Why We Built the XACT N1 – A No-Compromise Network Switch for Audiophiles

[Marcin_gps]

Hi everyone,

I’d like to personally share a project that’s been in development for quite some time: the XACT N1, a network switch we built entirely from scratch — not modified, not rebranded, but truly designed for high-end audio from the ground up.

Over the years, I’ve tested many audiophile-grade switches. Most are based on office-grade IT boards with minor tweaks (usually power supply upgrades). But the core problem — noisy, shared, multi-purpose mainboards — was never addressed.

That’s why we started from zero.

The XACT N1 uses a fully custom motherboard, developed with one goal: maximum sound quality.

Every critical component is powered by its own ultra low-noise linear regulator (LDO) — not just to provide clean power, but to prevent circuits from polluting each other.

We also included:

• A fully isolated 1 Gbit RJ45 port — galvanically separated from the rest of the switch (data, clock, and ground).
• Master OCXO clock with its own linear power rail
• OPTIMO N1™ linear power supply with three separate galvanically isolated rails for the main switch circuit, the clock and the isolated port
• Custom-tuned firmware focused purely on audio performance
  
  

The result?
In my own listening tests and those of early users — the sound is completely free of harshness or digital edge. You get a deeper soundstage, better separation, and a natural, effortless flow that’s rare in streamed audio.

This is not a product for everyone — but if you're running a serious server/streamer setup and want to extract every last bit of performance, I truly believe the N1 is something special.

More info: https://xact.audio/n1-network-switch/

Happy to answer any questions — technical or listening-related.

Best Regards,
Marcin

 

[HansW]

Hi everyone,

I’d like to personally share a project that’s been in development for quite some time: the XACT N1, a network switch we built entirely from scratch — not modified, not rebranded, but truly designed for high-end audio from the ground up.

Over the years, I’ve tested many audiophile-grade switches. Most are based on office-grade IT boards with minor tweaks (usually power supply upgrades). But the core problem — noisy, shared, multi-purpose mainboards — was never addressed.

That’s why we started from zero.

The XACT N1 uses a fully custom motherboard, developed with one goal: maximum sound quality.

Every critical component is powered by its own ultra low-noise linear regulator (LDO) — not just to provide clean power, but to prevent circuits from polluting each other.

We also included:

• A fully isolated 1 Gbit RJ45 port — galvanically separated from the rest of the switch (data, clock, and ground).
• Master OCXO clock with its own linear power rail
• OPTIMO N1™ linear power supply with three separate galvanically isolated rails for the main switch circuit, the clock and the isolated port
• Custom-tuned firmware focused purely on audio performance
  
  View attachment 149553

The result?
In my own listening tests and those of early users — the sound is completely free of harshness or digital edge. You get a deeper soundstage, better separation, and a natural, effortless flow that’s rare in streamed audio.

This is not a product for everyone — but if you're running a serious server/streamer setup and want to extract every last bit of performance, I truly believe the N1 is something special.

More info: https://xact.audio/n1-network-switch/

Happy to answer any questions — technical or listening-related.

Best Regards,
Marcin

Hi,
My streamer has an SFP input and so far using a DAC-cable has proved superior to RJ45 or fiber. Can I use the SFP connection with a DAC cable of the N1 to connect to my streamer? How would you advise me to connect the router and Roon Core and NAS?
Best regards
Hans

 

[Marcin_gps]

Hi,
My streamer has an SFP input and so far using a DAC-cable has proved superior to RJ45 or fiber. Can I use the SFP connection with a DAC cable of the N1 to connect to my streamer? How would you advise me to connect the router and Roon Core and NAS?
Best regards
Hans

Hi Hans,

Yes, absolutely — you can use the SFP port with a DAC cable to connect your streamer.
However, based on our testing and user feedback, I’m quite confident that you'll get even better results by using the ISOLATED port on the XACT N1.

Here’s why:

• The SFP port is part of the main LAN circuitry and shares a common ground with the standard LAN ports. It’s ideal for connecting to your router via fiber, especially if you want to bypass the often noisy internal switch section found in most consumer routers.
• The standard LAN RJ45 ports also share this common ground and are intended for devices like your router, NAS, Wi-Fi AP, or Roon Core.
• In contrast, the ISOLATED RJ45 port on the N1 is galvanically isolated from the rest of the switch. It has its own linear power supply and an independent ground, specifically designed to eliminate any potential noise leakage from the network into your audio system.

We’ve seen excellent results in this configuration — one of our partners in California connected the isolated port to dCS Varese and described it as "one of the most impactful upgrades in digital audio he’s experienced."

