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

[Di-fi]

Interestingly, some listeners already prefer streaming via the XACT S1 or S1 EVO over local playback — and that's without yet hearing what the N1 switch can add. For example, in his review of the S1, Christiaan Punter noted that some albums actually sounded better when streamed than from local files. So yes, it really depends.

As I mentioned earlier, it also comes down to the specific version of the album you have ripped, and how it was ripped. There are many variables at play, and I don’t want to oversimplify the topic — though I get the sense you're looking for a clear-cut answer, I’m afraid there isn’t one.

What I can say with confidence is that the N1 brings sonic improvements regardless of whether you're streaming or playing local files. Its effect is system-wide and not tied to one specific playback source.

Best regards,
Marcin

What stood out to me especially was your point that even without the N1 switch, some listeners like Christiaan, already prefer streaming via the XACT S1 (or S1 EVO) over local playback. That really hit home for me — it’s actually the kind of confirmation I was hoping to hear ;-). It shows that with the right hardware and setup, streaming isn't necessarily a compromise anymore.

You also made a great point about how many variables influence local playback. Even a disc you rip yourself can vary depending on the drive, the ripping software, the ripping mode, and whether it was accurately ripped. So it’s clear that local playback isn’t automatically a gold standard either — it depends on how it's done.

What I really take from your comments is that the question isn’t just "local vs. streaming" — it's about the entire system and the chain that influences what we actually hear. And beyond just technical quality, there’s the emotional aspect too. When you have control over the ripping process and know exactly what you’re hearing, that sense of certainty and ownership is hard to replicate with streaming, no matter how good the sound quality is.

Thanks again!

 

[MarkusBarkus]

with the right hardware and setup, streaming isn't necessarily a compromise anymore.

+1

 

[Carlosoptico]

Based on my own listening experience and feedback from others in the community, even the control device can have a subtle but audible influence on sound quality — especially in highly resolving systems. It's a nuanced effect, but one that's led me to treat the entire network path, including the controller device. In other words: JPLAY app on my iPad Pro (3-rd generation) 'sounds' better than on my iPhone 14 Pro.

So while I fully agree that software plays a major role, I’ve also come to appreciate that hardware — even seemingly peripheral components — can make a difference too.

Best regards,
Marcin

I use an iPhone 11 in airplane mode, with the battery in low power mode and connected via ethernet cable (no WiFi) to control the JPLAY iOS app. But it has the disadvantage that I am left incommunicado. I am thinking of buying another specific device, which I want to optimize, just to manage JPLAY iOS. Which would sound better, according to your experience, iPad or iPhone? And older or newer generation?

 

[Marcin_gps]

Experience True High-End Streaming 





Join us at HIGH END Munich – May 15–18, 2025 and discover the cutting edge of digital audio.


We’ll be showcasing the XACT S1 EVO Music Server and unveiling our brand-new XACT N1 Network Switch.

Find us in Hall A4.2, Booth F218


Come hear what streaming without compromise really sounds like.

 

[Marcin_gps]

I use an iPhone 11 in airplane mode, with the battery in low power mode and connected via ethernet cable (no WiFi) to control the JPLAY iOS app. But it has the disadvantage that I am left incommunicado. I am thinking of buying another specific device, which I want to optimize, just to manage JPLAY iOS. Which would sound better, according to your experience, iPad or iPhone? And older or newer generation?

I prefer new M CPU iPads.

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[Alfc81]

Hi Marcin,
Have you been able to compare your switch to serious competitors in this domain? I am particularly thinking of the Melco S10 and S1, as the latter has a motherboard designed on the same principle of the audiophile blank page. It seems very sophisticated with a lot of control options, which must explain its price being more than double yours. BUT if we only talk about the 'sound' results, what do you think?

 

[agisthos]

I prefer new M CPU iPads.

Best regards,
Marcin

Narrowing it down even further, any differences M1 to M4?

 

[Marcin_gps]

Hi Marcin,
Have you been able to compare your switch to serious competitors in this domain? I am particularly thinking of the Melco S10 and S1, as the latter has a motherboard designed on the same principle of the audiophile blank page. It seems very sophisticated with a lot of control options, which must explain its price being more than double yours. BUT if we only talk about the 'sound' results, what do you think?

I’ve compared the N1 directly with the M12 Switch Gold (Premium version) powered by our flagship JCAT ULTIMO linear power supply. In that setup, the N1 clearly offered a higher level of sound quality — cleaner, and with better resolution across the board.

I haven’t had the chance to listen to Melco switches yet. From a design perspective, I know that Melco uses switching converters on the mainboard and a simpler clock. That’s quite different from our approach in the N1, where everything — including the power distribution and clocking — is optimized with no compromise, using fully linear, ultra-low-noise regulation and complete galvanic isolation.

That said, I’d be very interested to compare side by side once the opportunity arises.

Narrowing it down even further, any differences M1 to M4?

Later models should be better.

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[agisthos]

Tell us a bit about how the CPU offloads and turns off.

I presume on power up, it gets the DHCP info and configures port speed e.t.c (normal networking functions)
but then it goes to sleep once not needed?

 

[Marcin_gps]

Tell us a bit about how the CPU offloads and turns off.

I presume on power up, it gets the DHCP info and configures port speed e.t.c (normal networking functions)
but then it goes to sleep once not needed?

The XACT N1 powers up and performs all essential configuration tasks during the first few seconds — this includes DHCP negotiation, port speed configuration, and internal initialization. Once this process is complete (typically within 15 seconds), the main processor automatically powers down to eliminate any unnecessary electrical noise that could interfere with audio performance.

At this point, the switch continues to operate in a fully hardware-driven mode. All ports remain active with the initial configuration “locked in.” However, no further dynamic changes are possible — for example, port speed renegotiation or other software-level operations are disabled until the next power cycle.

This design ensures maximum signal purity by eliminating processor activity — a significant advantage for high-end audio streaming environments.

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[Marcin_gps]

Here are a few photos from our setup at the High End 2025 in Munich – including a look behind the scenes at the network configuration.

We used the new XACT N1 switch in a system featuring the XACT S1 EVO music server.






Best regards,
Marcin

 

[agisthos]

I remember the early days of JPlay, how disabling various motherboard chips has such an effect on audio performance.
It must be a relief to do these new products where you can finally build that into the hardware itself!!

 

[Di-fi]

a look behind the scenes

Great behind-the-scenes pic! Ethernet from pic 3 is going straight to the XACT N1 switch, I assume — is that what we’ll see in pic 4? Hope you’ll share more shots, always interesting to see how everything’s wired up!

 

[Marcin_gps]

Great behind-the-scenes pic! Ethernet from pic 3 is going straight to the XACT N1 switch, I assume — is that what we’ll see in pic 4? Hope you’ll share more shots, always interesting to see how everything’s wired up!

Thanks!

Fiber from the EdgeRouter X SFP with Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL (hands down the best sounding SFP modules) goes to the SFP port in the XACT N1 — also fitted with the same Finisar module.

LAN 1 port connects to the M.O.C router (set to receive internet connection via DHCP), while LAN 2 goes to a Ubiquiti Wi-Fi access point.

The EdgeRouter X SFP creates a dedicated network with a /28 subnet (16 addresses), which significantly improves sound quality. All unnecessary features and ports are disabled, hardware offloading is enabled, and the router is powered by a JCAT ULTIMO linear PSU with a Siltech Triple Crown power cord.

Best regards,
Marcin