It continues to fascinate us that a data network affects the performance of a hi-fi system. Changing a switch, the power supply on a switch or even adding a network filter can be a significant dot on the ‘i’. In this article, we present our latest measurements and insights.
Regular readers know that we have had a nice Aeroflex PN9000 in our lab for a while now. We bought a few high-quality reference crystals for this device that can measure phase noise very precisely, including a 100 MHz model from Axtal. Mutec provided us with a custom model of the REF10-120. In addition, we have models of 25 MHz, 20 MHz and a low phase noise generator from Aeroflex for other measurements.
The measurement setup
For this little study, we took out the Volumio Primo again and placed it in the RF-shielded measurement box. We used the Volumio’s standard power supply. On the 100 MHz crystal we placed an active probe. This probe sends the clock signal to the Aeroflex. As a reference, we connected the Axtal 100 MHz crystal.
For this investigation, we grabbed a couple of switches:
- Netgear 108T
- Dlink GS108
- Cisco SF110D-05
- Delock Fiber converter
We also threw a couple of network filters into the mix, as well as a power supply from IFI (12V) and Sbooster (5V). This to get some insight in to what this does to the performance.
Phase Noise
The Aeroflex PN9000 primarily makes phase noise measurements. From these phase noise measurements, the Aeroflex software can also calculate jitter. The difference is that phase noise is measured in the frequency domain and jitter is measured in the time domain. So you could say that phase noise indicates how pure a frequency is and jitter indicates how stable the frequency is in the time domain.
Now it would be very crazy if the above measurements were very extremely different. However, we do see differences in noise. And that is in line with what we had expected, and what we hear…. we are talking about subtle differences; but they are audible.
The difference at 1 Hz (offset from the 100 MHz carrier wave) is quite large: there the Netgear with IFI power supply and Pink Faun filter scores around -33dBc/Hz. The Dlink with IFI power supply and Pink Faun filter scores -25dBc/Hz there. That’s a hefty difference of 8dBc/Hz.
In the 10Hz to 100Hz section, we see that the Cisco is well above the rest (higher noise). Even there, the difference between the best and the worst is still more than 5dBc/Hz. This can also be called significant.
Finally, 100 to 1000 Hz. There we see especially a big difference between plots that give bumps and plots that stay straight. The Netgear with Delock filter swings significantly. The Netgear with Medical grade filter stays pretty straight. As does the Netgear with Pink Faun filter.
Jitter
We also had the jitter calculated for all combinations. The difference between the best and worst is particularly large: 56ps and 98ps. That’s more than 40ps difference between the best performing combination (Netgear with IFI power supply and Pink Faun filter) and the worst: Dlink with IFI power supply and Pink Faun. The reason is quite simple: the Dlink is a switch that is supposed to operate at 5V: the IFI is 12V. That works because the Dlink has a voltage regulator that just brings the voltage back down to 5V. However, this does create extra noise. And we measure that right back with the Aeroflex. So be careful with this: it works, but it potentially creates extra jitter.
We are surprised that the Cisco scores so well in this test, because in other tests we measure quite a lot of noise. At least with the standard power supply. We have now used the Dlink power supply. Which is a lot cleaner than the Cisco power supply, we know from other tests. However, the Cisco scores a lot better than the Dlink with stock power supply. Worth noting.
The difference between the Netgear (with IFI power supply) without filter, medical grade filter, Delock filter and Pink Faun filter is quite large. The Pink Faun pushes jitter in the Volumio to 56ps. The medical grade scores just under 83ps. Still, 30ps difference!
Fiber without tweaks does not do badly: 63ps jitter. In short: definitely a neat option for those who want quick results.
Conclusion
Does networking make a difference in your hi-fi system? Yes… 100%. It is audible and also just plain measurable. We hope that this really ends the discussion whether a switch, filter or power supply can make a difference in listening pleasure.
