Network ethernet switch with a one-box server/streamer/renderer - recommended?

spiritofmusic

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So, here I am, a potential customer of something like Innuos Zenith or Roon Nucleus (or potentially SGM if that lottery win happened LOL), and just wondering if an audiophile ethernet switch would make sense.

I do realise in situations w seperate servers, streamers and renderers like SonicTransporter and Sonore Rendu, or SOTM seperates, one needs a switch to plug these different boxes into.

But in the case of Innuos Zenith, which I believe has a switch internally, is there any advantage to installing something like an AqVox or even something better?
 

asiufy

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With Zenith, a fancy switch is not necessary, as it has built-in Ethernet switching for upstream network-enabled DACs.
I'd still buy an HDplex power supply to power the standard router/switches in the house.
Of course, things change if you have an MSB DAC (or other network-enabled DAC with clock output), as the SoTM switch has the clock input, that'll sync everything up.
 

spiritofmusic

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That's good to know Alex. FWIW, Blue58 here had minimal uptick w dedicated LPS to his domestic router away from the listening room. But I'm happy to try it. You'll also be glad to know I'm close to 100% certain that Zenith Mk3 is how I'm going to go. Ngamountains here relayed a very positive chat he had w Nuno of Innuos, and what he relayed pressed all the right buttons for me. I believe Nga said he was in contact w you.
 
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spiritofmusic

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Alex, in light of yr answer that the Zenith doesn't need an external switch, any thoughts on why John Darko got such good results using the Telegärtner M12 Switch Gold w his Innuos Zenith?
 
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asiufy

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Marc,

Blue58 is using SGM into a DAC via USB, right? That's different than how I've been running our systems, purely network-based, no USB at all.
Here, with the MSB DAC in network mode, the LPS on the router did help in subtle but meaningful ways.
I don't know that particular switch and the set up Darko has. Again, if Darko was using network-based playback, and using the Zenith's built-in switch, and he still heard a significant benefit from using a tricked switch into the Zenith, then I'll have to investigate further.
And who's "ngamountains"? :)
 

spiritofmusic

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Ngamountains is his moniker here.
Randy, who reached out to you after Axpona.
 

nonesup

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My experience with a Melco that also has a double RJ45 port, is that a better Switch improves the sound, even when playing from server disks.
I currently have AQvox and I am waiting for the next Uptone Switch.
 

ngamountains

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Ngamountains is his moniker here.
Randy, who reached out to you after Axpona.
Hi, Alex. I’m Randy, the guy you were speaking with in your room about digital as the show closed and you and Fabio locked the door. I emailed you yesterday, as I’ve been slammed with general “catch up” and contractors at my home since returning from Chicago. I look forward to continuing our conversation as your time permits.
 

spiritofmusic

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My experience with a Melco that also has a double RJ45 port, is that a better Switch improves the sound, even when playing from server disks.
I currently have AQvox and I am waiting for the next Uptone Switch.
Nonesup, is there any advantage to install the switch nr the domestic router ie before the hardwired CAT6 into my audio room?

Or is it just as ok into the RS45 port in my room at the end of the CAT6 hard wire install?
 

nonesup

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I'm sorry, but Google gives me a translation that does not make sense to me. Could I ask the question again with another wording?
 

spiritofmusic

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Sure Nonesup.
My domestic router is in one room. My system is in another room.
Should I install the specialist switch at the router or in the audio room?
In other words, at the start of the preinstalled CAT6 ethernet wiring, at the router, or at the end, at the RS45 port near the hifi?
 

nonesup

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Ok now it's clear to me.
I have the same distribution and in my case the AQvox Switch is in the rack since in this way I can connect the LPSU that feeds the Switch in my Shunyata Denali. Another great advantage of this configuration is that the cable that connects the switch and its device (Server, Render ...) can be short and that it must be the highest quality cable and therefore price.
Now my tests have shown me that everything that happens upstream of the switch is important: LPSU for Router and modem, ethernet cables that connect Modem, Router and Switch, everything influences the sound. Alex (Uptone) says that he expects his new Switch to produce a noise isolation so big that it does not matter what's upstream of Switch, we'll have to see it, but for the moment with the AQvox it does matter.
 

spiritofmusic

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Nonesup, the Uptone switch has been coming for 12 months now, no sign as yet.

Any firm news, launch date or price you know?
 
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spiritofmusic

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Also Nonesup, what do you think of the Telegärtner M12 Switch Gold?

Https://jcat.eu > featured > m12-switch-gold
 

nonesup

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Precisely yesterday Alex communicated in Computer Audiophile that they satisfactorily performed the tests on the penultimate group of boards. I do not give a date, I guess I guess in two or three months.
On the M12, I have no information.
 

spiritofmusic

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Well Nonesup, that will be an interesting choice of switches to choose from.

AqVox the cheapest, thru new Uptone, Paul Pang, Linear Solution, recent SoTM, and Telegärtner the priciest.
 

asiufy

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Hi, Alex. I’m Randy, the guy you were speaking with in your room about digital as the show closed and you and Fabio locked the door. I emailed you yesterday, as I’ve been slammed with general “catch up” and contractors at my home since returning from Chicago. I look forward to continuing our conversation as your time permits.

Hi Randy! Got your email, still looking into it, but will get back to you soon :)

cheers,
Alex
 

Empirical Audio

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I would still try out the SOtM switch. Even two switches in series makes it better. You can always return it. The SOtM Ethernet cable with filter is also excellent.

Steve N.
 

spiritofmusic

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Steve, specialist switch would be a natural first area to upgrade upon getting settled into streaming after a while. I am not going down the pricey dac route, for the usual reasons, but the quality add-on switch, w specialist LPS could be fruitful. I'll certainly consider SoTM
 

nonesup

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Well Nonesup, that will be an interesting choice of switches to choose from.

AqVox the cheapest, thru new Uptone, Paul Pang, Linear Solution, recent SoTM, and Telegärtner the priciest.

Normal AQvox is € 400, but it SE, goes up to € 800
 

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