waited just two days.  Impatient me.  I ordered the larger one from @Dacman   and it has now been in my system for two days.  I think after two days it is starting to settle in even more than Saturday.

 

 

My impression is the same as it was when I tested the two switches a couple of weeks ago.  The outcome is just wonderful, fantastic incredible and ecstasy.  It is as if I have significantly upgraded my entire system.  Dacman used two words - amazing and brilliant when we listened to some Black Sabbath and Pink Floyd.  Not my cup of tea.

 

 

Before the switch I considered that my system was extremely good.  Before anyone thinks that something needed fixing in system you may read a review of my system as it was just over a year ago in the “Sound + Image Hifi yearbook 2020 P.72”   Since the interview it had been changed with the upgrade to a Weiss Medus DAC and Weiss DSP 502.  Serious components.

 

 

The audio switch has totally changed the SQ.  Initially the first noticeable impact was the bass.  The strength and power of the bass.  I have Lenehan ML2 LTDs with the addition of one JL sub.  I have turned the sub off for the time being.  I then realised the impact was also in the High and Mid range.  The impact is everywhere.   I listen to a variety of music including some classical.  I have always thought that a symphony or a concerto with my system never had the scale or grandeur that I wanted.  Now I have it.  The sound stage is bigger, solid and more 3D than previously.   A favourite track of mine is Johnny Cash and "Life's Railway to Heaven" from the Nitty Gritty Vol 2.  The bass in that track is super special.  Now it is better still.  The guitar of  Antonio Forcione or Milos Karadagalic are now as if they are actually in my room.

 

          

I have only listed to the Two Paul Pang switches.  @BAM tells me that we have heard his AqVox in my system.  I do not remember so it may have not been significant.  The PP switches may include DLink components and some may therefore question the benefits.  For me there is a significant benefit regardless.  It is definitely not a "cheap crap product" as stated in a reactive opinion post by @Ittaku.  Other switches such as the Melco, SoTm and the EtherRegen may be even better.  I do not know.  If they are wow.

 

 

There have been several posts recently and in the past from people who question the benefit of audio switches and in some cases ethernet cables.  These posters seem to work in the networking industry and therefore will  have definite knowledge and experience.  It is fine if they are pleased with their respective audio situation and do not have the need to have an audio switch.  It may be interesting for them if they tried an audio network switch and or quality cables.  Until you try no one will never know.  Every little thing in one's system can make a difference.

 

 

 

Some may think that I have gone a bit over board above.  Rather I have not done justice to what I am hearing now.  Long live quality audio networking. 

 

John

Edited by Assisi
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