Best audiophile switch

[tony22]

Interesting. They’ve chosen RJ45 as the preferred interface to the music server / streamer /DAC.

 

[Di-fi]

Interesting. They’ve chosen RJ45 as the preferred interface to the music server / streamer /DAC.

Interesting for sure, actually 1 RJ45 is isolated. The switch is managed , but becomes ’unmanaged’ after 15 seconds to lock in the presets. The Nl's main processor powers off 15 seconds after startup to minimize electrical noise. Some standard features - such as energy-saving protocols - have been disabled to optimize audio performance.
I found the following in the users manual :

(…) The isolated RJ45 port, as the name suggests, is galvanically isolated from the rest of the switch circuitry. It has a separate power supply and an independent ground connection. This port is specifically designed for connecting your audio renderer or DAC, preventing network noise from leaking into your audio system (…)

(…) The standard LAN RJ45 ports are the main network ports of the N1, also sharing a common ground. They are intended for connecting devices such as your router, NAS, Wi-Fi access point, or other network components (…)

(…) The SFP port is part of the main LAN circuitry and shares a common ground with the standard LAN ports. A typical use case for the Nl's SFP port is connecting it to an SFP-capable router via a fiber optic cable. In most routers, SFP ports are directly linked to the router's processor, allowing you to bypass the often low-quality and noisy Ethernet switch section. This can significantly improve your system's sound quality(…).

Edit:

I started a new topic for the discussions about the N1 switch, let's discuss over there: https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/why-we-built-the-xact-n1-–-a-no-compromise-network-switch-for-audiophiles.40739/

SFP module is not included. I am using Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[treitz3]

How does one know which switch is best if it’s not optimized?

Very good point. Some folks like optical and think that this is the way to go. Until a switch is optimized, one doesn't know just how good it can be.

I personally am not a fan of LHY and optical. I prefer other methods, which have already been discussed, but yes. Optimizing something can yield vastly differing end results.

Tom

 

[Di-fi]

I personally am not a fan of LHY and optical.

Fair point—early impressions of LHY and optical setups were definitely mixed. But it seems like there’s been some evolution in their newer models. I believe Alvin Chee (Vinshine) has been involved with LHY for a while, but a notable shift happened when Vinshine officially ended its distribution of Denafrips in July 2024. That change may have allowed more focus on other partner brands like LHY Audio.

With increased attention and resources, it’s possible the newer LHY models have benefited in both development and exposure—leading to the more positive feedback I’ve seen outside this forum. I haven’t tried one myself yet, but it makes me curious if earlier impressions still hold with the latest gear.

 

[tony22]

The general online consensus from LHY'ers who've owned more than one is that the 6 and 10 are/were both better than the 8, with the 10 being the best of the three. Who knows now with this new one?