So, in your case, I’d suggest:

• Router → SFP port
• NAS & Roon Core → standard LAN ports
• Streamer → isolated RJ45 port

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[audiobomber]

I didn't see port speed listed anywhere in your specs. Is this a gigabit switch with 100Mbps on the isolated port?

 

[Marcin_gps]

I didn't see port speed listed anywhere in your specs. Is this a gigabit switch with 100Mbps on the isolated port?

It's 1Gbit for all ports, including the isolated one.

 

[Rotatoubib]

Hello Marcin! i will soon have the opportunity to listen to your S1 Evo and N1 switch, with a Playback Design MPD8 DAC. Which port would you recommend for optimal sound quality?

 

[Marcin_gps]

Hello Marcin! i will soon have the opportunity to listen to your S1 Evo and N1 switch, with a Playback Design MPD8 DAC. Which port would you recommend for optimal sound quality?

Hello,

The isolated port should sound best in most setups. Let us know when you hear the setup.

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[Ampman]

Hello Marcin! i will soon have the opportunity to listen to your S1 Evo and N1 switch, with a Playback Design MPD8 DAC. Which port would you recommend for optimal sound quality?

Hi
I also have an MPD-8 and would like to request if you could also please confirm what other streamers and switches you use or have already tried with your DAC when you are able to tell us what you hear with Marcin's combo.
That would be really interesting to put things into perspective.
Many thanks!

 

[metaldetektor]

Marcin, what is the magnitude of improvement one can reasonably expect with this switch, if primarily one is playing local files off a hard drive, as opposed to streaming?

 

[Rotatoubib]

Hi
I also have an MPD-8 and would like to request if you could also please confirm what other streamers and switches you use or have already tried with your DAC when you are able to tell us what you hear with Marcin's combo.
That would be really interesting to put things into perspective.
Many thanks!

Hello! I tried the Pink Faun 2.16 ultra, and it was really good; I will tell you what I think of the S1 Evo and N1 switch combo, as soon as I receive it. I consider trying the Taiko Extreme too, if I can

 

[Ampman]

Hello! I tried the Pink Faun 2.16 ultra, and it was really good; I will tell you what I think of the S1 Evo and N1 switch combo, as soon as I receive it. I consider trying the Taiko Extreme too, if I can

Ooh excellent news...
The S1/N1, Taiko and Pink Faun are also very interesting to me.
Thanks!

 

[Marcin_gps]

Marcin, what is the magnitude of improvement one can reasonably expect with this switch, if primarily one is playing local files off a hard drive, as opposed to streaming?

It depends on the playback setup, particularly what kind of software are you using. If network control is involved, then the impact can be just as significant as when streaming from Tidal or Qobuz.

 

[Di-fi]

@Marcin_gps
That’s actually a remarkable point—and easy to overlook. So even with local playback, if network control is active, the noise introduced is comparable to when streaming? That really underlines the importance of treating the entire network path seriously, even when no internet-based streaming is involved. Thanks for clarifying—this deserves more attention.

(…) what kind of software are you using. [ If ] network control is involved, (…)

Just to clarify—when can network control not be involved when playing music?

If network control is involved, then the impact can be just as significant as when streaming from Tidal or Qobuz

For example, let’s say the setup is already highly optimized—would adding the N1 still bring meaningful gains, or are we talking sub-1% improvements at that point? Thanks for clarifying

• Music stored locally
• XACT S1 (EVO) as renderer
• JPLAY for iOS as the control point (update time = max.value)

---

 

[Marcin_gps]

@Marcin_gps
That’s actually a remarkable point—and easy to overlook. So even with local playback, if network control is active, the noise introduced is comparable to when streaming? That really underlines the importance of treating the entire network path seriously, even when no internet-based streaming is involved. Thanks for clarifying—this deserves more attention.


Just to clarify—when can network control not be involved when playing music?


For example, let’s say the setup is already highly optimized—would adding the N1 still bring meaningful gains, or are we talking sub-1% improvements at that point? Thanks for clarifying

• Music stored locally
• XACT S1 (EVO) as renderer
• JPLAY for iOS as the control point (update time = max.value)

---

Yes, exactly—even for local playback. A modern hi-fi system starts at your router or modem. The type of devices used, how they're configured, the cables connecting them, and how they're powered—all significantly impact the sound quality in a file-based audio system. This influence is noticeable whenever the network connection is active, regardless of whether you're playing local files or streaming online content.

That's precisely why there’s still no consensus on whether CD/SACD or file playback sounds better. The confusion largely stems from a lack of knowledge, experience, and careful planning regarding the network infrastructure in high-end audio setups. With CD/SACD playback, all variables affecting sound quality are contained within the player itself and its immediate environment. In contrast, with file playback, few users recognize the importance—or go through the trouble—of optimizing their network infrastructure, which often resides on the opposite side of the house yet has an equally profound effect on sound quality.
I can't speak for every software out there, but generally speaking, if you're controlling playback from a smartphone or tablet, you're using network communication. JPLAY and Roon are perfect examples of network audio players—meaning network involvement is essentially always present.

