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

[Marcin_gps]

Sorry to bombard you with questions...

Would setting up a separate audio VLAN, assigning fixed IPs for each audio device and reducing the range of IP addresses to a small amount in the audio VLAN make similar improvements to reducing the address number to 16 (/28) or would it be good to do that as well?

Thank you!

Yes, reducing the subnet mask (e.g., to /28) will have the same potential benefit for sound quality and noise isolation even within a VLAN setup. Whether you're segmenting your audio network via VLAN or by address range, limiting the number of possible connected devices reduces broadcast traffic and potential interference — both of which can help minimize network-related noise in high-end audio systems.

Combining VLAN isolation with a narrow subnet range is a solid approach for maximizing audio performance.

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[Ampman]

Yes, reducing the subnet mask (e.g., to /28) will have the same potential benefit for sound quality and noise isolation even within a VLAN setup. Whether you're segmenting your audio network via VLAN or by address range, limiting the number of possible connected devices reduces broadcast traffic and potential interference — both of which can help minimize network-related noise in high-end audio systems.

Combining VLAN isolation with a narrow subnet range is a solid approach for maximizing audio performance.

Best regards,
Marcin

Thank you Marcin . I am extremely grateful. Finally worked out how to switch over to /28 and I feel it makes a profound improvement in my system.

 

[RdW]

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 was wondering the same. I have tried many switches and ended up with an Ansuz D3 and am very happy about it. As Christiaam Punter points out in his review, the difference are subtle but significant. A D-TC3 is out of budget, it did the job even better.

This D3 is in the same price category as your N1, @Marcin_gps, and am sure both switches will perform well, although with other characteristics. Wondering how you would describe the differences between the two, might you have listened to an Ansuz PowerSwitch. Agree on the “el-cheapo power supply” in the D3, but am thinking to break the seal and put a Farad super 6 on it (or maybe one of your LPS’) and see what that will do. As already noticed by you and others, a decent LPS is a must.

As always, there are those that never tried a high quality audio grade switch and start to talk about prices, no added value, sneak oil and all of that. My ears are telling me differently and am happy to see we have members here that think alike, meaning a good audio switch is a must.

Maybe I can get some advice? My fiber connection (provider’s entry) is close to my front door and my listening room is 23 meter away, meaning there is a 23 mtr cat 7 Ethernet cable running to my listening room. I have tried media converters, an Uptone Etherregen, and other solutions to separate internet noise from my audio setup, but one way or the other, “glass” still felt a bit like “harsh”. I use a Meraki switch downstairs and use its SPF ports with Finisar modules and an Afterdark Media converter with an external power supply to “break the chain”, and run the 23 mtr Cat 7 form the media converter to my listening room. For the “last meters” I use high quality Ansuz Ethernet cables. According to many, 23 mtr Cat cable is not optimal but didn’t like the fiber running to my listening room either. Any suggestions please?

 

[Marcin_gps]

I was wondering the same. I have tried many switches and ended up with an Ansuz D3 and am very happy about it. As Christiaam Punter points out in his review, the difference are subtle but significant. A D-TC3 is out of budget, it did the job even better.

This D3 is in the same price category as your N1, @Marcin_gps, and am sure both switches will perform well, although with other characteristics. Wondering how you would describe the differences between the two, might you have listened to an Ansuz PowerSwitch. Agree on the “el-cheapo power supply” in the D3, but am thinking to break the seal and put a Farad super 6 on it (or maybe one of your LPS’) and see what that will do. As already noticed by you and others, a decent LPS is a must.

As always, there are those that never tried a high quality audio grade switch and start to talk about prices, no added value, sneak oil and all of that. My ears are telling me differently and am happy to see we have members here that think alike, meaning a good audio switch is a must.

Maybe I can get some advice? My fiber connection (provider’s entry) is close to my front door and my listening room is 23 meter away, meaning there is a 23 mtr cat 7 Ethernet cable running to my listening room. I have tried media converters, an Uptone Etherregen, and other solutions to separate internet noise from my audio setup, but one way or the other, “glass” still felt a bit like “harsh”. I use a Meraki switch downstairs and use its SPF ports with Finisar modules and an Afterdark Media converter with an external power supply to “break the chain”, and run the 23 mtr Cat 7 form the media converter to my listening room. For the “last meters” I use high quality Ansuz Ethernet cables. According to many, 23 mtr Cat cable is not optimal but didn’t like the fiber running to my listening room either. Any suggestions please?

