"Audiophile Grade" Ethernet Switches - The new generation

[Johnnydev]

Any news GuillaumeB or someone els?

Well indeed! 

I was very happy with the single SOtM switch, essentially replacing the AQVOX. As I think I reported previously this was an instant improvement. 

Then 10 days or so ago the second switch arrived. I connected this to the other SOtM using an ethernet cable. Very happy with the result, basically more of the same.

Once I had received the correct transceivers (long story) I was able to try connecting the two SOtM units via fibre. This also had quite a big effect but one that I didn't really like. Switching back to an ethernet connection between the two units confirmed my impressions. I could hear that the optical connection did some good things (soundstage even deeper, noise floor even lower) but I didn't really enjoy the music. Perhaps the transceivers needed more time to settle? I have no idea.

I then installed a bridge between my router and office switch (which feeds my SOtM), using the same transceivers and some media converters from FS.com (https://www.fs.com/uk/products/35333.html). 

Now this was REALLY interesting, it made a massive difference! To the point where my brain is almost struggling to make sense of things. I know it's better - in "hi-fi" terms - but there is some kind of cognitive dissonance going on. I am gradually coming round to the idea that perhaps I just need a bit of time to get used to things. It's like the presentation of music has changed quite a bit and I can't quite work out whether I like it or not. There are some good moments, then moments where I am not so sure. 

So over the next few days I will try removing things to understand what is going on and work out which combinations I prefer. 

And I have just heard that the Gold M12 is being sent to me tomorrow, so that should arrive next week. 

Guillaume

Interesting feedback. In particular the “cognitive dissonance” experience. That also occurred once with me when I was experimenting with the shielding for one of my ethernet connections. (didn’t own the switch at the time)

I have placed my fiber optics experiment on hold at the moment. Can’t seem to find the time required to figure out what exactly I need, not to mention laying cable, etc.

My impression of the switch is a bit of a mixed bag. With my “pre”-switch setup, I had bridged my Melco, Zenith, and Trinnov directly with each other, therefore taking a switch completely out of the equation. Now I have connected each component to the switch and the results are “slightly” better than the bridged setup. Also, if I compare a direct ethernet based connection (incl. switch) to my Roon Ready Trinnov versus a USB based connection via my Mutec MC-3, I still prefer the sound signature of the USB connection over the Ethernet one. One thing which has definitely improved is DVD Audio streaming from my Oppo. Clearly a distinct uplift in SQ there.

The journey continues ....

Please Can you tell something more about your shielding experience ?