Even in a highly optimized setup, I'd estimate adding the N1 switch typically results in around a 10–20% improvement in overall sound quality.

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[RickyV]

@Marcin_gps are there any reviews of the N1 coming out soon?

 

[Di-fi]

Yes, exactly—even for local playback. A modern hi-fi system starts at your router or modem. The type of devices used, how they're configured, the cables connecting them, and how they're powered—all significantly impact the sound quality in a file-based audio system. This influence is noticeable whenever the network connection is active, regardless of whether you're playing local files or streaming online content.

That's precisely why there’s still no consensus on whether CD/SACD or file playback sounds better. The confusion largely stems from a lack of knowledge, experience, and careful planning regarding the network infrastructure in high-end audio setups. With CD/SACD playback, all variables affecting sound quality are contained within the player itself and its immediate environment. In contrast, with file playback, few users recognize the importance—or go through the trouble—of optimizing their network infrastructure, which often resides on the opposite side of the house yet has an equally profound effect on sound quality.
I can't speak for every software out there, but generally speaking, if you're controlling playback from a smartphone or tablet, you're using network communication. JPLAY and Roon are perfect examples of network audio players—meaning network involvement is essentially always present.

Even in a highly optimized setup, I'd estimate adding the N1 switch typically results in around a 10–20% improvement in overall sound quality.

Best regards,
Marcin

That’s a great reply—thanks Marcin!

With the addition of the N1 switch to the XACT S1 (EVO), the idea of a streaming-only setup—by that I mean streaming from a NAS or the cloud—is becoming more and more plausible for me. I haven’t done a direct comparison between playback from a specially selected 4TB SSD (as in the XACT) and streaming over the N1, but it seems possible that differences in transfer protocols—SATA vs. TCP/IP—could lead to sonic differences worth considering.

What does seem clearer is that the N1 improves local playback already, probably by reducing EMI/RFI or other forms of noise, (rather than by changing the bits themselves I mean). And if that’s the case, then it could be even more beneficial when streaming from a NAS or cloud service, where network timing and stability have an even bigger role.

This really highlights how file-based playback—especially network streaming—is affected by way more than just the player itself. The N1 helps address that weak spot directly.

So maybe we can generalize: the XACT alone is a fantastic local playback solution, but for those leaning into streaming, adding the N1 might just level the playing field—or maybe even tilt it in favor of streaming. And if streaming does end up clearly outperforming local playback, I’ll be more than happy to run my XACT without a local drive!

 

[Marcin_gps]

@Marcin_gps are there any reviews of the N1 coming out soon?

Yes, there will be many reviews. I think the 1st one will be on 6moons by Joël Chevassus in combination with the S1 EVO music server. The review should be published in June if all goes well. Christiaan Punter (Hifi-Advice) is scheduled next.

That’s a great reply—thanks Marcin!

With the addition of the N1 switch to the XACT S1 (EVO), the idea of a streaming-only setup—by that I mean streaming from a NAS or the cloud—is becoming more and more plausible for me. I haven’t done a direct comparison between playback from a specially selected 4TB SSD (as in the XACT) and streaming over the N1, but it seems possible that differences in transfer protocols—SATA vs. TCP/IP—could lead to sonic differences worth considering.

What does seem clearer is that the N1 improves local playback already, probably by reducing EMI/RFI or other forms of noise, (rather than by changing the bits themselves I mean). And if that’s the case, then it could be even more beneficial when streaming from a NAS or cloud service, where network timing and stability have an even bigger role.

This really highlights how file-based playback—especially network streaming—is affected by way more than just the player itself. The N1 helps address that weak spot directly.

So maybe we can generalize: the XACT alone is a fantastic local playback solution, but for those leaning into streaming, adding the N1 might just level the playing field—or maybe even tilt it in favor of streaming. And if streaming does end up clearly outperforming local playback, I’ll be more than happy to run my XACT without a local drive!

Thanks for your thoughtful reply!

I'm not sure if you fully understood my earlier message, though. The impact of a switch like the N1 on sound quality is equally significant for local files played directly from the internal drive of a music server (such as the S1/S1 EVO) as it is for files streamed from the network. In my experience, locally stored files still offer better overall sound quality, although the gap between local playback and streaming does become somewhat smaller.

Hope this clears things up!

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[Di-fi]

Thanks for your thoughtful reply!

