One step forward: ER +lpsu

Guilty as charged, sir!

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I have tried one 2960, which gave a nice little uplift in SQ.

But using a PoE 2960 to power and send the audio to a PD 2960 is much better, with audibly lower noise floor.

@ElMarko has also found the same.

The details of the models is recorded in various threads.

You need to use Qobuz instead of Spotify, if poss.

Also, youā€™re right about your amplification.

They say on Audiophile Style that unless you can clearly hear the difference between 16/44 and hires files on your system, then you probably wonā€™t benefit much from an ER and should instead spend the money on system upgrades.

I tried 5 different 2960 models and while all provided uplifts to SQ compared to having my streamer and NAS connected to my last gen Airport I did find differences in SQ among them.

The old blue 8TC L provided the least improvements to SQ and the daisy chained 2960PDs using POE provided the best. And a solo 2960CPD was still better than all the other 2960s individually. I also observed the 10/100 is preferable to the GB switches.

If you want to go the option of a PD switch you can get the 2960CPD-8PT-L and use stand alone or get an additional 2960CPD-8TT-L and use the 8PT-L to send POE to the 8TT-L.

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STOP! THIEF!
Someoneā€™s just stolen our floor!
Noise floor, that is.

I have just inserted the etherRegen in between the Cisco 2960 and the Prestige server and optical Rendu. The eR has been warming up on its standard power supply for a few days.

It has taken all of three notes of the first track to be convinced.
My ears relaxed (crazy, I know but thatā€™s how it feels each time the noise floor drops), music flows more effortlessly, Imelda Mayā€™s voice sounds that bit closer to the microphone when she sings ā€œCall meā€ for a more intimate performance. Everything sounds a bit smoother, more effortlessly natural and flowing.
The overall presentation is also a bit warmer, in a good way, without having artificially boosted bass.

This thingā€™s a keeper and it hasnā€™t even run in yet.

I think weā€™ll enjoy it as is for a few weeks, then think about LPS. Top of the shortlist are Paul Hynes and Sean Jacobs.

Fun time!

Best regards, BF

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Many thanks for the info.
What firmware version should I be looking for or what to avoid?

I have looked at Qubuz but I donā€™t listen to internet streaming seriously enough to justify the monthly cost. Spotify does for me and sounds pretty good through my NDS via Melco (though of course nowhere near my Melco CD rips or Hires downloads I have). Thatā€™s why Iā€™m only looking for a very cheap upgrade for internet streaming (rather than my local streaming from the Melco). If I can clean up the link from my Virgin Media router to the Melco LAN input fairly cheaply that will do!

PoE Ciscos will achieve that for you.
With Blue Jeans Cat 6a cables.

AV Options recommends the EE switch here in the states and Iā€™ll likely try one eventually. I have a long game and my current set up is exceeding my expectations. I have my mains sorted and ultra hbl to powerline. Cisco POE and BJCs on a Ubiquiti network. Killer resolution and boogie factor. Iā€™m heading for the ideal 3 box set up from here and I think Iā€™m going to enjoy the ride. :smiley:

Let me know how it goes if you do try an EE.

So what is your ideal 3 box setup?

X72/555DR/250?

I am very pleased to learn that so many people are experiencing a significant sound quality improvement when using either the English Electric 8 or EtherRegan switch, especially when augmenting this with a superior Linear Power Supply. How wonderful that so much extra pleasure can be derived from such a simple addition.

Like others, I conclude that this is due to noise reduction, as the data does not seem to be affected at all. Exactly how these switches achieve such a worthwhile noise reduction I am not sure, despite ERā€™s explanation of its moat. Perhaps others can explain?

Even more of a puzzle is why Audio Science gave both switches such dismissive reviews, backed up with comprehensive measurements. I of course realise that audio quality can not always be measured nor can audio pleasure.

I trust the measurements made by Audio Science are correct. But are they complete? Does the guy measure what actually makes a difference?

I believe we can measure everything (in this particular context) as long as we have the tools and some understanding of whatā€™s going on.

Not sure the guy from Audio Science really understands whatā€™s going on.

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It could be that in the context of a Naim system these switches offer more/less than with other brands. Naim very well could be much more revealing in terms of the signal(s) fed through (in any part of the chain) than the equipment others have used to test/review these things. In my experience the switches do not add anything but do something quite remarkable to the way I hear and interpret music. They very well could take something away (noise/interference) or it could be that the clocks used in them just allow the music to be interpreted better by my brainā€¦ We see lots of mixed reviews here so seeing that in the HiFi press should be no surprise!

The ER switch offers the opportunity to connect up an external clock such as the Mutec 10, has anybody tried it, if so, which clock and any conclusions?

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Hi @Gazza I believe @MidnightRambler has an ER switch along with an external clock all powered by a Sean Jacobs DC4! If thats not the ultimate switch set up on this forum then I donā€™t know what is?!!

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Thanks Steve

ā€¦ and what about adding a Powerline Lite/Powerline or similar to the LPSU?
I have read that some have tried expensive power chords to good effect.

Iā€™ll be sure to report my findings. Yes, thatā€™s where Iā€™m heading. My next move will likely be a 272/250DR combo.

My EtherRegen and Roon Nucleus / their respective PSUs have both benefited from Sean Jacobs (Custom HiFi Cables) Powerblack cables/power blocks.

That is good to hear Michael. As I do have a spare Powerline Lite cable in the drawer I intend to use that when my SR4T arrives.