I wonder if the “hifi network switches” before the dCS dac really make a sonic difference? Many claim the cleaner sound, wider stage ,etc. from the audiophile-grade network switches from Cisco, Ansuz, Qnet, etc.
Franckly, I tried one and felt the additional switch made no difference or worse the sound became rather dull.
Maybe my cable setting are wrong?
As with everything you will get mixed results and answers.
For me it did make a difference and actually run 2.
I have the PhoenixNet in my rack doing just the hifi bit, and near my router is an ee8 switch with everything else for the house plugged into it.
I tried to remove the PhoenixNet switch last year to sell it after getting full fibre, but i removed it and soon put it back in again.
So i guess what we all need to do is try one if you feel like doing just that. But if you do then obviously you need to do it right to give it a fare go.
I would try a cheap cisco switch first secondhand for less then £50 and if you like what it does, then maybe try a more hifi bassed item.
But for the record i have tried quite a few.
All did something, with the worse being the melco, this made my rossini at the time sound a bit less dynamic, boring if you like. Even with a better power supply it still sounded the same.
So mixed results are definitely going to happen.
Cheers dunc
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I use the Qnet with the Qsource and it was a big improvement over the standard network. The power supply did the most difference. Much black ground, better detail and the sound just seem more correct.
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I heard an improvement from both an Ansuz D2 Powerswitch and the brand new Synergistic UEF Mark II switch which I am also reviewing.
I’m going this route with the Cisco Meraki 220 series supposedly good sound. I have a 24 port version incoming for my main router duties and might be adding a smaller one near to the system. After that, there’s different modifications available.
I have a Cisco2960 (cheapo 2nd hand, 8port unmanaged) switch, I had a d-link switch, a Melco, an Innuos, Ansuz A2/3 now the Ansuz D3 switch. I wouldn’t have spent a dime if I couldn’t hear SQ improvements. (by the way same thing applies when testing Ethernet cables 
)
I bought an English electric 8 switch as it was relatively cheap (£250) and heard no difference whatsoever . My dealer suggested I try a melco switch on a home loan . I didn’t expect it to make a difference but the sound was clearer and I heard more detail so I bought the melco s100 switch and sold the English electric switch . The dealer has now lent me a circa £300 Ethernet cable that I will evaluate (v a £30 cable ). Earlier I tried a £1000 Ethernet cable into my previous system and I heard no difference .
Got same impression with the Melco 
- it was more “transparent” and cleaner presentation vs Cisco. Imho you can’t go wrong with Melco’s switches and server.
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Agreed. However for those tempted to one of the server/streamer options , with Mosaic this should be used in its server option ( set via the front panel menu), using network connection . I would recommend that they ensure that they get one supplied with MinimServer installed. In the UK I think this is standard with N1 but needs specifying with N5. Outside of UK I an unsure.
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