I have also had some issues since I replaced the TP-Link switch in one of my systems with a Cisco 2960 switch. I too have been running the Cisco as an unmanaged switch and haven’t been able to resolve the problem. The problem in my case is that when my Sky Q box is connected to the Cisco, my iPad Roon app can’t see my Roon Rock NUC connected to the same switch. As soon as I disconnect the Sky Q box the Roon app can immediately see the Roon core on my NUC. The problem wasn’t there at all when using the TP-Link switch.
I’ll try your solution today or tomorrow and report back.
I have read that review and I believe that Melco S100 is a very good switch. The problem for me is that I have 500 km to my nearest Melco retailer. For EtherRegen and EE 8Switch I only need to go 50km to find a retailer.
Sure, would the Melco S100 be rated to be superior to all other I would try to arrange a demo despite the long distance but now since ER seems to be nearly as good I will start to evaluate ER (+ LPS-1.2 power supply) and 8Switch. If the 8Switch is better than ER (to my ears) I will buy the 8Switch and don’t put any more energy into this matter for now.
Since “audiophile-switches” is a rather new product I would guess that the development will go fast and in a few years there will be clearly better products to buy. My goal is to get an improved performance for my system without spending too much on a product that likely will be outperformed in a year or two.
Ansuz is another alternative as you say. The problem with Ansuz (for me) is their price. I have been to two Ansuz demos and their “D2” and “DTC Supreme” offerings seems good and a real step up from their other models. I’m not prepared to pay that much money for a switch.
Entreq, for me, is a rather odd brand. I have never listening to an earthbox, any of their cables so I can’t say anything of their performance. They may well be world class. I have no idea…
It would be interesting to read about other peoples experiences comparing two or more “audiophile switches. I hope more people start to look in to switches…
@mickdale The Console cable is for switch management only, so forget about that one.
The two yellow ones are Gigabit, so good for the stream from your cable router, the other ones in the middle are slower and could give an improvement in sound quality so would be be best for the Ethernets 1 and 2. Some might recommend the TV on the Gigigabit ones on the other one on the end (yellow bank) for the extra speed. So, if you get picture breakup try that…
I have not tried yet. I prefer to take a break for some days, after that exhausting tests.
It’s curious that the Farad improves now clearly vs the stock ps, when the Cisco is not in the chain. It’s very different now, without any brightness or a bit lean sound.
I can’t explain why the Farad was bad working with the Cisco in the chain.
But I will try Michael after, the nds directly in the Uptone. However all is so well balanced now that I am not in a hurry.
Yeah, I know how you feel. Easter is giving me my first break in a long while and I am actually listening to music on the stereo (rather than just hearing it) and its a great pleasure with immense surprises hearing some recordings I had not listened to since the ND555 and all the subsequent cable and switch faffing which have made really big improvements on the CD555. Traffic’s On the road is a revelation in terms of what is actually on that live recording, and the Schwarzkopf Erbarme Dich on the Klemeperer Matthew Passion is wonderful… Should have the new LPS next week and if that does what Sean’s PSUs normally do, I’m not sure I’ll bother playing with clocks…
I’m also noticing a lot of things have improved after just leaving all the new items in place to settle-down. I think the ER has also greatly improved - still using with the stock supply, but aim to in future try others, but not in mad hurry to do so just now.
Things do run-in and alter their presentation and performance I’ve found - and not just in the places where you would initially suspect.
Continually chasing for improvements should cease to absorb and properly enjoy what you have already.
The ER seems to have fleshed-out to a more textured presentation - more ‘solid’ but not in a gross way - meaning I’m getting a lot better presentation of subtle detail and harmonic structure at subjectively the right level relative to fundamentals. It sounds richer and not as stark - just easier and more natural.
All this is really the whole system performance and it is good not to lose track of the rest of the system when over-focusing on one part.
I found just refreshing my Analogue signal contacts by slightly moving them in their sockets did the usual boost to detail which happens when you have not done that for a few weeks or months.
Michael, you raised my curiosity. I connected the nds to the B port, and Melco to A.
For 5 tracks on different albums, I compared with direct connection to the Melco switch ( for nds).
The sound is a bit more forceful. A bit more upfront. I prefer the direct to Melco.
With the latest connecting, voices are also nicer and breathless.
Not nice and day, but my preference goes to Melco/ Port B, Nds/ Melco player switch.
The Darkebear Mystery School of HiFi Investigations Extraordinaire is temporarily closed for Easter pandemic break - but I will at some point re-start and investigate.
Keep-up the testing and posts as I am vicariously enjoying the findings and gathering a suitable pile of things to eventually try.
Thanks DB.
I have tested now all combinations possible. So I enjoy now fully my new set up and will leave the nds on the Melco. It sounds more analog like and addictive like that.
The Farad is a clear step too.
As for ocxo additional clock, I have no budget for that. If I had 4k to spend directly on my system, I would buy more Chord Music din/ rca , from nds to pre. It’s the cable that makes the biggest difference in my case.
I wonder how much of this settling down is due to the much lower loading of the mains power–resulting in a lot less noise? Covid 19 might have a positive effect. Of course, if one uses power conditioners, it might be a minimal effect. Not to dismiss the effects of burn in which we all experienced long before the Covid 19 shutdowns.