Do i understand you correctly that you have the theory (or is it concluded?) that if one has a good power conditioner, like the Audes one, for all your digital domain gear also prior to the streamer, then there is not much noise to clean up and you might only need a Dlink and IFI PS to clean up the remaining noise? (isn´t the IFI PS adding its own noise?)
In that scenario the state of your network is also helped by something that is very expensive, compared to the Dlink (the power conditioner).
The base of the answer is to be found in this article: https://www.alpha-audio.net/background/why-a-good-switch-does-matter-for-streaming-audio/
You don’t buy a ST900 for just connecting a switch, the trick is to connect all of your hifi gear and leave everything before the switch out of that circuit. This is not just any power conditioner. This is a balanced power transformator which has effects on the ground (the 0 state of a 50 or 60 Hz sinus wave of AC power) for all equipment attached. Other power conditioners work differently and will have a different effect, as shown effectively in a livestream not so long ago.
Furthermore, I don’t use an iFi, but an LHY power supply for the switch. The quality of the power supply still has influence, an Audes is not a replacement for that. Different machines for different aspects of the power delivered to an audio set.
Thank you for explaining Martijn, much appreciated.
[Responding to Jaap and Martijn’s responses to my comments. I don’t seem to be able to respond inline any more so apologies if this shows up in the wrong place.]
Thanks for your responses. I accept your points about skeptics being driven by dogma etc. and I wasn’t trying to kick off a whole philosophical debate here. All I am saying is that if you are trying to demonstrate that the type of petrol can affect the top speed of a car then measure the speed, not just the octane of the fuel. Jaap stated that J-test is unreliable (without explaining why, maybe he has done that earlier and I missed it) and I can’t comment on that. However if it is unreliable then there should reasonably be some other way to measure this effect at the output. It is after all the output that we listen to, not the clock. By definition if evidence relies on any inference (however self-evident) to connect it to a conclusion then it is considered circumstantial, not hard. I rest my case (pun intended).
“There must be”. If there was a reliable way, wouldn’t you think it was deployed?
Presumably, yes. And if there isn’t (I will look into J-test, I have to confess I didn’t realize it was unreliable) then my comments collapse to simply questioning the use of “hard” in the title. Anyway, apologies to you and Jaap if you feel I was trying to rain on your parade. I love what you are doing here and I am actually cheering you on, but apparently it seems my pedantry created exactly the opposite impression.
It is not raining on any parade, but industry experts (and manufacturers of audio equipment) who have a very deep rooted knowledge on engineering and audio, are consulted on how to measure and results have been cross checked.
There are very detailed comments or messages shared through the contact form, from readers who do bring insight to the table, that have been of tremendous help. But they start by giving evidence or sharing results of what they have done and then point to further investigation paths.
That doesn’t mean we don’t like comments by enthousiast readers who follow what we are doing and are rooting for us, but state the things you would like to know as questions, not as a thesis that we now have to prove right. That is bothering me lately.
I am a trained science methodologist (long time ago, my profession is something else), but I do cringe at the statements that are often repeated about the way our test should be validated to have definitive proof. If some people (not you in this instance, I’m making a generic observation here) would be aware of the gibberish they are stating, posing as being knowledgeable by the wording of their comments (not you again, I’m making a generic observation), they would feel humiliated. But alas, it doesn’t stop them from mensplaing and that comes across as condescending. Often this is not meant to be, but the effect is still the same.
Our attitude is that we know nothing, but we can only try to discover what we don’t know or try if we can measure what we hear. Is our method scientific? No, no, vehemently no. We don’t pretend we are. But given the restricted resources of time and money (did I mention money already? Patreons make this possible!) we do our best. And even if we only listen and not measure, the way we conduct our listening sessions and the way we prepare those makes us unique. That’s not misguided pride, but something we concluded long ago.
So, thank you for your kind words. Just keep cheering on. Constructive criticism is the most important part of that cheering, more so than flattery.
