I have a SilentPower by iFi iPower X on test for my router at the moment, it should replace my Keces P8 which has been the replacement for a BOTW Sbooster Eco MKII because it also powered my nucleus.
Now the nucleus is gone and I don’t want a huge LPS anymore. This iFi has very good critics for routers so a gave it a try and it very good in comparison to the standard and brings 90% of the Keces. The only alternative would be to go back to a Sbooster, as its smaller, has way less power consumption and sounded the best to my ears. But I wanted to reduce LPS count 
The iFi is still new so can only get better. I would give it a try. Switches are a different thing, my etherRegen was very picky and only came to live with a Farad Super 3 with best upgrade cables and fuse.
Thanks D.L. Now my system is sounding on key again after installation of the 3.10 patch I will give the ifi Elite another try after Xmas. Just want to enjoy getting my music back for a few days, before making any further changes.
PS: I selected the ifi rather than a LPS such as Sbooster as I understand that Switches and Routers require a PSU that can react instantly to changes in load.
For what it’s worth… my dealer sells both Innuos and Network Acoustics products. While both switches are good, he says the Network Acoustics tempus is better than the PhoenixNET. A number of his customers traded-in their PhoenixNET and upgraded to the tempus. [Note: the Network Acoustics tempus is a two box solution.]
I live in a small space, and currently I do not use a switch. I purchased an Antipodes K40 server. The K40 has an “network” input and a “direct stream” output - both the input and output are on RJ45 ethernet.
Here is my set-up:
modem > ethernet cable > music server > ethernet cable > music player
I’ve had my PhoenixNET nearly 3 years now, which replaced an EE8. I’ve occasionally tried different configurations including different fibre configurations (my streamer will accept an SFP module) just to see if they bring more to the party but always come back to the PhoenixNET as the final switch.
I have quite a simple setup, with a Cisco Meraki GS110 (Replaced a 2960) as the main switch sat in my home office along with Nucleus and other network kit - a cable modem and Mesh Wi-Fi router.
The PhoenixNET is in the lounge with the Hi-Fi kit at the end of a run of Cat5e cable. My KDSM is the only device connected to the PhoenixNET and I don’t use shielded or any ‘audiophile’ Ethernet cables.
I did have an Audioquest Vodka cable for a while but after initially finding it impressive, ultimately found it made things sound artificially bright and detailed so moved it on and went back to my BJC Belden cable.
Good to try these things and see what works best for you.
I have a PhoenixNET as the final switch between router (Virgin Hub 4) and a NSC 222. When first set up I continued to run my previous EE8 switch to the PhoenixNET but when I removed the EE8 SQ was not affected adversely so was superfluous for me.
My server (NUC running ROCK) is now linked direct to router and I prefer it that way rather than connected to PhoenixNET.
I mainly listen to TIDAL content rather than local files and do apply some dsp to counteract a sub bass room gain issue.
I run CAT6A BJC patch cable between all devices.
I do think how the PhoenixNET is implemented in your set up makes it a winner or not so a demo first would be sensible. Well, that’s what I did and noticed a positive difference immediately which in my opinion continued as it settled in.
Improves separation, timbre and frequency range imo.
As long as it works
I could hear no benefit with additional switches (EE8) or Adot solution. I did keep my Cisco in place but other that that the PN is a stand alone solution.
Gary
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