Christiaan received review sample of the XACT N1 switch today, so hopefully you will be able to read comparisons in his review that will be published in July.

The current batch of the XACT N1 is now sold out.

We are now accepting pre-orders for the next production run, which will begin shipping in September.

Regarding your question: it is better to run longer fiber than ethernet cable. Not sure what type of cable are you running, but for the long runs I've had excellent results with LINKUP CAT8 double shielded cables which can be purchased on Amazon in different lengths: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087C9VZHT?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Those cables are better than some 'audiophile grade'. I use them in my system and only for the last 1-2m I use XACT Phantom LAN cables.

Best regards,
Marcin

 

[RdW]

Christiaan received review sample of the XACT N1 switch today, so hopefully you will be able to read comparisons in his review that will be published in July.

The current batch of the XACT N1 is now sold out.

We are now accepting pre-orders for the next production run, which will begin shipping in September.

Regarding your question: it is better to run longer fiber than ethernet cable. Not sure what type of cable are you running, but for the long runs I've had excellent results with LINKUP CAT8 double shielded cables which can be purchased on Amazon in different lengths: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087C9VZHT?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Those cables are better than some 'audiophile grade'. I use them in my system and only for the last 1-2m I use XACT Phantom LAN cables.

Best regards,
Marcin

Hi Marcin,

Thanks for the advice! Appreciated.

Christiaan prefers not to be approached directly on his website other than for business contacts. So hopefully he is going to take the D3 with him in the comparison. @Christiaan Punter , might you read this, maybe you can consider the request?

And thanks for the reference to the Ethernet cables. I have two Cat 7 cables running through one electrical conduit. I anticipated on this when the house was build, but this is so tight, I can’t get them out . But was goes up, must come down, so will ask the electrician to help me to get them out. I will replace them by one fiber and one of these Linkup Cat 8 cables, so I can compare the two.

I like the way you approach improvement in audio representation Marcin! I might consider your switch, even when the D3 still needs to be delivered. I will try to figure out what other owners are experiencing and what Christiaan is going to write.

Best regards,
René

 

[Rotatoubib]

I've just finished testing the S1 Evo in conjunction with the N1, and I must say I was very impressed. My experience is similar to that of reviewers, i.e. a lot of naturalness and musicality, but I think that what best sums up my feeling is the absence of frustration compared to vinyl!
A few weeks ago, I tested a highly reputed (and much more expensive) server, and I think that the S1 Evo combined with the N1 is at least equivalent, if not superior. So I've ordered the duo: when I receive them, I'll write another review, in particular on the association with my Playback Design MPD8

 

[Di-fi]

(…) might you read this, maybe you can consider the request?

I'm not Christiaan, but it's worth noting that a direct comparison between two devices in one of his HFA reviews would be quite rare—maybe even a first. That said, here’s what he wrote about the D3, which, while impressive in many ways, didn’t quite become one of his top favorites :

“While the D3 is technically more advanced [as a lower-priced Ansuz model] , and this is reflected in its higher inherent linearity and precision, it is still very much an emotion-inducing machine offering superb refinement and flow in an involving organic rendition with loads of charm.”

@RdW From what I gather, as of March ’24, he started using the Silent Angel NX paired with the GS Clock combo. If that’s still the case, it’s likely to be the reference point for his planned review of the N1.
If the N1 leans more toward neutrality and naturalness (which I understand it does) —enhancing physical presence and solidity, and resulting in a performance that feels more grounded, realistic, and closer to live music—then I’d say that aligns more closely with his preferences, at least from my point of view.

Also curious—why are you having an electrician replace and install two new 23-meter network cables to potentially optimize the setup for the N1 switch before doing any listening? it could be worth auditioning cables before pulling them through the wall, just to be sure.

Good luck with the auditions!