There is a reason also for being a bit spicy with questions and statements since “we” are not part of the industry and want to better understand your motives and your place in the industry, which is a bit unclear i feel. By stating something (right or wrong) we also get to understand more about how you are thinking and what you are able/willing to test or not. By just asking polite questions we might not always get the answers we are interested in. You are of course allowed to ignore those questions as well. Even if you don´t appreciate some statements I feel that is is good that you then are able to correct the mansplaining, which will benefit people who read on your site, i think.
There’s absolutely nothing unclear about ‘our place’ in the industry: https://www.alpha-audio.net/background/press-independence-in-the-hifi-industry/
Interesting article Jaap, thanks. Just one question, why did you choose to try to measure jitter with a probe on the clock rather than, for instance running J-Test on the Volumio’s output? if you are trying to prove not just that changes in the network are measurable in the DAC but are actually affecting the audio output you would want to measure as close to that audio output as possible? Or have I got the wrong end of the stick here?
The Jtest measures jitter in a different way. I find it very unreliable to be honest. If the clock shows more jitter, it has an influence on the output. That is just the way it is.
Understood. But if this were a court I would suggest that a judge might describe that evidence as “circumstantial”, rather than “hard”.
We have to assume that the court would also use their ears before judging and not only look at graphs. 😀
Indeed.
Absolutely. But “hard” evidence suggests to me objective evidence that would convince even skeptics who might dismiss subjective evidence as the result of expectation bias or flawed in some other way. Misunderstand me right, I believe in this thesis and I believe what my own ears tell me. I would love to see hard (objective) evidence to back these up. I just don’t think this is it per my rationale above.
What evidence do you need? Jitter increases… So d/a-conversion gets messed up…
If “skeptics” (and I put that between quotes, because the audio hobbyists who are in denial are not skeptics by the definition of the word) can be convinced by a unreliable faulty measurement instead of a valid one, because they accept that as hard evidence, the interpretation of the measurement is anything but objective.
As such, this is evidence that so called audio skeptics are not pursuing truth or fact, but are driven by a belief, which is subjective by nature. As such, you cannot convince them, except with trickery that is presented as hard measurements, but are in fact bogus. Audio skeptics are following quackery, although they are vehemently convinced that they are pursuing truth.
Ok
struts001 i actually think it is since you can easily correlate the measurements with listening test. You always need to confirm measurements regardless of where they are taken. If someone suddenly change their mind just because a graph is shown from the analogue side then it is only their loss that that didn´t find this out earlier. Obviously they where interested in better sound but they refused to try it for silly reasons. The fact has not changed just because it is shown in a graph. I would have agreed maybe if it was a marginal difference that we struggled to hear, but it isn´t.
I agree that it might not matter much when you have a D-Link with an IFI Ipower X, combined with cheaper ethernet cables, as an example.
But is not a myth that the noise that is travelling on the ethernet line between everything connected can be heard when you have much more attention to ethernet noise. You need to take the noise very seriously for that to become very evident and think about all aspects at the same time. For example, don´t connect anything else to the switch or your HiFi equipment, except for what is needed for streaming.
If you already have very good (expensive) power supplies on the streamer and the last switch (which you have tested) and combine that with very good shielded ethernet cables, that can protect an even lower potential noise floor, then it suddenly starts to make make a lot of differences what goes into those shielded ethernet cables prior to the switch, from a noise profile aspect, even if that was not very important before you did all those other things in combination.
Things can be correct and wrong at the same time. It just depends on what level of noise you are at and what your weakest link is.
I am not trying to argue, just trying to help you take your testing to the next level.
Tobias, you are mansplaining how we should test.
Because of this measurement I purchased a LHY LPS25VA, but in 5 Volt. After some ‘burn-in’ time, I compared it to the 12V version attached to the switch. The only thing I swapped was the power supply itself, I used the same Essential Audio Tools power cable and the same DC cable that came with the 12V version (just to eliminate any variations between cables).
