Watch the Live Stream
Contents
Sample Test Switches
Conclusion
It was a very interesting test. Six switches for audio streaming. Network switches? Yes: network switches. And no... no data is lost in a normal network. And no: an audio-grade network switch does not handle data better or anything like that. It is NOT about data. It is about reducing 'electrical noise' (common mode). The 'fiber tweak' also proves this: it gives you a more relaxing sound. (provided that the converter is powered properly). A good power supply also helps enormously. Think of a NuPrime or Sbooster. Or if you want to be really classy: the Ferrum HypsosThe first good audible step is in our opinion the Silent Angel / English Electric / NuPrime. These three switches have a similar design developed by Silent Angel. They are pleasant sounding products that bring more peace and quiet. One step up is the SOtM switch. Standard very good, but with Ferrum very, very good. What a neutral and tight sounding product that is. The end game for us is the Paul Pang Quad switch. This is a technically impressive looking product. A bit nerdy perhaps... But it sounds insanely good. An admirable product.
Hi guys,
Another awesome test. Just finished watching the one for 1000E Streamers and I chose to go with the Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition and the ifi Audio Nova power cable.
But I am now hoping for a little clarity when it comes to switches. Based on all your tests you have performed, and on some feedback received from my audiophile colleagues in Romania….I chose to go with the SOtM sNH-10G.
My question is about the Power Supply for the switch. I have 3 options at the moment:
1. Leave the stock one. Hans Beekhuyzen was saying in his YT review that when he switched the stock power supply he didn’t feel a change, maybe even a small audio quality degradation.
2. Get the SOtM sPS-500 power supply.
3. Get another 3rd party one – and the one which is available (easier) in Romania is Farad Super3 Power Supplies.
What would your recommendations be when it comes to the Power Supply for the SOTM switch?
Thank you,
Andrei.
I would recommend to read this article first : https://alpha-audio.net/background/why-a-good-switch-does-matter-for-streaming-audio/
Perhaps a budget approach might be to buy 4 Dlink switches and some short cables and see if that brings about a clear improvement. The dlink switches seem to be quite cheap, I bought one for £11 on ebay, maybe I should buy 3 more to see what that does.