Best audiophile switch

[Synaxis]

Well you are around on many online forums, so I bet you already have an idea ;-)
There is a lot of reading out there like https://alpha-audio.net/background/how-a-network-switch-affects-audio-playback-an-extreme-deep-dive or Hans has videos on it like

If you don’t want to go into more expensive switches I highly recommend the new Network Acoustics ENO2 streaming system - a nobrainer anyway.

I LOVE the work Alpha Audio does.

I've done some videos with them and they are great guys.

I am huge fans of them.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

It is. What I said doesn't conflict, it's a vitally important nuance relating to a very specific use case...

I suspect the North American cable manufacturer was talking about network cables (or even cables) in general and not about the specific use case of switch-to-streamer. Shielding is a hugely powerful tool in cable design because, as I know you know, it's a great way of reducing the amount of RFI reaching downstream circuitry and this applies across an ethernet network and beyond the streamer into digital and of course analog(ue). But the best conductor materials (copper, silver) are the best shield materials, and between a switch and a streamer the last thing you want is a great conductor of noise.

Breaking the noise chain from switch to streamer has far more impact on sound quality than stopping the pickup of local RFI by the cable. So in descending sequence - in this specific use case, though not necessarily elsewhere in a network - I'd rank the cable shielding options as:

1. Best: shielded cable with the shield grounded only at one end; install this grounded end at the switch. Breaks the noise chain from switch to streamer and also directs any RFI noise picked up by the shield away from the streamer.

1a. Next theoretical best (but why bother!): shielded cable with the shield grounded only at one end; install this at the streamer. Breaks the noise chain from switch to streamer but directs any RFI noise picked up by the shield towards the streamer. Hey, just flip the cable around. See (1).

2. Next real world best: short unshielded cable. Allows ingress of environmental RFI hence importance of keeping it short. Not undermining the good work of the switch in removing huge amounts of RFI noise trumps the little RFI which might be picked up from the local environment. Think Cat 6 UTP.

3. Worst: shielded cable with shield grounded at both ends. Allows the noise stopped by the switch (its whole point) to travel along the shield to the streamer. Think Cat 8 and most "specialist audio" cables.

Nigel. Thanks for your response. So you know this cable manufacturer was talking specifically about Ethernet Cables.
Best regards.
Jeff.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Well you are around on many online forums, so I bet you already have an idea ;-)
There is a lot of reading out there like https://alpha-audio.net/background/how-a-network-switch-affects-audio-playback-an-extreme-deep-dive or Hans has videos on it like

If you don’t want to go into more expensive switches I highly recommend the new Network Acoustics ENO2 streaming system - a nobrainer anyway.

I do enjoy the work product from both Hans and Alpha.

 

[kennyb123]

We have one vote that there is no best audiophile switch and we should use a VLAN instead. Noted. I must admit I am curious and may try this at some point. But I still have experienced the very positive effects of a well executed, low noise switch. So, back on topic with "what is the best audiophile switch."

I don’t believe that the VLAN can be beneficial until some greater sources of noise have been addressed. What a properly configured VLAN will do is wall off the audio segment so the network traffic in that segment is at the minimum level needed to support audio playback. Noisy devices in the audio segment could mask the gains from that.

 

[treitz3]

Hello and good evening to you, gentlemen (ladies too). Some completely off topic posts have been deleted. The latest posts are back on track. Let's please strive to stay on topic and refrain from getting personal in our responses. Please stick to the topic on hand and not the poster. Thanks all. Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...

Tom

 

[NigelB]

Nigel. Thanks for your response. So you know this cable manufacturer was talking specifically about Ethernet Cables.
Best regards.
Jeff.

Yes Jeff, and I think that’s too broad! When we’re considering the pros and cons of shielding we need to consider where in the network the cable is deployed; I’m simply saying that what might be a fantastic shielding approach anywhere else in the network might not be fantastic between switch and streamer.

I’ll dig out a link to the thread where this specific use case was discussed and insert it here. There may well be exceptions (aren’t there always?) but it seems to hold true across a wide range of switches connected to a wide range of streamers, and I’m guessing that this includes whatever turns out to be the answer to the thread title.

EDIT: found it

Ethernet Switch for only one component?

Hi, is there a switch for one component only? Also interested in peoples findings - do they make a noticable difference? From what I understand the switch would be placed in the music room, between the ethernet socket leading to the streamer/streaming bridge. iMac (Roon Core) via ethernet into...

www.whatsbestforum.com

All the best,
Nigel

 

[happyrc]

Title says it all. If money was no object, can you name the best switch that is currently in the market and why? Thanks.