The result of using a 5V instead of a 12V power supply into the DLink is quite evident with most recordings, but more noticeable with acoustic instruments and voices (or maybe that’s because that’s where my hearing is tuned into):
– A soundstage that opens up: more space between the instruments.
– A cleaner and longer reverb, so evidently a less noisy background
– Better harmonic information from voices and woodwinds
– A richer and less dry ‘metallic’ sound of snare drums and cymbals (evidently less jitter).
– Beter timing, the so called PRaT, of the Naim streamer. I don’t know if this is universal for all streamers.
So, yes. The difference in jitter, even measured in picoseconds, is quite audible.
Having said that, my aging Naim streamer is incredibly sensitive to jitter influences. Newer gear is better hardened to the effects most of the time.
I’m writing this while listening to a rendition of the Shostakovich Chamber Symphony in C minor, played by the London Symphony Orchestra Strings Ensemble. Recommended recording, so much intensity in the sound.
Sorry didn’t get it what was better the 5v or with 12v?
D-Link isn’t rated for 5v?
Dlink is rated for 5v. And it sounds better with 5v.
Again, my last Dutch comment translated:
Martijn, it’s great that you’re noticing and describing well the progress! Improving the network yields the most benefits for streaming services, while for some people who prefer local files, the difference may be less noticeable, but still sufficient.
I haven’t personally tested your new LHY LPS, but I think it’s a reasonable “base” power supply. A better AC cable, and especially a better DC cable, can be heard. I now understand your preference for D-Link over Netgear concerning your music preference; there is an audible difference between brands.
While your choice of 5V power (according to the sticker) gives an optimal result for the D-Link, it’s not the same as my comparison between two different iFi power supplies. It’s certainly possible that you don’t hear a difference between the two iFi’s, but I wonder if that was with the specified voltage for the D-Link. By the way, some people notice an improvement when using 9V instead of 12V, for example, with the EtherRegen.
It’s important to mention that the Netgear and D-Link switches are not specifically made for audio. Standard switches can already make a difference with better power supplies and power cables, but you’re still quite far from optimal results in the audio network. A power ´conditioner’ can help but won’t solve all network problems.
I hope that Alpha-Audio will someday be open to the possibilities of audiophile switches, because not testing a highly praised Muon filter just because you forgot if Jaap tested it well is not a valid argument. Selecting with your ears, right? 😉
I agree that Alpha Audio “need” to focus on passive filtering instead, in combination with air gapping (WiFi or 5G) to break the physical connection to your noisy network.
This will much better explain what is actually going on and is more effective when done well. The problem when talking about switches is that people tend to think in computing terms and it just gets unnecessary complicated. Switches is also noisy by nature and will “never” be perfect before a streamer.
Effective passive filtering, as the last step into the streamer, is the right way of doing it, in my mind.
Regarding ‘air gapping’. It doesn’t solve anything. Whichever way you turn it, you will have a radio (noisy!), a power supply and a cable to connect to your streamer, using either a WiFi repeater, a WiFi Mesh system or a WiFi Endpoint. The power supply of the WiFi device (or 5G modem) and the radio will introduce exactly the same problem as the modem/router introduces.
I play with a Netgear Orbi Mesh WiFi system at home, since that’s the only way possible.
WiFi in streamers is often worse, unless you use Auralic. See the review(s) on Auralic on this website.
Passive filtering can be done with a LAN filter, and well, opinions vary widely on the audible effect. Is it as good as a switch? No.
Passive filtering can also be done using the Network Acoustics solution. Does it work, yes. But look at the price.
So, no, we are not going to focus on stuff we already tested, written about and which is neither attainable and thus a workable solution for the majority of our readership, nor the silver bullet solution. Tastes vary, there is no best solution, only a matching one for you.
There are WiFi extenders (for example) that has a relatively low noise output that has external power supplies. If you switch that power supply to the best you can afford then you have a very good start of your ethernet connection, that is not influenced of downstream network component, which is the case when you use your fixed ethernet line. Then you have the noise from “everything” on that line to deal with, even before your router.
