Nice summary.
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
They havenāt 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.
Iāve had an EE switch on demo for the past couple of weeks. Iāve had times when itās sounded amazing, but equally, Iāve had times when itās sounded amazing and Iāve 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. Iāll have a final critical listen tonight to see if I can tell any difference between the two switchesā¦
Iāve 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.
Donāt get me wrong. I think that the EE8 sounds good, itās just that I havenāt been able to identify any consistently repeatable benefit over my existing switch configuration.
To be honest, I think that thereās 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) Iāve got a dedicated power feed to the stereo, a nice 25mm ground, and rewired house. Plus there doesnāt appear to be a lot of electrical noise
c) Iām using a SuperUniti as a pre-amp, which probably isnāt as revealing as a dedicated choice (Iām 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. Iāll 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.
ā¦ And every dollar I donāt spend on a switch can go towards an XPS for the NDX2. Iām lead to believe that will have a more audible benefit.
Yes, if itās either/or Iād go for the XPS.
I donāt 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 wouldnāt bet my life on it.
All this damn tweakinā, just 'cos we aināt got no NAC 372ā¦
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 Ciscoās to be honest. I only changed as wanted more control over my whole network, smaller footprints and PoE for convenience.
I have a silly random question. Do unmanaged switches like the EE have IP addresses?
Keith
Yes
I bought one of the fabled Ciscoās, to my ears it didnāt Make any difference and it did no harm other than use more power!
If some of you 272 owners didnāt spend so much money on endlessly tweaking your network, youād be able to afford a proper Naim separates system by now
My finger keeps on hovering over the purchase icon but for some reason there appears to be a little devil on my shoulder saying - ādonāt do it!ā. Iāve 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 itās a notable and cost effective improvement.
However, in your situation - with significant hardware improvements made recently - Iād let the network rest as it is, unless you get a sale or return offer on the EE.
Thatās 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. Itās 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
If youāre 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 donāt. Phil