Netgear GS108E: https://amzn.to/3Uzqyun
source=Apple Music lossless

My video

 

[Synaxis]

Netgear GS108E: https://amzn.to/3Uzqyun
source=Apple Music lossless

My video

I compared that model and their 5 port version to 15 others off Amazon. In my system (it could well be different in any other system) the D-Link was much smoother sounding, less brittle and more airy.

All units were burned in 100 hours prior to listening.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Yes Jeff, and I think that’s too broad! When we’re considering the pros and cons of shielding we need to consider where in the network the cable is deployed; I’m simply saying that what might be a fantastic shielding approach anywhere else in the network might not be fantastic between switch and streamer.

I’ll dig out a link to the thread where this specific use case was discussed and insert it here. There may well be exceptions (aren’t there always?) but it seems to hold true across a wide range of switches connected to a wide range of streamers, and I’m guessing that this includes whatever turns out to be the answer to the thread title.

EDIT: found it

Ethernet Switch for only one component?

Hi, is there a switch for one component only? Also interested in peoples findings - do they make a noticable difference? From what I understand the switch would be placed in the music room, between the ethernet socket leading to the streamer/streaming bridge. iMac (Roon Core) via ethernet into...

www.whatsbestforum.com

All the best,
Nigel

Nigel again thank you for your expertise and insights.
Best regards,
Jeff.

 

[Di-fi]

According to the reviews I've read, the switch is not integrated in the XACT S1 and you you can either use it as a switch or a server.
When you use it as a server, you can use only one Ethernet input and when you use it as a switch you can then use all Ethernet inputs.
So in effect you would need two XACTs to be able to use both the switch switch and server in tandem.
So far, the only product with an integrated switch function is the Aqua Linq, which again may not clasify as an integrated switch per se, as there's only one Ethernet input, but nevertheless it is designated as such in their literature, specifically: "Internal custom developed LAN switch (isolated)".​

Integrating switches or a "switch function" into a server/streamer product though would not come without its own set of problems, as the designer would have to factor in how exactly to integrate one to avoid radiated noise to the mobo, how to power it, etc.

But you're absolutely right @tedwoods! Although XACT S1 looks integrated, it is not. When it comes to audiophile switches, not all are created equal. So, what sets the best audiophile switch apart? Beyond just the motherboard, clock, power supply, chassis design, shielding and connectors, it’s the meticulous engineering that makes the difference.

For example the S1 switch has Zero Noise Architecture motherboard specifically designed for audio applications. It features a distinctive power section devoid of switching DC-DC converters, relying instead on ultra-low noise linear regulators, a toroidal transformer, Nichicon Muse capacitors / - Fine Gold capacitors.

As we all here would expect from a top-tier audiophile switch, it includes Gigabit Ethernet, gold-plated RJ-45 connectors with durable EMI shielding and built-in x-core transformers for enhanced isolation. Additionally, the LEDs can be turned off to minimize any potential interference.

One of the standout features of the S1 is its OS, designed to transform the streamer into a switch. In fact, one could argue that it is the S1 switch that can be easily transformed in a streamer. The only real difference between the S1 as a streamer and as a switch is its OS.

When exploring the best audiophile switch, particularly with the S1 combo (switch → server) and understanding its core philosophy, the results can be compelling. With the S1, the line between a streamer and an audiophile switch blurs, determined solely by the OS. Additionally, it has been announced as upgradable—though what this really means, whether it's maybe a fully integrated streamer-switch (with two mobo's like Antipodes does with it's streamers?) , a new OS, or updated components, remains known only to Marcin @ XACT Audio.

In an optimized setup with the best audiophile switch, I would prefer a single Ethernet cable (or fiber) from the modem to the switch to be sufficient to achieve peak performance (assuming no noise between modem and switch). I’ve found that my top-performing switch sounds best when isolated and connected only to essential components. Such a setup would look like this:

Modem → Switch → Streamer → Endpoint

Additionally, the control point must be connected in a way that minimizes any impact on the audio signal.

Can anyone please compare the XACT S1 switch with some of the top contenders here?

 

[jasond]

Would like to hear your thoughts on should EEE mode on isp router be active or deactive? As recommendations differ regarding this setting?

 

[sparkie]

Would like to hear your thoughts on should EEE mode on isp router be active or deactive? As recommendations differ regarding this setting?

EEE mode interferes with all streaming appliances including cameras and IP phones because it drops the link speed on constant connections. Although computers do have the EEE support to negotiate for a higher connection, they don't because they never got to the point of going to idle status. Some even disable this in their windows because sometimes this malfunctions on some big box store computers. Mac and Linux normally has this mode off.

EDIT:
In addition to this, a lot of those ISP routers are poor performers because they overtax their CPU with features such as wifi which effects the hardware network's performance. That is why people that are interested into getting the most out of their internet connection will set up a PC to be a router which in computer terms, a gateway server.