The Network Accoustic Muon Pro Streaming System clearly shows how effective passive filtering can be. It might be interesting to understand what they have done inside that box to mute that noise so effectively? I am not talking about LAN filters since they can only complement but will not be anywhere near enough on their own.
The ‘stuff from everything on the line’ is a mythical problem. It simply doesn’t have that big an impact. I’ve done extensive testing at home when I switched from an airborne internet connection to glass fiber internet and had both available at the same time: no difference to be heard at all. None. Zero. And yes, of course I have a switch before the streamer. That’s a sufficient measure in every practical sense.
Somebody did buy a Muon and disassembled it to take a look at what they did. If you search for it on Google you will probably find that article. As a review site, we are not allowed to do that for obvious reasons.
For english readers: There’s a lot of assumptions in this comment about what is ‘better’. My experience is different than yours, which is fine.
The LHY is chosen for a very specific reason: you need an LPS which is as fast with current delivery as an SMPS. LHY and Farad are brands which deliver such power supplies. As we have noticed before, the wrong LPS on a switch has a detrimental effect on the sound, while the same LPS does wonders for a streamer, a phono stage or another piece of equipment with an analogue output.
There are no switches made for audio. Consumer brands are all based upon a very common network switch (in the affordable range), with added components and/or modifications to the clock crystal or power supply connection on the switch electronic board. As investigation has shown us, it is the power supply that matters most.
We have tested audiophile graded switches, see our big switch test.
And as far as iFi is concerned: I use those power supplies as a standard tool in my review toolkit box for all kinds of equipment, not just switches. I don’t hear a difference. For some pieces of equipment, the higher amperage of the iPowerX is needed/wanted. If not, I always recommend to spend the money on an iPower2. Smaller size and less distracting led lights as a bonus.
This will be my final comment on the matter, as our opinions differ significantly. I’ve just translated my latest Dutch comment on this topic:
Martijn (Editor), October 8, 2024, 6:47 AM: Paul, audiophile switches are nothing more than modified standard switches. No switches are made for audio applications. The ingredients are the same: better power supply, better cables.
Paul: I don’t understand how Alpha Audio denies the existence of audiophile switches in October 2024. Since your switch test in 2021-2, there has been enormous progress in audio networks and switches. Do we all understand it? No. Can we measure it? No. But many can hear it. Alpha Audio has chosen to completely ignore this development and generalizes that audiophile switches don’t matter without listening to them (unless they’re cheap switches?).
I can’t believe you’re prompting me to name examples of audiophile switches; you could have Googled it yourself, and there are far too many. Sometimes they have integrated power supplies and clocks, but here are a few: UPTONE Etherregen (I have one myself), INNUOS Phoenix NET, ANSUZ Power Switch D3, LHY-SW10, Melco Audio S100 1&2, Silent Angel Bonn NX, Network Akoustics Tempus, and Muon Pro Network Filter (and no, the interior isn’t the picture you Googled), JCAT NX1.
Martijn: Jaap’s opinion and measurement regarding the use of certain crystal oscillators in these switches is also clear: no added value whatsoever.
Paul: Clearly, for Alpha Audio, it doesn’t matter if there’s a clock inside.
Martijn: As you may have noticed, those kinds of switches were also included in the large switch test, and reviews have been published about them. So your desire to include that category of switches has already been fulfilled.
Paul: Exactly, and you wrote about the (now certainly three-year-old) LHY audiophile switch: “If you’ve invested time, love, effort, and money into a HiFi setup at home, regardless of how much money you’ve spent on the setup, the LHY switch will give many people the feeling of an ultimate upgrade. For connoisseurs who have already invested in power conditioners and other optimizations, the LHY switch may bring too much of a good thing. The LHY linear power supply can act as a power source for switches, DACs, or streamers, bringing that extra refinement the audiophile is looking for.”