 

[jasond]

Agree on the “el-cheapo power supply” in the D3, but am thinking to break the seal and put a Farad super 6 on it (or maybe one of your LPS’) and see what that will do. As already noticed by you and others, a decent LPS is a must.

The Farad Super6 is really outstanding and price / performance wise I‘d say currently unbeaten on the market.

Regarding comparison, one of the best switches around is the Network Acoustics Tempus. Will be interesting how they compare.

 

[RdW]

I'm not Christiaan, but it's worth noting that a direct comparison between two devices in one of his HFA reviews would be quite rare—maybe even a first. That said, here’s what he wrote about the D3, which, while impressive in many ways, didn’t quite become one of his top favorites :


@RdW From what I gather, as of March ’24, he started using the Silent Angel NX paired with the GS Clock combo. If that’s still the case, it’s likely to be the reference point for his planned review of the N1.
If the N1 leans more toward neutrality and naturalness (which I understand it does) —enhancing physical presence and solidity, and resulting in a performance that feels more grounded, realistic, and closer to live music—then I’d say that aligns more closely with his preferences, at least from my point of view.

Also curious—why are you having an electrician replace and install two new 23-meter network cables to potentially optimize the setup for the N1 switch before doing any listening? it could be worth auditioning cables before pulling them through the wall, just to be sure.

Good luck with the auditions!

Indeed, I did read his review X-TC3 and D3 review. As usual, and not only in Christiaan's reviews, going up in available models and price, and adding more tweaks like the DARKZ footers is improving the sound. And it should. That confirms the marketing strategy of companies like Ansuz. Maybe the D3 switch didn't make it to his favourites because of personal preferences and perception. And that is OK. For me, and in combination with a D3 ethernet cable, it did work in terms of bringing emotions. And indeed, sound stage/depth and all the improvements he talked about were audible. But bringing emotion when you led the music flow is more important for me than an analytical review of what is improving. Maybe this is why reviewers in general write more about audible improvement which is easier to bring in words than emotions.

In my listening room, the soundstage did not appears higher than normal as he writes in his review and the lower frequencies where more clearly articulated and less flat(more 3D). So here you go. Everybody's set-up, that includes your listening room next to gear, cables etc., makes the perception of how the sounds "hits" you different. Hence, always try at home before you buy And of course there are other newer switched like the N1 of Marcin, or Reiki Audio Pro/Pro, or Silents Angel's NX with clock, and they all bring their own strength. And I would love to test them all, but unfortunately, it is not that simple (local availability and funding).

I have the 2x "simpel data room" cat7 running to my listing room already for years. I did not ask an electrician yet to replace them, but am trying to figure out what in general might be the best ethernet cable around to test if this makes a positive impact for me and would than at the same time put a fiber cable next to it so I can continue my journey and search how to optimise digital representation.

 

[Di-fi]

Indeed, I did read his review X-TC3 and D3 review. As usual, and not only in Christiaan's reviews, going up in available models and price, and adding more tweaks like the DARKZ footers is improving the sound. And it should. That confirms the marketing strategy of companies like Ansuz. Maybe the D3 switch didn't make it to his favourites because of personal preferences and perception. And that is OK. For me, and in combination with a D3 ethernet cable, it did work in terms of bringing emotions. And indeed, sound stage/depth and all the improvements he talked about were audible. But bringing emotion when you led the music flow is more important for me than an analytical review of what is improving. Maybe this is why reviewers in general write more about audible improvement which is easier to bring in words than emotions.

In my listening room, the soundstage did not appears higher than normal as he writes in his review and the lower frequencies where more clearly articulated and less flat(more 3D). So here you go. Everybody's set-up, that includes your listening room next to gear, cables etc., makes the perception of how the sounds "hits" you different. Hence, always try at home before you buy And of course there are other newer switched like the N1 of Marcin, or Reiki Audio Pro/Pro, or Silents Angel's NX with clock, and they all bring their own strength. And I would love to test them all, but unfortunately, it is not that simple (local availability and funding).

I have the 2x "simpel data room" cat7 running to my listing room already for years. I did not ask an electrician yet to replace them, but am trying to figure out what in general might be the best ethernet cable around to test if this makes a positive impact for me and would than at the same time put a fiber cable next to it so I can continue my journey and search how to optimise digital representation.