 

[jasond]

Jussi, the developer of the famous HQPlayer describes at https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/19715-hq-player/?do=findComment&comment=1286848
—
EEE (aka 802.3az) should work fine, I'm using it on my networks. It is certainly recommended to be used unless it is absolutely necessary to turn it off for some reason. It reduces the amount of RF/EMI noise produced by network cabling significantly.
—
as well:
It has three functions; 1) cable length detection to determine amount of transmit power needed so that transmitter is not banging at maximum power required for the maximum (~200m) cable length, 2) inactivity idle, when there is no network activity the link can go quiet, 3) on switches ability to power down unused ports.

There cannot be jitter regarding DAC, since no clocks are transmitted, there is no timing information as such being transferred to a NAA. If someone claims it causes jitter, I'd be interested to see measurement results of this. Based on my jitter measurements the DAC clock is not affected by EEE, and if it is, there's a hardware problem to be fixed by other means.

 

[wackerd]

I own two audiophile switches: the Innuos PhoenixNet and the Reiki Master Superswitch Pro (Reiki Pro). I tested them against one another before I purchased the Reiki Pro. I already owned the PhoenixNet. The Innuos PhoenixNet is a very good switch. I could hear its benefits immediately when I first put it in my system. It clearly reduced noise in the system compared to the Netgear switch that preceded it. But, the Reiki Pro has an even lower noise floor than the PhoenixNet. Frankly, it isn’t close. Having said that, putting the PhoenixNet and the Reiki Pro in a series (Router=>PhoenixNet=>Reiki Pro=>Innuos Statement NextGen music server=>DAC) made the largest impact on the noise floor. This combination vastly exceeded the capabilities of either switch on its own. If your budget allows two quality switches in tandem, then it is a worthwhile consideration—but I suggest you try it before you buy it.

BTW I’m a hobbyist. (I’m borrowing PeterA’s terminology to distinguish myself from those who make money selling audio equipment.)

Reiki recommends two Superswitch to optimize sound quality. One close to the router and the other one close to the streamer. Is a kind of tandem with a certain distance given by the LAN cable in between. Have you tried this combination vs. a tandem together just before the streamer?

 

[Di-fi]

Most of us seek to minimise the amount of RFI noise reaching the analog(ue) components further downstream where this becomes audible.
To do this, a switch must be installed just before the streamer.

Reiki recommends two Superswitch to optimize sound quality.

Regarding the two switches, how does Reiki (@NigelB) explain the function of the first switch compared to the second one, just before the streamer? Additionally, why would you choose to use two switches and not three?

 

[Di-fi]

Would like to hear your thoughts on should EEE mode on isp router be active or deactive? As recommendations differ regarding this setting?

If one is curious about the benefits of Enhanced Energy Efficiency (EEE) on the switch, then test a $40 Netgear managed switch, model GS105Ev2/GS108E v2 or v3 by comparing its performance with and without power-saving mode. (I did not try but there could be other similar performing managed switches in that price range).

You might notice subtle improvements in SQ, such as clearer high frequencies, more defined vocals, better tonal balance, and improved instrument separation.These enhancements become less subtle and, in fact, much more noticeable when the switch is paired with a PSU like iFi iPowerX (did not try) or iFi Elite (obvious improvement as described) or a better model LPS. For optimal results, I recommend connecting the switch in the last meter before the endpoint.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

If one is curious about the benefits of Enhanced Energy Efficiency (EEE) on the switch, then test a $40 Netgear managed switch, model 105/8e v2 or v3 by comparing its performance with and without power-saving mode. (I did not try but there could be other similar performing managed switches in that price range).

You might notice subtle improvements in SQ, such as clearer high frequencies, more defined vocals, better tonal balance, and improved instrument separation. These enhancements become less subtle when the switch is paired with a PSU like iFi iPowerX (did not try) or iFi Elite (obvious improvement as described) or a better model. For optimal results, I recommend connecting the switch in the last meter before the endpoint.

Only way to go EEE on!

 

[sbo6]

Emile from Taiko has a different view on this. He believes that the reason some perceive a benefit from multiple switches in series is because less offensive noise will mask more offensive noise. Kind of like how white noise pumped into a office can make voices less distracting (my paraphrase).

I have a hypothesis that phantom angry muons invade certain switch components leading to sonic degradation. I have as much measurements and empirical data as Emile. ;-)

 

[kennyb123]

I have as much measurements and empirical data as Emile. ;-)

Funny that you think that.

 

[sbo6]

Funny that you think that.

Show me the data, I'm always willing to learn. If not, shut thy piehole ;-)