Regarding (iFi) power supplies:
Paul: Alpha Audio also tests better audiophile power supplies (e.g., Farad, I have one here) and finds them good and that they improve sound quality. According to Jaap, this also applies to switches.
Paul: you are clearly reading something into my comment that isn’t there. I’m a bit puzzled, but I’ll leave it at that.
I agree with Martijn… I don’t understand your comment at all.
Thank you both for sharing your views. It’s clear we have differing opinions on the impact of (audiophile) switches and power supplies on sound quality. While I respect your perspective and the measurements that guide your conclusions, I believe that subjective listening experiences often lead to insights that measurements alone cannot capture.
The evolution in audio technology, especially concerning switches and power supplies, has sparked diverse opinions in our community. I stand by the belief that these components can significantly enhance the listening experience for many audiophiles, and I appreciate the ongoing discussions
about them.
Paul… Where exactly do I say that a switch has no impact or is unimportant in the audio-chain? All Martijn said – and I fully agree – is that many an audiophile switch just uses ‘normal’ hardware, with the addition of an audiophile clock (which is useless and can even have a negative impact) and a nice power supply (which does have a positive impact). I have seen many a switch inside and 90% just use a Cisco, Dlink or, say, a Zyxel as a base. LHY, for example, just uses Cisco. Fidelizer idem. Melco? Which uses Buffalo hardware, since it’s the same group…
And this is not an opinion, these are just facts. And it makes sense, because as a small manufacturer, how are you going to come up with, test and manufacture a completely proprietary chipset and design? That’s just not possible.
”I have seen many a switch inside and 90% just use”,
I’m referring to the remaining 10%—the so-called audiophile switches. I suggest that Alpha Audio approach these with an open mind and open ears, setting aside any preconceived notions about switches or audio networks. The entire chain upstream of the DAC—switches, routers, cables, and power sources—has a greater impact on sound quality than one might initially think. Each component plays a crucial role in shaping the final sonic experience.
It’s surprising that many audiophiles spend heavily on speakers, conditioners, and even linear power supplies (LPS), but when it comes to networks, they rely on a €39 switch and a basic switch-mode power supply (SMPS). You don’t have to look far for examples of those who recognize the value of a good switch. Dutch reviewers like Hans Beekhuyzen and Christiaan Punter (Hifi Advice) fully understand its significance. I’m not sure what the agenda is at Alpha Audio, but perhaps it’s time to take a closer look at this aspect of the network chain.
I am sorry that is my impression and I have to leave it at that.
There is no agenda, except yours.
Ok, Paul. After this reply, I am going to stop answering, because I have the feeling you are ignoring all the facts we are offering you.
First of all: there is no agenda, like Martijn says.
Second: I think we are the only platform in the world that actually proved a network switch makes a difference.
You are actually replying to the article with the measurements that prove that a switch makes a difference. How can you say we don’t have an open mind if it comes to testing switches?
Third: we tested audiophile switches. More than once. Ansus, Pura, LHY, Silent Angel… And we are always fair and as objective as possible when we write the review. Even better: some tests we do live so people can actually join in. Two of these switch tests were live.
Fun fact: Hans Beekhuyzen uses our research and data concerning network swiches in his videos. And he used our data in his presentation on DAE. So… I guess Alpha Audio can join the club…?
Like I said more than once: I am really lost what you are trying to say or achieve with your comments. We have an open mind and even proved its significance more than once now.
Let me clarify my point. I am not only distinguishing between standard and audiophile switches, but I also provided you with a list of 10 examples above. Does Alpha Audio acknowledge their existence, or are they lumped into the same category as 90% of standard boards with a power supply?
I’m referring to much more recent switches that can make a significant difference in sound quality today. I’m not talking about your tests from 2019 using standard switches and audiophile switches from that time, but rather the latest models (2022-2024), some of which are paired with outstanding linear power supplies (LPS). These represent the culmination of advancements in audio networking over the past 2-3 years—likely more than any other group of audio devices.
