Best audiophile switch

[agisthos]

@enzo1
Had an LHY-SW6 then went to the Matrix SS-1 Pro. Its really good and seems very well priced. I just don't have enough experience with other switches so cannot compare.

I had intended to get the Nordost Qnet + Source power supply, but there are now other similar priced option like the Tempus and Xact to consider.

 

[enzo1]

In my opinion, Qnet is too expensive, considering the cost of the switch itself and the Qsource power supply. The Matrix SS-1 Pro is very well priced. The SR switch worked better for me, but I also have their Voodoo server, so there might be some synergy at play here.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

In my opinion, Qnet is too expensive, considering the cost of the switch itself and the Qsource power supply. The Matrix SS-1 Pro is very well priced. The SR switch worked better for me, but I also have their Voodoo server, so there might be some synergy at play here.

i use three switches stacked (two physically in my room near my Wadax Ref Server). upstairs in the barn i use a Netgear Prosafe 5 Gigiswitch GS105 (recommended years ago by Emile from Taiko) with an LPS, where one of my mirroring NAS's are, and then a 2" conduit down to my room with CAT6a and fibre optic running inside. right now i'm using the copper to the Nordost QNET with the QSource LPS i bought 3 years ago, then the Sablon 2020 Ethernet cable to the year ago acquisition Reiki SuperSwitch Pro and Prolinear PSU and then the RukuStream+ Network cable to my Wadax Ref server.

i tried the Reiki with and without the QNET switch; it was better (slightly lower noise, slightly better flow) with the QNET in the chain. also allows me to keep my two Wadax service ethernet connections live all the time. the QNET was a sunk cost, hard to sell for much. figured better to use it.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

The chances of missing out on something are much higher when information is just strewn about with no regard for the title of the thread. I think when it gets to the point that several regular participants ask nicely to move the conversation to another thread, that request should be respected with only two possible outcomes: 1) the off topic discussion is halted or 2) the off topic discussion is moved to another thread or a new one. Creating the conditions that encourage even more off topic responses should never be one of the outcomes of being asked to start a thread as the goal at that point should be to prompt get things back on topic.

I think there would be a ton of value in a network optimization thread.

Thank you Kenny 100% agree.

 

[PYP]

SR UEF Switch – good dynamics, tone, fluidity. The MkII version has better dynamics and resolution – it’s worth using the best possible power cable. The standard Foundation SX cable is fine, but the switch performs much better with a higher-grade cable.

Have you tried grounding the UEF?

 

[enzo1]

Have you tried grounding the UEF?

Yes, I use the Shunyata Altaira with Omega cables, both with the SR switch and the router – both respond positively to grounding, although the impact is smaller than that of the power cable.

 

[jasond]

@Di-fi
Regarding the EAhibrid filters I have one coming to try from a friend. He also made the comparison to Muon Pro and it’s not similar to the findings of Hans B., as there appears to be issues with soundstaging and stereo imaging as well as being quite / too much forward. I’ll reserve judgement until I’ve heard for myself and report back.

Finally I got the chance to compare the EAhibrid EAL200 to the Network Acoustics Muon Pro streaming system.
Listening to songs I know for many years as well as to some test tracks it was very obvious that the Muon Pro overall provides a lot more energy, flow, musicality, separation, depth etc. The instruments breathe and are able to take up room. With the EAhibrid in place the overall sounding to me seems to be „darkened“ and is somewhat condensed, compressed regarding soundstage and also has more limitations. There are though some elements in songs like clapping hands that have a higher resolution and feel tighter with the EAL2000.
I appreciate Hans B. a lot for his educative videos on various network topics and had high expectations on the EAL200. It's a good filter but not reaching the level of the Muon Pro. It lacks the musicality and especially what connects you to a song to really "experience/feel" the music. That's what makes the Muon Pro so special also compared to various other filters I tested over the years.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Finally I got the chance to compare the EAhibrid EAL200 to the Network Acoustics Muon Pro streaming system.
Listening to songs I know for many years as well as to some test tracks it was very obvious that the Muon Pro overall provides a lot more energy, flow, musicality, separation, depth etc. The instruments breathe and are able to take up room. With the EAhibrid in place the overall sounding to me seems to be „darkened“ and is somewhat condensed, compressed regarding soundstage and also has more limitations. There are though some elements in songs like clapping hands that have a higher resolution and feel tighter with the EAL2000.
I appreciate Hans B. a lot for his educative videos on various network topics and had high expectations on the EAL200. It's a good filter but not reaching the level of the Muon Pro. It lacks the musicality and especially what connects you to a song to really "experience/feel" the music. That's what makes the Muon Pro so special also compared to various other filters I tested over the years.

