Good mid-price audiophile switches

jerrybj · Aug 22, 2022

MysteryMan said:
I am very new to this idea of spending a wedge of money to replace my cheapo network switch, but, I am coming round to the idea that I must!

Has anybody got any views on the Fidelizer EtherStream and, in particular, compared to the Ediscreation Silent Switch OCXO? If i did go for the EtherStream then I would get a decent LPSU for it as, I believe, these make a considerable difference.

Thanks

I was all ready to buy the Etherstream.
Then found this

Review Fidelizer Etherstream switch

Well: Yeah... that Sbooster power supply is a step. And to make it even better: the standard SG110D directly plays better than the Fidelizer Etherstream.

alpha-audio.net

Decided to buy a Cisco SG110D-8 on EBay UK and get it modded by Fidelity Audio.
Added their £290 C4Mk2 clock.

Have put 160 hours on it so far, but yet to put it in my main system.

Happily Trying · Aug 23, 2022

MysteryMan said:
I am very new to this idea of spending a wedge of money to replace my cheapo network switch, but, I am coming round to the idea that I must!

Has anybody got any views on the Fidelizer EtherStream and, in particular, compared to the Ediscreation Silent Switch OCXO? If i did go for the EtherStream then I would get a decent LPSU for it as, I believe, these make a considerable difference.

Thanks

I haven’t heard this fidelizer switch so can’t make a comparison. maybe if you had a power supply already it might be an affordable way to test a network switch for audio.

The HNE labs from SKIDS barely used, if I didn’t have extreme version of ediscreation already and he was close (I am Uk) I would certainly be knocking on his door to listen! the build quality alone is stunning. See his posts in audiophilestyle about HNE labs switch.

if you want something budget with a power supply already there is Chinese versions of an all in one, I’ve not heard them myself so can comment (it’s just an option to look at) but I have heard someone say they make a difference and with switch plus power supply inside one box (with option to upgrade yourself with decent fuse, power cables and other parts too if you like DIY) it’s less cost than just the fidelizer without the supply.

LGS108 Audio 5-Port Gigabit Switch Ethernet Switch Full Linear DC Power Supply | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for LGS108 Audio 5-Port Gigabit Switch Ethernet Switch Full Linear DC Power Supply at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Happily Trying · Aug 23, 2022

Same company make this board here (LHY audio)

LHY SW-8 | Beatechnik

In Stock: Ready to ship within 2-3 business days.

www.beatechnik.com

Good things are said about fidelity audio upgrades to standard switches as Jerry says above too.

I don’t know about anyone else but another sizeable improvement came a decent network isolator on the last cable into the streamer / amp to complement a decent switch (using pink faun network idolaters as you don’t need a pig tail short cable and they work a treat, I now have 3 in the system, they work better some places than other)

MysteryMan · Aug 23, 2022

jerrybj said:
I was all ready to buy the Etherstream.
Then found this

Review Fidelizer Etherstream switch

Well: Yeah... that Sbooster power supply is a step. And to make it even better: the standard SG110D directly plays better than the Fidelizer Etherstream.

alpha-audio.net

Decided to buy a Cisco SG110D-8 on EBay UK and get it modded by Fidelity Audio.
Added their £290 C4Mk2 clock.

Have put 160 hours on it so far, but yet to put it in my main system.

Would be interested in your findings when you add to main system!

Have you upgraded the PSU or still have the one that comes with Cisco?

In my case, the music signal will not be passing through the switch as all files are stored locally on HDD within the music server. The only issue I see is that the music server is connected to the network switch and, hence, the rest of the network and what is needed from the switch is to block out the noise that reaches the server. I get the feeling that spending big amounts of money is going towards improving the flow of data across network to server and I don't need that.

Or, am I wrong and I need to spend in order to protect server from noise?

jerrybj · Aug 23, 2022

MysteryMan said:
Would be interested in your findings when you add to main system!

Have you upgraded the PSU or still have the one that comes with Cisco?

In my case, the music signal will not be passing through the switch as all files are stored locally on HDD within the music server. The only issue I see is that the music server is connected to the network switch and, hence, the rest of the network and what is needed from the switch is to block out the noise that reaches the server. I get the feeling that spending big amounts of money is going towards improving the flow of data across network to server and I don't need that.

