The Ethernet cables, Switches and Network related sound thread. Share your listening experience only.

[camrector]

Short answer, yes they make a difference. Based on personal experience, in my system.

Network engineer for a long time, so in some ways came at this skeptical. After some conversations with an electrical engineer, I was reminded this isn't really about bits getting from point A to point B , it's about the quality of their travel. That said I'm still not sure I understand it perfectly at an engineering level, but somewhat.

Nonetheless, my ears tell me that an "audiophile" network switch, quality fiber optic cable between switch and streamer/DAC, quality ethernet from an audio-dedicated NAS (Lumin L1), and a network that's as simple as possible (nothing but that switch between sources and endpoints), have resulted in more clarity, improved soundstage, a perfectly silent background, and probably other SQ improvements I'd find it hard to articulate, but, PRAT.

A lot to can be said here . Everything that you listed is power related.
I don’t disagree at all that better power supplies improve sound quality.

I wouldn’t have a switch anywhere near my audio equipment. Thats just asking for trouble. For network audio it’s best to create “clean” side and a “dirty” side.
The “dirty” side consists of my modem, router, cpu, and switch.(All have upgrade power supplies)
25ft fiber from my switch connects to the “clean” side and the Teradak FMC. Then a 12in UTP cat5 cable connects to my R26/A26.
Everything is isolated.

 

[camrector]

Well, I have tried using a fiber media converter into the ER, and there were changes, but no huge improvements that would persuade me one way or the other. But there was a definite improvement when I inserted the SW-10 in-between the fmc and the ER. So, calling them silly would be a bridge too far for me.

I can't speak to how much the internal clock of the sw-10 is impacting the sound, I don't have a way to measure that.

All I can say is to try it. If 3 dimensionality is what you're chasing, and your system is up to it, I would take the leap.

There would be zero benefit with my system.

Hey, I have been looking for a audiophile grade fiber patch cable, but I haven't seen one. Care to share what you're using?

Are you asking for audiophile plastic/silica lol?

 

[jon m]

Hey, I have been looking for a audiophile grade fiber patch cable, but I haven't seen one. Care to share what you're using?

Not sure there's really anything considered special audio-grade fiber (regardless what any may say), just "good quality fiber". I use Owens Corning OS2 SM Fiber and a pair of decent transceivers (I wouldn't trust whatever is cheapest on Amazon); these can be researched to death, but I feel like, just get "as good as you can find at a reasonable price".

 

[Tubewin]

Are you asking for audiophile plastic/silica lol?

Not sure, he mentioned he had a "quality fiber optic cable".

 

[Tubewin]

There would be zero benefit with my system.

Ah, well that's less money you need to spend.

 

[camrector]

Ah, well that's less money you need to spend.

It would be a downgrade is what I’m saying.
It lacks the network control that pro switches provide that make a very big difference.

 

[Tubewin]

It would be a downgrade is what I’m saying.
It lacks the network control that pro switches provide that make a very big difference.

What is an example of a pro switch?

 

[camrector]

What is an example of a pro switch?

Manageable for starters
Yours was built on a pro grade switch but then rendered unmanageable. What reasons does LHY give for that? It makes zero sense to do that.

 

[Tubewin]

Manageable for starters
Yours was built on a pro grade switch but then rendered unmanageable. What reasons does LHY give for that? It makes zero sense to do that.

Are you saying that a standard network switch will have better sound quality than a purpose built one like LHY, just from changing network settings on the switch?

 

[camrector]

Are you saying that a standard network switch will have better sound quality than a purpose built one like LHY, just from changing network settings on the switch?

I’m willing to bet that the cisco yours was built on with an improved power supply and optimized settings would.

 

[Tubewin]

I’m willing to bet that the cisco yours was built on with an improved power supply and optimized settings would.

I respect your opinion.

 

[bpcans]

@Tubewin, I’ve been corresponding with Rob Osborne at Network Acoustics Ltd. about his new dedicated network switch called the tempus. https://www.networkacoustics.com/shop/tempus-ethernet-switch/. Not that I can afford a $4K USD anything right now. But I like to keep up on where music streaming is headed, and how SQ can be improved using the latest technology available.

 

[bluenight]

@camrector so why did you care about buying the teradak with OXCO clock if what you knew was that timing had no importance of the data. Couldn't you have saved some money on a cheaper one instead?

@sajunky gave a great answer to the possible benefits of better clocks in switches. Your knowledge seem deep. His reasons where less emi and energy peaks if i understood correctly.

 

[camrector]

@camrector so why did you care about buying the teradak with OXCO clock if what you knew was that timing had no importance of the data. Couldn't you have saved some money on a cheaper one instead?

@sajunky gave a great answer to the possible benefits of better clocks in switches. Your knowledge seem deep. His reasons where less emi and energy peaks if i understood correctly.

To test if there was an audible difference between the two.
The teradak has does better components and internal power supply than the cheap $50FMCs
I can’t hear a difference though honestly between it and a $50 FMC with a linear power supply.

 

[bluenight]

To test if there was an audible difference between the two.
The teradak has does better components and internal power supply than the cheap $50FMCs
I can’t hear a difference though honestly between it and a $50 FMC with a linear power supply.

Intersting.
Well at least you tried.
Maybe there is more difference to be heard in wired Ethernet vs optical.