I'm not sure if you fully understood my earlier message, though. The impact of a switch like the N1 on sound quality is equally significant for local files played directly from the internal drive of a music server (such as the S1/S1 EVO) as it is for files streamed from the network. In my experience, locally stored files still offer better overall sound quality, although the gap between local playback and streaming does become somewhat smaller.

Hope this clears things up!

Best regards,
Marcin

Thanks for the clarification, Marcin—much appreciated!

You're right, and I should clarify: I did catch your point about the N1 improving local file playback as well. I tried to highlight that—even if the impact is equally significant for local and streamed files—the improvement likely comes through different mechanisms, due to the differing protocols: TCP/IP versus SATA?

In fact, part of why I phrased things that way was to explore a broader question. Given the growing importance of streaming from the cloud (Tidal, Qobuz), and the likely continued use of many NAS setups—alongside all the innovation surrounding the N1 switch, the XACT switch OS, and even the concept of a dedicated router OS for XACT—I can’t help but wonder:

Is bridging the gap between local and streamed file playback an explicit goal for XACT development?

You mention that local files still offer better sound quality today, but it seems like many of the recent upgrades are tackling the very network factors that make streaming lag behind. Personally, I think we may be approaching a tipping point where streaming could outperform local playback—not just in convenience, but also in absolute sound quality.

Do you think that’s a realistic direction for the near future—or is local playback likely to remain the benchmark for some time?

 

[Joscad]

Yes, exactly—even for local playback. A modern hi-fi system starts at your router or modem. The type of devices used, how they're configured, the cables connecting them, and how they're powered—all significantly impact the sound quality in a file-based audio system. This influence is noticeable whenever the network connection is active, regardless of whether you're playing local files or streaming online content.

That's precisely why there’s still no consensus on whether CD/SACD or file playback sounds better. The confusion largely stems from a lack of knowledge, experience, and careful planning regarding the network infrastructure in high-end audio setups. With CD/SACD playback, all variables affecting sound quality are contained within the player itself and its immediate environment. In contrast, with file playback, few users recognize the importance—or go through the trouble—of optimizing their network infrastructure, which often resides on the opposite side of the house yet has an equally profound effect on sound quality.
I can't speak for every software out there, but generally speaking, if you're controlling playback from a smartphone or tablet, you're using network communication. JPLAY and Roon are perfect examples of network audio players—meaning network involvement is essentially always present.

Even in a highly optimized setup, I'd estimate adding the N1 switch typically results in around a 10–20% improvement in overall sound quality.

Best regards,
Marcin

Hello Marcin
I'm very interested in your N1 switch.
I appreciate your approach when you recommend the optimized and isolated RJ45 socket; today everyone talks about SFP links as being a must. In my opinion, this doesn't take into account the damage to information caused by optical conversions...
In the case of listening to a hard disk via iPad in wifi, there's no wired link, so I don't understand how the switch can intervene in this configuration. However, I'd like to hear about your switch and the ethernet cables you use.
Best regards
José

 

[Marcin_gps]

Thanks for the clarification, Marcin—much appreciated!

You're right, and I should clarify: I did catch your point about the N1 improving local file playback as well. I tried to highlight that—even if the impact is equally significant for local and streamed files—the improvement likely comes through different mechanisms, due to the differing protocols: TCP/IP versus SATA?

In fact, part of why I phrased things that way was to explore a broader question. Given the growing importance of streaming from the cloud (Tidal, Qobuz), and the likely continued use of many NAS setups—alongside all the innovation surrounding the N1 switch, the XACT switch OS, and even the concept of a dedicated router OS for XACT—I can’t help but wonder:

Is bridging the gap between local and streamed file playback an explicit goal for XACT development?

You mention that local files still offer better sound quality today, but it seems like many of the recent upgrades are tackling the very network factors that make streaming lag behind. Personally, I think we may be approaching a tipping point where streaming could outperform local playback—not just in convenience, but also in absolute sound quality.

Do you think that’s a realistic direction for the near future—or is local playback likely to remain the benchmark for some time?

To clarify – bridging the gap between local and streamed playback has never been the main goal for us. Our core mission has always been to design the best possible hardware, focused purely on delivering the highest sound quality.

It’s not that streaming sounds signifcantly worse – not at all. My personal preference for local playback stems not only from sonic qualities but also from my passion for collecting physical media. I rip the discs myself and have full control over the entire process. In other words, I always know exactly what I’m listening to, which I can’t say with complete confidence when streaming.

Another key factor is that I’m a big fan of SACD (DSD), and at this point, there’s simply no way to stream native DSD content from services like Qobuz or Tidal.

That said, I fully agree – streaming quality is improving rapidly, and many of our innovations are certainly helping close that gap. But for now, local playback still sets the benchmark in my system.

Best regards,
Marcin