Thanks for sharing — you're absolutely right, it's all about how it sounds to you. Reviews help narrow things down, but nothing beats listening in your own setup.
With fiber, you really can’t go wrong — it's a solid step for isolation, and I expect most difference here. As for Cat 8 (similar or better shielding than Cat7) or unshielded UTP Cat 6 vs. your current Cat 7, or whether the cable shield is grounded or not only on the upstream side, it’s hard to say if those differences will be clearly audible in the upstream section. That’s why listening is ideal, if possible. If you can lay out the cables temporarily before pulling them through the wall, that gives you the chance to evaluate first and avoid unnecessary work.
Enjoy the journey!

 

[jadedavid]

Christiaan received review sample of the XACT N1 switch today, so hopefully you will be able to read comparisons in his review that will be published in July.

The current batch of the XACT N1 is now sold out.

We are now accepting pre-orders for the next production run, which will begin shipping in September.

Regarding your question: it is better to run longer fiber than ethernet cable. Not sure what type of cable are you running, but for the long runs I've had excellent results with LINKUP CAT8 double shielded cables which can be purchased on Amazon in different lengths: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087C9VZHT?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Those cables are better than some 'audiophile grade'. I use them in my system and only for the last 1-2m I use XACT Phantom LAN cables.

Best regards,
Marcin

Thanks for this cable recommendation.
Just received one today and so far I am very impressed.
Talk about bang for the buck. WOW

 

[springson]

Hi Marcin， still the problem as what I said. When I set the stramer endpoint(Pinkfaun) in the isolated port，the roon core（Wadax） in the common Lan port, and I can see the IPs of them in router， but the stream often lost from the roon core. so, power sycle N1, the problem is not solved. So I read carefully the Compatibility，you suggest use the Main Lan ports, it's ok, but which is not perfect solution, I think. please give me some ideal. Thanks.

 

[RdW]

Thanks for this cable recommendation.
Just received one today and so far I am very impressed.
Talk about bang for the buck. WOW

I ordered 25 mtr to test if this distance is to long for CAT8. If it doesn't work, I can make a number of patch cables out of it and sell them again

 

[RdW]

Hi Marcin， still the problem as what I said. When I set the stramer endpoint(Pinkfaun) in the isolated port，the roon core（Wadax） in the common Lan port, and I can see the IPs of them in router， but the stream often lost from the roon core. so, power sycle N1, the problem is not solved. So I read carefully the Compatibility，you suggest use the Main Lan ports, it's ok, but which is not perfect solution, I think. please give me some ideal. Thanks.

Have you tried to configure the pink faun as Roon Core, connect the PF with the ethernet cable to your N1, and use a high quality interconnect to your DAC (I prefer AES/EBU; Shunyata Omega)? That's how I run my Pink Faun on my MSB DAC, and disable Roon on the DAC. Gives the best result for me.

 

[RdW]

Thanks for sharing — you're absolutely right, it's all about how it sounds to you. Reviews help narrow things down, but nothing beats listening in your own setup.
With fiber, you really can’t go wrong — it's a solid step for isolation, and I expect most difference here. As for Cat 8 (similar or better shielding than Cat7) or unshielded UTP Cat 6 vs. your current Cat 7, or whether the cable shield is grounded or not only on the upstream side, it’s hard to say if those differences will be clearly audible in the upstream section. That’s why listening is ideal, if possible. If you can lay out the cables temporarily before pulling them through the wall, that gives you the chance to evaluate first and avoid unnecessary work.
Enjoy the journey!

Thanks. Just to be sure, what you say is that it is worthwhile to try to disconnect the ground/shielding from the wall socket if this is upstream side, so in my case: router -> home network switch using SFP port -> SFP to UTP media converter - 25 mtr UTP cable (grounded) -> Wall socket (not grounded) -> audiophile Ethernet cable -> Audiophile switch. Thanks!

 

[audiobomber]

25 mtr UTP cable (grounded)

I don't understand. How do you ground an unshielded twisted pair ethernet cable?

