English Electric 8Switch

Yes, I’ve been trying various combinations and am keeping the ND5XS2 and nDAC and returning the Qutest.

The 555DR does have a very nice effect on the 272 used only as a preamp, with all other inputs and connections off.

But now I have found that it has a greater positive effect on SQ when powering the nDAC.

Thus I am going to sell my 272 and get a Naim pre/psu.

I’m not at all tempted to try the NDX2 as I’m only using my streamer as a digital transport, and the NDX2 has the same streaming board as the ND5XS2.

I am very keen on the physical decoupling of the dac from the transport, and delighted by the effect of applying the 555DR to the Naim DAC only.

Currently my router is connected directly to the ND5XS2 via BJC Cat 6a, no switches at all.

Apologies for thread drift.

3 Likes

I’m also only using the NDX2 for streaming. Frankly, I’m not very impressed with the DAC. Streaming platform is great. I’m becoming convinced that separating streaming and DAC functions is the best way to go. Will probably move away from the NDX2.

What bothers you with the Ndx2?

  1. Sounds inferior to current and previous DAC’s I’ve had. Some more expensive than the NDX2, whether as stand alone or compared to probable cost of NDX2 DAC section.
  2. Practically worthless screen functionality (for me).
  3. If true, no benefit to streaming only section of NDX2 vs. ND5 XS2. Don’t know the definitive answer on this.
  4. Only one digital out option (BNC).

Again, I’m a fan of the streaming functionality and the app on the NDX2, just not the internal DAC.

1 Like

I understand. You can have better dacs, but will an SN3 do justice to them?
Normally, in a Naim system, the Ndx2 will shine completely with a 282/250. Ndx2/555 dr will reveal 100% in 252/250 or 300.

2 Likes

Very true, I normally use a ND555 in my 252/300 system but used a NDX2/555ps for a month when my ND555 had a fault.

The NDX2/555ps is a superb combination excellent features and stunning sound quality.

4 Likes

@anon4489532 no worries mate! I’m also pleased that folks seem to like the EE. It’s made my ND5XS2/nDAC combo sound even more wonderful. Actually surprising me with certain tracks.

Happy to hear your positive comments on adding the 555PS @anon77199223. It’s out of my league for now. In North America finding a pre-owned 555 is tough, not to mention pricey.

I see EE8Switch in your future @anon77199223!

1 Like

@Neil0001
Congratulations! Please report back when you can once the smiles have died down some. :slight_smile:

Maybe - if I ever have budget for an audio ‘switch-not-used-for-switching’.

By which time there will be about 100 other ones to choose from…

1 Like

Yes it’s just the beginning of Audiophile switches etc. Regardless for me a power supply is next for me unless S.O. want to go to Mexico again…

1 Like

I’ll be receiving QNAP TS-253D NAS tomorrow with 250gb SSD (WD Blue) and 4TB storage drive (WD Red). My plan is to install Roon core and plex server on it (hence the SSD) and stick it in the equipment rack with some kind of isolation under it. This model should be powerful enough to pass through bit perfect audio stream. I don’t use Roon’s DSP functions. I will be wiring it to the EE switch with BJC Cat6a.

Currently I’m running Roon core on my gaming pc in a different room so my plan is to save in electricity bill while having my music available 24/7, also while away (with help of Plex). I can install the NAS to office room instead of my equipment rack but I’d prefer to have shortest possible signal path from core to Linn ADSM.

1 Like

It’s funny, when I bought the 8switch the dealer was quick to point out how much better a LPS makes it (recommending Sbooster BOTW P&P Mk2 5-6V), but the EE website explains explicitly that an LPS is no good for switches. :man_shrugging:

1 Like

As a convert I guess my question to the experts is why does it sound better? Unless I had heard it in my room, in my system, with my ears, I would of flatly discounted any claims that it could improve SQ over a correctly functioning normal network switch. This is not my area of expertise at all, I’m a MechEng by training, but would be genuinely interested in the electrical reasoning.
Please, no ‘it’s all in your head’ replies from those who haven’t used one!

2 Likes

I’ve been wondering about this as well. For now I’m very content but I think someone said earlier that Chord could be leaving money on the table by not providing a LPS. On second thought I’m glad I don’t have to think about a LPS :slight_smile:

I think the generally agreeable explanation is that while it’s ones and zeros on the logical layer, the bits are just an interpretation of what is physically still analog current on the cable, and this can be more or less noisy. So while the bit layer will always be interpreted correctly (or there would be no networking), the transmitted noise can still influence the unit in other ways

(IANAEE)

2 Likes

Which makes me believe that they mean it

1 Like

Like Naim who says a cheap ethernet cable and switch is all you should have, Uptone who writes that an lps doesn’t improve the ER, DCS and Linn have the same speach as Naim, and now EE …We know why commercially speaking they tend to claim that.

1 Like

I don’t see the reason for ER or EE. They could sell it with an upgrade choice for special needs for $$
Edit: In particular no need to explicitly write, "Switches require high speed power supplies so we could not opt for a linear power source due to their speed limitations. "

Because people won’t buy a lot if they know that they have still to spend 500 dollars more.
And also to say, like an advertisement, that ER or EE is so good that it doesn’t need to be improved.

1 Like