To Switch or Not to Switch?

[RepublicOfTexas69]

Also interesting. May I inquire as to the reason for the two switches? There’s got to be a reason…

First off I have my system isolated from all other network devices that are either hardwired or on the dreaded wifi. I have 3 networks in the our home two wifi networks for printers, laptops, phones, handhelds. Also run my pool/patio entertainment system on a seperate wifi network. My listening space is hardwired and isolated through a series of switches (Ediscreation) https://ediscreation.com/product/silent-switch-ocxo/ that is fed D-Link DGS 1016D in my network closet off the master bedroom. The Edisocreation S-S OCXO II feeds a Sonore Optical Module Deluxe that coverts to optical and feeds my Uptone EtherREGEN 1. The chain feeds my modified Innous Zenith MKIII that feeds my LessLoss Echo's End Reference DAC. My digital chain sounds wonderful and was built up over a few years of trial and error. There is no WIFI or Cellular in my listening space in an effort to reduce EMI/RFI and other airborne interference. Maybe overkill and complicated but it works for me.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

Maybe overkill and complicated but it works for me.

I have spent years experimenting with no switch, one switch, two switches, three switches and four switches.

I have tried over 30 brands of switches and spent month mixing and matching to find the perfect combo.

I have spent 2 years trying vibration control with every digital device you can imagine and currently have a triple level vibration device under my main switch.

In high end digital there is no such thing as overkill. Every little tweak makes a difference.

 

[RepublicOfTexas69]

I have spent years experimenting with no switch, one switch, two switches, three switches and four switches.

I have tried over 30 brands of switches and spent month mixing and matching to find the perfect combo.

I have spent 2 years trying vibration control with every digital device you can imagine and currently have a triple level vibration device under my main switch.

In high end digital there is no such thing as overkill. Every little tweak makes a difference.

Yes I know and I enjoyed following your experiments on WBF and FB. Great stuff and inspired some of my experiments. Thank you Michael.

 

[crwilli]

I also use two switches after my router. Router to switch 1 is Ethernet. Switch 1 to switch 2 is fiber, switch 2 to my server is a short Ethernet.

Why two switches? To break the path of any galvanic noise riding on the Ethernet cable. Then work hard to minimize the chance of picking up any other galvanic noise to the server.

Having said that, with my MSB Premier Digital Director after my server cleaning things up prior to the DAC, I can honestly say I cannot hear any benefit of the two servers - anymore.

I keep them because I have them. They do no harm.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

Having said that, with my MSB Premier Digital Director after my server cleaning things up prior to the DAC, I can honestly say I cannot hear any benefit of the two servers - anymore.

I keep them because I have them. They do no harm.

I completely agree - as gear changes we need to constantly challenge our digital set up to see if pieces are still needed.

 

[NewAlkyogre]

I completely agree - as gear changes we need to constantly challenge our digital set up to see if pieces are still needed.

On the other hand, those high end streamers cost a serious amount of money. If the input is already cleaned from noise and the ones and zero’s are reclocked then the only source that could mess it up again is the final streamer..

Combine a good switch combination together with a much cheaper streamer, the sound quality could be almost as good as a tens of thousands dollars costing streamer.

 

[the professor]

…..
Combine a good switch combination together with a much cheaper streamer, the sound quality could be almost as good as a tens of thousands dollars costing streamer.

I think there is a lot to be had there.

 

[RepublicOfTexas69]

I also use two switches after my router. Router to switch 1 is Ethernet. Switch 1 to switch 2 is fiber, switch 2 to my server is a short Ethernet.

Why two switches? To break the path of any galvanic noise riding on the Ethernet cable. Then work hard to minimize the chance of picking up any other galvanic noise to the server.

Having said that, with my MSB Premier Digital Director after my server cleaning things up prior to the DAC, I can honestly say I cannot hear any benefit of the two servers - anymore.

I keep them because I have them. They do no harm.

At one point I had 2 additional switches in my IT Closet, pulled 2 out with the addition on the Afterdark Clock into the EtherREGEN mad no difference in sound just wanted 2 less boxes. Do no harm as we say..

 

[Feanor]

On the other hand, those high end streamers cost a serious amount of money. If the input is already cleaned from noise and the ones and zero’s are reclocked then the only source that could mess it up again is the final streamer..

Combine a good switch combination together with a much cheaper streamer, the sound quality could be almost as good as a tens of thousands dollars costing streamer.

Where's the fun if an audiophile can't spend more money on pricey, ineffectual, (but visually appealing). equipment?