Network Switch. This can't work. But it does????

Posted by creativepart (A) on November 15, 2023 at 14:29:26

I've seen lots of internet discussion about "audiophile network switches." Some are being sold for $500, others are costing thousands. A great many people say, "it can not work" network packets are packets, bits are bits and digital is solved.

I found a YouTube channel (Alpha Audio) that tests these things with both sensitive testing equipment and blind listening "shootouts."

They liked many of the expensive switches. They thought they sounded better. But they also liked a $29 Netgear switch the GS108 ProSafe switch. And when they tested it, it had great objective test numbers and top notch results in subjective listening tests, too. If you don't want to spend $1000 you could just spend $30.

They said, in everything they tested adding a better power supply made really noticeable improvements.

I found a Netgear GS105 ProSafe switch for $16 (the GS105 is a 5-port switch and the GS108 is an 8-port switch but other than that same/same). So, I bought it and one of those $60 IFI power supplies to power the switch.

OK... this shouldn't work. It must be some kind of trickery - but for less than $100 total cost, my streaming has never sounded better. Go ahead, tell me it can't work. I agree.

But it does.

$16 Netgear GS105 on Amazon (Open in New Window)

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Topic - Network Switch. This can't work. But it does???? - creativepart 14:29:26 11/15/23 (23)

RE: Network Switch. This can't work. But it does???? - ejk 17:28:42 11/21/23 (0)

RE: Network Switch. This can't work. But it does???? - ABliss 19:08:06 11/16/23 (1)

RE: Network Switch. This can't work. But it does???? - creativepart 09:49:45 11/17/23 (0)

RE: Network Switch. This can't work. But it does. - Mel 10:26:24 11/16/23 (2)

Dang! - Ivan303 07:36:16 11/17/23 (1)

RE: Dang! - morricab 08:21:26 11/26/23 (0)

Everything Matters... especial Power? - creativepart 09:31:34 11/16/23 (0)

RE: Network Switch. This can't work. But it does???? - ejk 07:12:20 11/16/23 (9)

Yes, add it - creativepart 08:57:32 11/16/23 (8)

Shielded CAT cables? - gusser 19:37:23 11/19/23 (0)

RE: Yes, add it - ejk 02:52:26 11/19/23 (3)

RE: Yes, add it - tketcham 05:26:18 11/19/23 (2)

RE: Yes, add it - ejk 05:36:39 11/19/23 (1)

RE: Yes, add it - tketcham 06:21:12 11/19/23 (0)

RE: Yes, add it - ejk 09:01:20 11/16/23 (2)

Good for issolation - creativepart 09:25:55 11/16/23 (1)

RE: Good for issolation - ejk 09:41:45 11/16/23 (0)

"power supply made really noticeable improvements" - AbeCollins 07:10:53 11/16/23 (2)

RE: "power supply made really noticeable improvements" - creativepart 08:46:35 11/16/23 (1)

RE: "power supply made really noticeable improvements" - AbeCollins 10:48:15 11/16/23 (0)

RE: Network Switch. This can't work. But it does???? - tketcham 16:09:48 11/15/23 (2)

Try the power supply - creativepart 16:29:08 11/15/23 (1)

RE: Try the power supply - tketcham 17:17:01 11/15/23 (0)

Network Switch. This can't work. But it does????

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