Caveat being... in the system you auditioned it in. YMMV with any component. The chain is not the same, therefore Hans result will be different. This is why I take reviews, any reviews with a gran of salt.

 

[jasond]

Caveat being... in the system you auditioned it in. YMMV with any component. The chain is not the same, therefore Hans result will be different. This is why I take reviews, any reviews with a gran of salt.

Sure every listening experience or comparison is based on someone's setup - and it's a good idea to always test/compare on your own. In the end it was actually interesting that my findings were very similar to what others were hearing. I have to admit I don't know what Hans has been hearing as the comparison wasn't even close in favor of the Muon Pro to me.

 

[Leggie71]

@enzo1
Had an LHY-SW6 then went to the Matrix SS-1 Pro. Its really good and seems very well priced. I just don't have enough experience with other switches so cannot compare.

I had intended to get the Nordost Qnet + Source power supply, but there are now other similar priced option like the Tempus and Xact to consider.

Hi @agisthos, I have the the lhy-sw6 and consider the Matrix ss-1 pro as well, can you describe the difference between both switches?

 

[NigelB]

Finally I got the chance to compare the EAhibrid EAL200 to the Network Acoustics Muon Pro streaming system.
Listening to songs I know for many years as well as to some test tracks it was very obvious that the Muon Pro overall provides a lot more energy, flow, musicality, separation, depth etc. The instruments breathe and are able to take up room. With the EAhibrid in place the overall sounding to me seems to be „darkened“ and is somewhat condensed, compressed regarding soundstage and also has more limitations. There are though some elements in songs like clapping hands that have a higher resolution and feel tighter with the EAL2000.
I appreciate Hans B. a lot for his educative videos on various network topics and had high expectations on the EAL200. It's a good filter but not reaching the level of the Muon Pro. It lacks the musicality and especially what connects you to a song to really "experience/feel" the music. That's what makes the Muon Pro so special also compared to various other filters I tested over the years.

Interesting feedback, thanks for sharing.

What's the rest of your chain? @Republicoftexas69 mentioned not every chain being the same, so it might help others if they knew what yours is. Thanks.

 

[Di-fi]

@Di-fi
Regarding the EAhibrid filters I have one coming to try from a friend. He also made the comparison to Muon Pro and it’s not similar to the findings of Hans B., as there appears to be issues with soundstaging and stereo imaging as well as being quite / too much forward. I’ll reserve judgement until I’ve heard for myself and report back.
(…)
Finally I got the chance to compare the EAhibrid EAL200 to the Network Acoustics Muon Pro streaming system.

Thanks! What Hans shared is simply his experience. He tested three different setups, all of which showed improvements, with this below (with MU-2) being the third and last trial. He tried both the EAL 2000 and 1000 LAN filters. Of course, every system is different, and no one has the exact same setup—but that goes without saying. That’s why the best approach is always to test and compare in your own system. Your detailed comparison of the EAL2000 and Muon Pro highlights exactly why firsthand listening is invaluable.

 

[agisthos]

Hi @agisthos, I have the the lhy-sw6 and consider the Matrix ss-1 pro as well, can you describe the difference between both switches?

I have to be careful here - because when I changed switches I was in the middle of a speaker upgrade that had been delayed by 3 months. So I was without my 2 channel system and unable to do any back to back comparison. With auditory memory, I do think the Matrix is better.

But I did have my calibrated OLED TV and visual test content available to do back to back. Even on TV audio I could hear a greater amount of background detail and more background ambience on the Matrix SS-1 Pro. More natural sound.

I do think the LHY-SW6 was maybe a bit warmer and imparted a more laid back/relaxing type of sound.

So in the end, for me the Matrix SS-1 Pro was a definite upgrade. It's 2.5x the price of the SW6 but worth it IMO.
For the same money Alvin has just released the Vinshine x LHY SW-10PRO, which is a customized version of the SW-10. That also looks like a good option in this price bracket (1500-2000 USD).