However, you seem to keep referencing tests from 2019 and 2020 that used a mix of standard and early audiophile switches from that time. Even now, it seems like you are almost exclusively testing (on) standard switches, which, while they may make a difference, do not reflect the high-end audiophile models that have emerged recently. Until you test these high-end audiophile switches, I believe you are missing a crucial part of the picture.
If you are testing a Grimm MU2, you should be able to test most of these new switches as well. Martijn mentioned he couldn’t remember the Muon results (and I couldn’t find them when searching), yet now he says the information was so significant that even Hans Beekhuyzen is discussing it widely in Holland. Naturally, I’m confused by this.
I don’t know what setup you’re using at home, but Martijn confirms that he’s using a basic, non-audiophile switch with a better but still modest LPS unit. In my view, and others on this forum, if you believe in and have experienced the benefits of ”audiophile switches”, there is much more to explore with these recent developments.
I believe this is a crucial topic, so below is my recent post translated from Dutch to English:
Jaap, your point is clear, and it’s great that you’ve followed through with this. But didn’t you already know after the test in ’22 that the Netgear was better? You also mentioned that a better power supply helped. So I don’t quite understand why Martijn is still using the ‘inferior’ D-Link and running it on 12V (I recently asked him about this here).
Additionally, I have a few more points: which iFi power supply are you using here? If it’s the Power 2, then definitely try the Power X, at the correct voltage, of course. I expect improvements on multiple levels (jitter and timing).
The Netgear GS108T is a managed switch, so also listen with the low transmission power-saving mode. This makes a world of difference between the GS105/8 and the GS105/8E. By the way, these are completely different switches inside, plus the “E” is managed.
Do not use LAN filters in the last part between the switch and the streamer, but before the switch (between the switch and, for example, the NAS). As you said yourself: I don’t know if that’s measurable, but it is definitely audible.
Now it’s up to Alpha to take on the challenge of not only providing measurable recommendations for practical switch, power supply, and cable combinations but also to keep stressing how important the network is for audio, so everything before the DAC.
As I mentioned here earlier, I invest a lot in my audio network, not because I enjoy it so much, but because it brings a lot of improvement downstream (after the DAC). We have no choice.
Like I commented on the same comment in Dutch (just for our English readers): I find the use of the Dlink resulting in a better music reproduction, more organic. The result of utilising the Netgear is too clinical for me, too ‘audiophile’. And I had them side by side at home for quite some time.
It is not just switches. I’m working on a big article on a comparison between different computers powering a well known piece of software. And the insights we gained from that comparison are once again a step further into demystifying the digital reproduction chain. (yes, cliffhanger-ish, I know, but it’s been extensive work once again)
Martijn, do you use a so called audiophile switch or just the Dlink? Or would you care to elaborate more about your network setup? Cheers 🙂
To remind you: I have an Audes Balanced Power Transformator, which feeds all audio equipment. That is important since it resets the ground for all equipment, so I don’t suffer from a lot of electrical noise that is filtered by expensive audiophile switches. I don’t need one. When testing the LHY switch, it was even too much of a good thing with the Audes. The Audes is a very important baseline.
All I use is the Dlink. To make it worse, I use (short leads of) Belden Catsnake 5e network cable, which is unshielded.
What matters the most is the power fed to a switch, so I use an Essential Audio Tools power cable (for all my equipment, for the record), which sonically matches great with the Audes. It doesn’t add anything, doesn’t colour, doesn’t enlarge the soundstage. It just filters out noise effectively.
That EAT power cord is stuck in the Audes and powers an LHY LPS25VA 5V power supply. I use the supplied DC cord from LHY into the Dlink switch.
The switch is connected to the streamer and on the other side to a Netgear Orbi satellite. Since a few years, between the Orbi and switch I have a few metres of bog standard copper Cat6A network cable, which I bought of the internet for 3 Euro’s/metre.
