AQVox AQ-SWITCH-8

[Confused]

I have to admit I am baffled why a switch like this makes such a difference!  However, the user reviews I have seen so far have all been positive, and thinking this through, I think a network switch like this could be part of my system for quite a while.  Consider it will work with the microRendu, something new like the dCS Network Bridge, the forthcoming super clocking SOtM SMS, or indeed to streamer to crush all streamers, the new Devialet board.      Anyway, I have ordered one.  According to their website 'Please note - due to high order volume, delivery time is about two weeks with increasing tendency ....'   So based on that, I'm guessing my own 'user review' will appear around about Easter time, all going well.

[GuillaumeB]

I have to admit I am baffled why a switch like this makes such a difference!  However, the user reviews I have seen so far have all been positive, and thinking this through, I think a network switch like this could be part of my system for quite a while.  Consider it will work with the microRendu, something new like the dCS Network Bridge, the forthcoming super clocking SOtM SMS, or indeed to streamer to crush all streamers, the new Devialet board.      Anyway, I have ordered one.  According to their website 'Please note - due to high order volume, delivery time is about two weeks with increasing tendency ....'   So based on that, I'm guessing my own 'user review' will appear around about Easter time, all going well.

Nice one Confused! I doubt you'll be disappointed. 

Guillaume

[Antoine]

Haha nice Confused! And yes, an ethernet switch will probably not leave your system anytime soon. But of course some day it'll probably be superseded by an improved version 2 or similar stuff from competitors. But who cares, or better said: I wouldn't! It's just technology (and a bit of money).

I've been thinking about ordering one too since last week a deal I made for a LPS-1 plus some other streaming stuff including a Paul Pang modded switch didn't go through. But I've decided to wait for the JCAT network card (May 2017). This'll likely be a better fit for/in my system where the SMS-200 is directly connected to my music server without anything in that same path. It'll come closer to my philosophy of fixing things at the source as well and of course I wouldn't have to find space for yet another little box. For most people a higher quality separate switch is of the course the better/only viable solution.

Curious to what you think of it but I'm sure you'll write a nice review like you always do.

[Petter]

Guillaume

i just want to mention the new Supra Cat 8 stp patch ,its a cheap tweak just to try out,some even prefer it to the Diamond ,i haven't compared myself,buts on my list and i have ordered a couple just to see when i have time

http://www.jenving.com/products/view/cat...1001908589

[Hifi_swlon]

Sounds good - at least it's a bit more affordable (and realistically priced to what they cost to make).

But I'm a bit confused - I thought cat 6 or below was meant to be better for audio because you can get unshielded, which was supposed to be better for noise isolation (no shield 'wire' to travel along), whereas 7+ has to be shielded for the spec?

I'm definitely more inclined to try this. Although aqvox and sotm 'tune' theirs specifically for audio data - quite how I've no idea since I doubt you could tell what the data is while it's travelling along the cable. I might actually email one of them and ask.

And stop buying these Aqvox switches and writing about them everyone! I'm trying to save my money!!!

[Antoine]

I own two Supra CAT 8's and removed the metal shells from the connectors on one side of the cable. This'll keep most of the shielding intact but will break any ground loops through the shield that could exist. I used the connector without shield on the 'clean' side. The same is often done in power cables used for audio.

Using a LAN isolator accomplishes the same and adds some extra isolation.

Still need to test if my AQ Diamond has the shields connected to both sides of the cable but I believe it hasn't but if it has I'm not going to mod it!

[GuillaumeB]

And stop buying these Aqvox switches and writing about them everyone! I'm trying to save my money!!!

What?! You haven't ordered yours yet?? 

Guillaume

[Petter]

Sounds good - at least it's a bit more affordable (and realistically priced to what they cost to make).

But I'm a bit confused - I thought cat 6 or below was meant to be better for audio because you can get unshielded, which was supposed to be better for noise isolation (no shield 'wire' to travel along), whereas 7+ has to be shielded for the spec?

I'm definitely more inclined to try this. Although aqvox and sotm 'tune' theirs specifically for audio data - quite how I've no idea since I doubt you could tell what the data is while it's travelling along the cable. I might actually email one of them and ask.

And stop buying these Aqvox switches and writing about them everyone! I'm trying to save my money!!!


Supra Cat 8 is used advantageously in TCP/IP and UDP application where correct data information is critical, e.g. 4K and 8K video streaming, high quality music streaming, gaming, data centers and in-building installations. By upping the performance 4 times to 2000MHz you are more likely to have no incorrect data being sent or not being corrected by applications in time as there is much more bandwidth to work with. This can be very important to avoid for example video loss in streaming or avoiding stuttering in music streaming and voice communication.

[Celts88]

I know it's not a audiophile question, but is there a reason why people outside the EU still get charged the "19% VAT" on purchase of the AQVox AQ-SWITCH-8.

I've bought stuff from the UK and regularly get the VAT taken of at checkout, so not sure is there's a reason AQVox don't do this (I know as I've just purchased one via their website 3 days). I've sent AQVox an email query, but no reply so far (3 days and waiting).

[Hifi_swlon]

Probably just their system being eu oriented. I'm sure they'll take it off for you, otherwise you risk double Vat if your customs nab it.