He measured the audio that came out of the DAC, that is what matters right? If the audio output is identical for each combination, there is no difference in quality.
I haven’t done any tests. I’m also not trying to prove that ethernet cables and switches cannot have any influence, i’m just looking for objective evidence that it actually can have an influence, rather than subjective or anecdotal evidence.
I find this borderline insulting. I’ve actually had more reliable hardware experiences with Sonore than I have had with Naim (as my UQ sits now with a blank screen just after the warranty expired). And as a ‘guy in a basement’ for my own business, I feel I deliver a quality product to my clients - I just don’t have a fancy marketing dept. to make it seem like I’m better than I am.
And I sit here with a Rendu which failed during a routine software update and was told there is nothing to do but purchase a new flash card - and wait two weeks for the mail to deliver it instead of being able to download the file via the web.
PS - I am sorry you are borderline insulted however I do not understand why you are taking my comments as being directed at you and all small business’s. My comments were directed at some of the “technical” papers which JS, Alex and others have released - and the comments from other technically minded people inferring that they are more analysis looking for a problem to fix
SiS has described some examples of objective evidence to you.
Why was that not good enough?
But did he measure all the aspects of the signal that effect SQ?
Was his equipment sensitive enough?
And, crucially, a measurement at one place in the signal chain is not conclusive.
Why not also measure at other points further downstream, right up to the listener’s ears? Because a hifi system is designed to amplify small changes in electromagnetic signals to influence SQ.
Finally, you are strongly suggesting that many members of this forum are deluding themselves because of expectation bias, and that that’s the main explanation of their belief that they improved SQ with changes to the digital signal chain.
But have you considered that you may also be biased?
And there’s a thread about probably a thousand or more posts long about recent Naim firmware update woes. Ever tried to update the old streamers with the RS232 connection? It was pretty hit or miss at times, and plenty of anecdotes about people bricking their gear and having to go to their dealers or send it back to Naim. It’s all relative.
My point is Uptone and Sonore seem to be whipping boys for the ASR measurement types, but as far as boutique mfg go try their best and have a pretty stellar track record, whether you believe in their products or not. No idea why they get slammed on so much - jealousy?
Yes, Sonore’s card update process can be frustrating, but it’s the way its been for a long time now. My mR (now feeding a Matrix mini) is going strong five years later, and yes I’ve paid for the card updates all along, as well as the 1.4 board/clock upgrade. My opticalRendu to my V1 sounds as good as just about anything on the market from the big mfg imo, for half the price or more, and my Uptone power supplies have been solid, though I’ve had a couple of issues which were addressed almost immediately by the owner. Sorry for your frustration though, I know how that is, and hopefully they’ll make it right.
It depends on the circumstances - in particular whether she had any inkling which was in play, or importantly which one her other half preferred. My wife was a blind double-check on my choice of Dave: she was in the adjoining room, completely out of sight, and after a long time of swapping between Hugo, TT and Dave, she called out “For goodness sake, that one’s the best one, just buy it and stop messing around!” I had been trying to convince myself it wasn’t worth double the cost of TT… She did know that one of the three waS mega expensive, but no idea which, though from the other room she could clearly hear which sounded better.
I don’t believe any (f)actual evidence was provided that would be relevant to our current situation?
Ofcourse, everyone is biased, it’s part of human nature. It’s good to try to eliminate that bias as much as possible, no? Objective measurements can help us do that.
You are wasting your energy Jim. It will unfortunately never change. For some, only the day when Naim, the God, will produce an ethernet switch and cable, the negationists will stop posting. 
Goes for both “sides”
We disagree here…
Some people insist on measurements, although measurements were wrong before. You say they will only stop when Naim releases something like a switch.
Other people insist that there is no need to objectify their subjective impressions, although subjective impressions were wrong before. The fact that Naim did not release something like a switch does not change their opinion.
Neither side has all the truth, and it will be like this forever.
When lockdown is over can you not set up a listening test? It’s about time this argument was put to bed one way or the other. 
Actually it’s different, one side is actively seeking supporting evidence for the claims made, but so far this has not been presented. All calibrated measurements that are available seem to suggest there is no change in audio due to ethernet cables or switches. Also all major manufacturers communicate there is no significant influence as long as the equipment is not faulty.
The other side is 100% convinced that they hear a difference, and will not change their position whatever objective evidence is presented.
I understand what you are saying, but the objectivist corner was wrong about measurements before
I wanted to say that if Naim produce a switch and an ethernet cable, people who were doubting before will very probably stop doubting.
Before, 20 years ago, there were the same discussions about power cables. A lot were saying that an audiophile power cable can’t do anything better than a cheap one.
Then finally Naim launched the powerline.
I understood that, but then in fairness one could also argue that if Naim does not produce a switch, opinions should change as well
Chord make the EE (or at least help selling it), so they are the believer?
Well that’s science i guess, if you have an error in your measurements you correct it and do it again. 
I’m not sure by the way to which situation you are referring where the measurements were wrong?
I don’t need neither search always objective reasons and measurements. A lot of components measure badly but sound better than other which measure very good.
So what ?