English Electric 8Switch

Nice summary.

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I found the same as you.

When my ER is equipped with an LPS I intend to conduct the same comparisons again one more time to confirm the findings - namely:

  • no switch
  • ER/DC3
  • 2960 - ER/DC3
  • PoE 2960s - ER/DC3
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They havenā€™t in my system not tried any of these supposed audiophile switches but a few different network ones from Netgear, Cisco Inc 2960s and now Unifi. Cant say one had altered anything in any and significant fashion if at all. Cables more of the same and I did try a Wireworld Starlight and many standard ones, bjc and designacable catsnake cat5a and cat6a. My current headphone system is extremely resolving to and this was the last one to have changed both switch and cables.

Iā€™ve had an EE switch on demo for the past couple of weeks. Iā€™ve had times when itā€™s sounded amazing, but equally, Iā€™ve had times when itā€™s sounded amazing and Iā€™ve realised that the NDX2 is still plugged into the original (Ubiquiti) switch.

In my case the original switch is a PoE-powered Ubiquiti 8 port switch. This puts the power source 50m away elsewhere in the house. Iā€™ll have a final critical listen tonight to see if I can tell any difference between the two switchesā€¦

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Iā€™ve had that quotation framed and put it on my wall above the stereo.

But was one amazing more amazing than the other?

Must be your astronaut training that helps you conduct such rigorous tests.

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Donā€™t get me wrong. I think that the EE8 sounds good, itā€™s just that I havenā€™t been able to identify any consistently repeatable benefit over my existing switch configuration.

To be honest, I think that thereā€™s a number of possibilities coming into play here:
a) my existing switch config (Unifi ubiquiti, powered via PoE is rather overkill for a home network
b) Iā€™ve got a dedicated power feed to the stereo, a nice 25mm ground, and rewired house. Plus there doesnā€™t appear to be a lot of electrical noise
c) Iā€™m using a SuperUniti as a pre-amp, which probably isnā€™t as revealing as a dedicated choice (Iā€™m planning for a 282 or 252 next year, but the NDX2, Fraim and SL2s have been enough spend for this year).

What I found was that both switches would have points in the same test tracks that had me really emotionally engaged in the music. Iā€™ll have another listen tomorrow morning, but I not sure I could say that one was better than the other.

In any case what I have discovered is that being forgetful (with regards to what switch was in use) is really helpful for undertaking blind tests. :laughing:

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ā€¦ And every dollar I donā€™t spend on a switch can go towards an XPS for the NDX2. Iā€™m lead to believe that will have a more audible benefit.

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Yes, if itā€™s either/or Iā€™d go for the XPS.

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I donā€™t have an LPS for the ER (yet), but in my system, a solo ER beats 2960 + ER and also 2 x 2960 (PoE) + ER.

I think I managed to squeeze a few drops more SQ from my ER by upgrading the supplied mains lead (I had a spare Mark Grant cable lying around), but I wouldnā€™t bet my life on it.

All this damn tweakinā€™, just 'cos we ainā€™t got no NAC 372ā€¦ :wink:

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My network if full Ubiquity and noticed no degradation or change when I swapped to their switches in the hifi area from Cisco 2960s so beloved on here in all my wired systems not just Naim. I struggled to notice ant difference with the Ciscoā€™s to be honest. I only changed as wanted more control over my whole network, smaller footprints and PoE for convenience.

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I have a silly random question. Do unmanaged switches like the EE have IP addresses?

Keith

Yes

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I bought one of the fabled Ciscoā€™s, to my ears it didnā€™t Make any difference and it did no harm other than use more power!

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If some of you 272 owners didnā€™t spend so much money on endlessly tweaking your network, youā€™d be able to afford a proper Naim separates system by now :japanese_ogre:

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My finger keeps on hovering over the purchase icon but for some reason there appears to be a little devil on my shoulder saying - ā€œdonā€™t do it!ā€. Iā€™ve already placed an order once but then got cold feet and cancelled it. Is the EE 8Switch better than a single Cisco 2960 Series PD?

I use mine off the back of my Cisco, because the Cisco acts as a central hub for the rest of the household, and itā€™s a notable and cost effective improvement.

However, in your situation - with significant hardware improvements made recently - Iā€™d let the network rest as it is, unless you get a sale or return offer on the EE.

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Thatā€™s great advice, thanks Nick! Phew!

Just wanted to report back now that the English
Electric 8Switch has been in my 272/555PS/250 system for a few days now, replacing a cheap TP-Link switch. Itā€™s a significant improvement, removing some
harshness in the sound while maintaining details & clarity. It may be
my imagination, but it also seems to have improved the timing, perhaps
because of the upgraded clock/crystal. Well worth the investment. - Bob Burgess

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If youā€™re not sure whether you imagined it or not then you probably did imagine it.

Wait a fortnight, then take the switch out, and see whether the timing of the music goes out of whack, and let us know.

No they donā€™t. Phil