 

[Di-fi]

In audio systems, Ethernet cables can carry not just data, but also unwanted electrical noise—especially if the cable is shielded. The metal shield inside a shielded Ethernet cable (like Cat 7 and cat 8 ) can act like a bridge, letting noise from one device (like a switch or router) travel down the cable and reach your sensitive audio gear, such as a streamer.

To stop this, some people or manufacturers ground the shield on one side only—usually at the switch—while still keeping the EMI/RFI shielding benefits of Cat 7 or Cat 8 cables. Disconnecting the shield at one end helps block noise from traveling down the cable to the streamer. (Edit) This is especially important in the last 1–2 meters near the streamer, where any noise intrusion tends to be most audible but it can make a difference downstream as well. Alternatively, you can use fiber, though some listeners feel it still alters the sound in a negative way.

Using unshielded Cat 6 (UTP) already does this by design. Since it has no shield, there’s no direct path for noise to travel along. That’s why in many systems, UTP cables can actually sound better—they reduce the risk of noise traveling into the audio system.

Of course, every setup is different. Some systems have more electrical noise than others. But many people have been pleasantly surprised when they switch to a basic unshielded Cat 6 cable and hear cleaner, more natural sound.

To ’unground ’ the Ethernet cable on one side (to stop noise traveling over the shield), you can:

• Use an unshielded Cat 6 (UTP) cable – easiest solution, no ground path for noise.
• Reconnect or Replace the RJ45 plug at the streamer end with an unshielded connector – breaks the shield connection on that side.
• Use an Ethernet isolator/filter – some models break the shield internally.

Hope this helps.

 

[springson]

Have you tried to configure the pink faun as Roon Core, connect the PF with the ethernet cable to your N1, and use a high quality interconnect to your DAC (I prefer AES/EBU; Shunyata Omega)? That's how I run my Pink Faun on my MSB DAC, and disable Roon on the DAC. Gives the best result for me.

Thanks, but you maybe could not catch my points. anyway thank you very much.

 

[audiobomber]

In audio systems, Ethernet cables can carry not just data, but also unwanted electrical noise—especially if the cable is shielded. The metal shield inside a shielded Ethernet cable (like Cat 7 and cat 8 ) can act like a bridge, letting noise from one device (like a switch or router) travel down the cable and reach your sensitive audio gear, such as a streamer.

To stop this, some people/manufacturers try grounding the shield on one side only—usually at the switch. This helps block the noise from continuing down the cable to the streamer. Or, you can use fiber, though some listeners feel it still changes the sound in a negative way.

Using unshielded Cat 6 (UTP) already does this by design. Since it has no shield, there’s no direct path for noise to travel along. That’s why in many systems, UTP cables can actually sound better—they reduce the risk of noise traveling into the audio system.

Of course, every setup is different. Some systems have more electrical noise than others. But many people have been pleasantly surprised when they switch to a basic unshielded Cat 6 cable and hear cleaner, more natural sound.

To unground the Ethernet cable on one side (to stop noise traveling over the shield), you can:

• Use an unshielded Cat 6 (UTP) cable – easiest solution, no ground path for noise.
• Reconnect or Replace the RJ45 plug at the streamer end with an unshielded connector – breaks the shield connection on that side.
• Use an Ethernet isolator/filter – some models break the shield internally.

Hope this helps.

I am very familiar with the challenges presented by shield-tied ethernet cables. None of what you wrote answers my question, which was to ask @RdW what he means by "25 mtr UTP cable (grounded)". How is it possible to ground UTP cable?

 

[Di-fi]

I am very familiar with the challenges presented by shield-tied ethernet cables. None of what you wrote answers my question, which was to ask @RdW what he means by "25 mtr UTP cable (grounded)". How is it possible to ground UTP cable?

I’m sure you are. I wasn’t replying to you directly—I just wanted to be helpful to RdW, who responded to my post asking where I mentioned UTP. I assumed he was looking for clarification.

You're right to question that: you can’t ground a UTP Ethernet cable—because there’s nothing to ground.

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables:
- Have no metal shielding around the wire pairs.
- No drain wire or conductive material inside.
- The RJ45 connectors are plastic and don’t connect to any shield.
- (but UTP has no EMI/RFI shielding benefits as with Cat 7 or Cat 8 cables).