Or, am I wrong and I need to spend in order to protect server from noise?

I have it currently running-in on an old Teradak 12v linear power supply.
Will end up getting a better power supply for it.
After a couple of weeks of research, I'm considering a Plixir Dual Elite.

MysteryMan · Aug 24, 2022

Off on a slight tangent.....has anyone got any experience of the ADOT Kits?

They have been recommended as an alternative to upgraded network switch and work by converting Ethernet to Fibre and then back to Ethernet. The theory is that the fibre connection will eliminate all/most of noise/interference from reaching the music server.

Thoughts?

jabbaman73 · Aug 27, 2022

MysteryMan said:
Off on a slight tangent.....has anyone got any experience of the ADOT Kits?

They have been recommended as an alternative to upgraded network switch and work by converting Ethernet to Fibre and then back to Ethernet. The theory is that the fibre connection will eliminate all/most of noise/interference from reaching the music server.

Thoughts?

I can't comment on the ADOT gear but I did read a review on something similar which switched me on to the idea of trying it out with my budget setup. For under £70 I have added two Ethernet to Fibre media converters including the SFP modules and a short compatible fibre cable between my router and my network transport. The difference is nothing short of incredible and I'm more than convinced of the benefits.

Adco · Aug 27, 2022

I have said a couple of times in this thread, and it may be redundant but when I compare the Ediscreation switch’s impact to the Ediscreation FibreBox’s impact the FibreBox is the unit that contributes more to the sonics of my front end.
For reference it’s basically two media converters a dual mode cable and linear power supply in one very well designed and engineered box.
Excellent product that while the improvement isn’t “night and day” it’s tangible and realizable immediately .

Hydrology · Aug 28, 2022

Ive been trying to track down this manufacturer with no joy - if anyone has a link to the it would be appreciated!!

jabbaman73 · Aug 28, 2022

Adco said:
I have said a couple of times in this thread, and it may be redundant but when I compare the Ediscreation switch’s impact to the Ediscreation FibreBox’s impact the FibreBox is the unit that contributes more to the sonics of my front end.
For reference it’s basically two media converters a dual mode cable and linear power supply in one very well designed and engineered box.
Excellent product that while the improvement isn’t “night and day” it’s tangible and realizable immediately .

That does look very good for more serious systems.

jabbaman73 · Aug 31, 2022

Does anyone have any recommendations for a product similar to the Ediscreation FibreBox at a lower price point?

I like the idea of having a single "black box" with an Ethernet In and Ethernet Out with the fibre media conversion taking pace neatly inside.

My pair of 10Gtek converters work well but the aesthetic is pretty horrible plus it's two power supplies instead of one and an extra strand of cable between the SFP's.

The FibreBox looks cool but is expensive and needs shipping from overseas.

Many thanks!

-J

Brucemck2 · Oct 4, 2022

I’ve got a Buffalo BS-GS2016 that’s connected to my Unifi network via a 25’ Ethernet cable. (At some point I will rconnect it via fiber.) It feeds my AV and audio gear.

I also have a Paul Pang OXCO Dual switch that I’d like to use for critical gear.

When I connect the Paul Pang unit directly to the Unifi all works fine. But, when I connect the Paul Pang to the Buffalo I don’t get any internet access. Is there some setting in the Buffalo that I need to set / enable to make it work with the Paul Pang? (And if so, how do I access it?)

Unifi —> Buffalo works
Unifi —> Paul Pang works
Unifi —> Buffalo —> Paul Pang fails
In all cases “ —> “ represents hard wired Ethernet cable

Golum · Oct 6, 2022

Based on reading this thread and exchanging PMs with Peter here I decided to get the Edison switch in extreme option and received it last night. It really is super neatly packed and it is very nicely build so all super positive. Communication with Edison as well triple AAA - super nice guy. Installed in the system last night and left it until this morning to acclimatize to alpine Swiss air (it's always beneficial

).
Turned everything ON today and indeed this "little" thing adds its portion of positive influence to the digital chain. Tones are more palpable and free flowing with seductive, if I may say, warmth. No nervousness at all and honestly I'm thoroughly enjoying my system at the moment. I need to say that I was in the camp "gimme a break with this switch story" but now I'm a firm believer and kudos to Edison for his unit.