 

[agisthos]

https://www.vinshine.audio/vinshine-x-sw-10pro

This looks like a seriously capable switch for $2650 Singapore dollars = about $2100 USD.
It has 2 switch boards, connected internally with optical SFP isolation.

 

[Leggie71]

Thanks for the reply @agisthos.
I’m looking at the as-10pro as well no hurry so taking the time to see or hear which switch is best for me.

 

[jasond]

Interesting feedback, thanks for sharing.

What's the rest of your chain? @Republicoftexas69 mentioned not every chain being the same, so it might help others if they knew what yours is. Thanks.

Sure, good idea! My system is a fairly resolving, natural-sounding 6-digit setup. Optimized wall socket into AQ Niagara 5000 with AQ Dragon HC (and top cords throughout all components), ISP modem with NA Origin and ENO2 streaming system into NA Tempus MK2 switch, then Muon Pro / EAhibrid EAL 2000 to streamer (special upgraded Lumin U2 Mini with Farad Super6/10), Devialet 440 Pro / Accuphase E-5000 driving B&W 803D3 on AQ Thunderbird BiWire Combo, with Schnerzinger Grid + EMI Protectors plus various isolation/rack tweaks. Some parts of the chain (streamers, amps) I enjoy rotating or upgrading, but that’s the current state.

 

[enzo1]

Let me just throw in my two cents – I think optical isolation is overrated. I’ve tried it in my setup (at various points in the network), and it was always a trade-off: slightly better precision at the expense of tonal richness and fluidity.

What also interests me is that the switch like from Synergistic Research – despite its rather simple construction (a basic off-the-shelf unmanaged switch + linear power supply + SR tweaks) – performs better in my system than switches like the Matrix SS-1 Pro, which were designed entirely from the ground up for audio applications.

I get the impression that when it comes to networking for audio, not everything can be easily measured or calculated. There are factors at play that we still don’t fully understand or verify.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Let me just throw in my two cents – I think optical isolation is overrated. I’ve tried it in my setup (at various points in the network), and it was always a trade-off: slightly better precision at the expense of tonal richness and fluidity.

What also interests me is that the switch like from Synergistic Research – despite its rather simple construction (a basic off-the-shelf unmanaged switch + linear power supply + SR tweaks) – performs better in my system than switches like the Matrix SS-1 Pro, which were designed entirely from the ground up for audio applications.

I get the impression that when it comes to networking for audio, not everything can be easily measured or calculated. There are factors at play that we still don’t fully understand or verify.

i disagree on optical breaks, well at least in my system. I have also found that using multiple filters in my system as @jasond has sucked the life out of the sound when streaming in my system's. As you stated in your closing and I am oversimplifying, is that there is not one magic bullet. So many options and one must find what work's, that is how I arrived at the Edisoncreation Silent Switch OCXO with Sonore Optical Deluxe, to Uptone ER, feeding my Zenith MK3. Binned quite a few filters and switches in the process. My wife and kids think I am nuts.....they maybe right.

 

[Iamrael]

i disagree on optical breaks, well at least in my system. I have also found that using multiple filters in my system as @jasond has sucked the life out of the sound when streaming in my system's. As you stated in your closing and I am oversimplifying, is that there is not one magic bullet. So many options and one must find what work's, that is how I arrived at the Edisoncreation Silent Switch OCXO with Sonore Optical Deluxe, to Uptone ER, feeding my Zenith MK3. Binned quite a few filters and switches in the process. My wife and kids think I am nuts.....they maybe right.

Just to add another data point I had been using optical break for a few years and last month switched over to DAC. I am with enzo1 on all accounts.

 

[jasond]

I have also found that using multiple filters in my system as @jasond has sucked the life out of the sound when streaming in my system's.

That’s absolutely what I experienced with nearly all filters I tested previously, including the EAhibrid. The Network Acoustics were the only one which maintained the soul, life and natural musicality of the music, and were even able to improve things. That’s why I went for the ENO2 in addition to the Muon Pro.

And I remember also the feeling you described happened to me when switching from a top level CD Player/amp combo to a streaming setup I felt the same back then. So getting a network environment to that level unfortunately takes quite some efforts. And small details really matter.