The Belden cable is used between the switch and the streamer and between a Raspberry Pi4 and the switch. On the Raspberry Pi and the reason it is added to the hifi setup more to follow in an article.
Have you tried passive filtering before the streamer, like the Network Accoustic´s Muon stuff, or similar? I ask since in my opinion good passive filtering clearly expose that there is a lot of noise to mute even if the power is targeted first.
Switched is by nature noisy even if they can improve the noise level.
No, not me in my system.
Jaap has measured the Muon from Hans Beekhuyzen 😉 It is effective, but I have forgotten if it is more, less or as effective as a switch. Since I have forgotten it is probably not worth exchanging it for a switch, otherwise I would have remembered. Bit of an indirect proof, but nonetheless the most probable explanation for why I have forgotten the result.
Tobias, I started with a standard internet cable from from router to my streamer, then i was educated by Alpha Audio, i watch and studied everything that is to do with a home network and then i took things into my own hands and went a bit crazy. I’ve gone from a standard ethernet cable from my router to my streamer. I borrowed and tested 6 different ethernet cables (Supra, Audioquest pearl, cinnamon and vodka, Siltech classic legend and Royal crown) 4 network switches (EE 8,SOTM,Silent angel Bonn N8 pro and a Melco S100) 4 different types of power supplies (IFI, Keces P28, Sbooster and Plixir) What i learned most was yes the ethernet cables and switches made up 50% of the sound, but it was the power supplies and power chord that made the other 50% difference. The less noise and distortion the clearer and more detailed the sound became.
My network as follows –
3 Kemp audio D11 fuses in the main fuse box on the street
3 Gigawatt G16a circuit breakers
3 x 18m Gigawatt installation cable to my listening room
Furutech outlets
Isotek Aquarius ev3 with a Synergistic research purple fuse and a Isotek Sequel c19
2 Sboosters plus Isotek initium, 1 for my home media fiber converter and router.
2 Siltech classic legend ethernet cables
Adot Mc03 with Plixir elite bdc, Chord shawline Plixir DC and a Isotek initium
Melco S100 with Plixir elite, Chord shawline Plixir DC and a Isotek Initium
And finally a Siltech Royal crown from the Melco to my streamer.
In my humble opinion, this is an area where we should spend a lot(!) more attention that we can even imagine.
I went pretty extreme in this area (not necessary spending extreme amount of money), without having extreme downstream components, and it transformed my sound from edgy/sibilant/harsh sounding into very analogue (pleasantly relaxing with more dynamics) by just targeting ethernet source noise. In my experience we should ultimately not select our end-game speakers until we have heard what our current speakers are capable when the source is optimized(!), since the digital source (ethernet noise) sets the bar of everything downstream and is way more important than we can even dream about.
In my experience this is the very much the case also for modern mid-fi gear.
I agree on a lot of things you mention. But I do think speakers make a lot more impact than the network. The network shouldn’t be ignored though!
Yes, i agree. But i see a lot of people going thru speaker after speaker and not being happy.
In my own experience now, they might have been perfectly happy with many of those rejected speakers if the ethernet (and digital power) was instead targeted first.
I find that speakers are the voice of system. The better the network/power supply the less distortion/noise and not so much impact on the voicing of a speaker.
True, but i think the problem is that we don´t understand the impact of this distortion that digital noise causes until we have experienced a really, really good (expensive) power supply in the digital domain, together with some really efficient ethernet noise isolation, or good (expensive) streamer.
My own speakers are now much more full bodied and sort of dark sounding, in a good way, then before i did any of this. Then they where to “bright” sounding and i initially thought that revealing speakers was maybe not for me.
The ‘freshness’ you experience is proably harshness due to jitter. That is awefull distortion that we – humans – cannot get uesd to. It is unnatural distortion. Unlike 2nd, analog, harmonics that we do like and actually experience in real life.