CKKeung · Oct 6, 2022

Golum said:
Based on reading this thread and exchanging PMs with Peter here I decided to get the Edison switch in extreme option and received it last night. It really is super neatly packed and it is very nicely build so all super positive. Communication with Edison as well triple AAA - super nice guy. Installed in the system last night and left it until this morning to acclimatize to alpine Swiss air (it's always beneficial ).
Turned everything ON today and indeed this "little" thing adds its portion of positive influence to the digital chain. Tones are more palpable and free flowing with seductive, if I may say, warmth. No nervousness at all and honestly I'm thoroughly enjoying my system at the moment. I need to say that I was in the camp "gimme a break with this switch story" but now I'm a firm believer and kudos to Edison for his unit.

Congrats!
It will continue to evolve and improve.
The ocxo clock module and the caps take at least 7-10 days to burn-in fully.

WilsonDaDa · Oct 16, 2022

Just place an order for the Silent Switch Extreme version without any LPS inside. However, the switch is powered by Firebird (another Ediscreation LPS). Make the two things ie switch and Firebird LPS as a package.
Eager to know the performance in the system as the Silent Switch will be the third switch in the present system.

gleeds · Oct 16, 2022

Here's a switch with OXCO clock from LHY I have been looking at and is available from a US Importer, Tex Audio Specialties, as well as from the Chinese mail order source Marty referenced.

Ethernet Switch SW-8 | Beatechnik

www.beatechnik.com

LHY is a division of Jay's Audio of CD transport fame so I'm giving it that nod of credibility. If anyone has used this switch please post your impressions as I'm preparing to order one, as well as Jay's latest CD transport for personal and show demonstration use.

CKKeung · Oct 16, 2022

gleeds said:
Here's a switch with OXCO clock from LHY I have been looking at and is available from a US Importer, Tex Audio Specialties, as well as from the Chinese mail order source Marty referenced.

Ethernet Switch SW-8 | Beatechnik

www.beatechnik.com

LHY is a division of Jay's Audio of CD transport fame so I'm giving it that nod of credibility. If anyone has used this switch please post your impressions as I'm preparing to order one, as well as Jay's latest CD transport for personal and show demonstration use.

View attachment 99123

The cnc chassis is outstanding!
The linear powersupply and ocxo clock module are very good too.

The only uncertainty is that a Linksys switch circuit board is employed, instead of the proprietary circuit boards of Ediscreation, SOtM ...etc.

Dear gleeds,
Pls give us an update when yours have arrived.
Thanks!

Golum · Oct 30, 2022

Last time i forgot to add some pictures but here they are:

Also switch continued to evolve as Peter advised and I’m beyond happy.
@Thundersnow received his unit from Edison as well but as he also has TOTL Ansuz switch he might shed some light on this as well

.

Thundersnow · Oct 30, 2022

One of these days I will do a direct comparison and share my impressions. I did try the Silent switch in a couple of system and it had outstanding results. My buddy has an MSB Premier DAC with the upgraded PSU, clock and the renderer units and the differences with the Silent switch in and out of the setup were night and day. It made the music sound fuller and more corporeal so to speak. I did not experience the same effect with the Ansuz D2 switch. Ansuz certainly did wonders for the resolution but it did suck out a tiny bit of life out of the music. The Silent switch does no such thing.

Thundersnow · Oct 30, 2022

Damn it, I was right. Silent Switch has a more organic sound as compared to Ansuz D2 switch. I just did a direct comparison. It appears its clock is also very, very good. Hmm. I have a standard version too and I don’t have the Fiber Box II which I plan to get as well. Bah. I will use the D2 switch for my B system, but holy hell do I feel like I’ve wasted some money.

Good mid-price audiophile switches

Well-Known Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-Known Member

Member

Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Member

Member

Member Sponsor

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Industry Expert

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

VIP/Donor

VIP/Donor