Do I really need an " Audio Grade Network Switch "?

[bornfi]

Have not tried CAT8. Must give it a try when I get a chance.
Although the 30m limit might be a restriction in my case but will have to check.


.

Replaced all Cat5s with SFTP Cat8 and yes, there is a difference. More stable and clean image. Those sitting on the fence for audiophile-grade switches can start with this instead. Note that in-wall wiring in my home is still some old cat5, but it proves that last legs do matter.

I bought this-cable, especially because it is made of solid-core copper.

 

[amit11]

I would recommend buying two of these to stay away from complication of choosing the SFP modules. There is a less pricey version of this too that supports speed of up to 100 Mbps while this one supports up to 1 Gbps. I would also recommend that contact the seller and buy only if he/she can provide appropriate fiber cable too.

https://www.amazon.in/TP-Link-MC210CS-Gigabit-Single-Mode-Converter/dp/B003CFATKQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1Q0M7REKDISH1&keywords=ethernet%2Bto%2Bfiber&qid=1645020973&sprefix=ethernet%2Bto%2Bfibe%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-3&th=1

Trying to understand the fibre topic.

Currently my tp-link wifi extender,has ethernet cable going to airport express rj45.

Now to convert and introduce fibre, would i have to do like below?

A) i purchase 2 modules as you mentioned in the link.

B) module1 : it takes in ethernet cable as input (from my tp-link wifi extender).

Output is optical cable plugged inside the TX (transmission)

C) MODULE2 :

The optical coming from module #1, goes inside RX (receiver)

Then a second ethernet cable, i plug inside this module #2, and other end goes to rj45 of airport express.

Does this sound correct?

 

[Sopra]

the moment you add "audio grade" to anything the price quadruples my view is no

 

[bornfi]

Trying to understand the fibre topic.

Currently my tp-link wifi extender,has ethernet cable going to airport express rj45.

Now to convert and introduce fibre, would i have to do like below?

A) i purchase 2 modules as you mentioned in the link.

B) module1 : it takes in ethernet cable as input (from my tp-link wifi extender).

Output is optical cable plugged inside the TX (transmission)

C) MODULE2 :

The optical coming from module #1, goes inside RX (receiver)

Then a second ethernet cable, i plug inside this module #2, and other end goes to rj45 of airport express.

Does this sound correct?

Yes, that is correct. Now, let us complicate this further . These two Tx and Rx boxes will come with their SMPSs that have negative impacts too so in order to over come this, there are two options.

1. Buy a good LPS such as SBooster or Farad and power both these boxes with it.
2. Instead, buying those boxes and fiber cable, but this https://ediscreation.com/product/fiber-box/

 

[amit11]

Yes, that is correct. Now, let us complicate this further . These two Tx and Rx boxes will come with their SMPSs that have negative impacts too so in order to over come this, there are two options.

1. Buy a good LPS such as SBooster or Farad and power both these boxes with it.
2. Instead, buying those boxes and fiber cable, but this https://ediscreation.com/product/fiber-box/

Thanks.
In that link, there is also another model. Which is less fast. Would that also serve the purpose?

MC210 CS vs

MC110CS (slower)

 

[amit11]

I pulled the plug for the tp-link. They should arrive by saturday.
Ordered the MC110CS (Fibre media convertor) 2 pcs
Also ordered optical cable - single mode and SC type connector.
I know it may be an experimentation only and there may or may not be an improvement, or rather it is possible it may degrade aswell. But worth experimenting.

 

[ishmeet73]

I just bought the Bonn 8 with the condition that I can give it back if it doesn't make a substantial difference to the quality of the sound.
I went through every comment on this thread, being a skeptic, I started ready to send the Bonn 8 back.

I have spent the last 2 hours switching between the my Cat6 cable from my router (TPLink Xe75) directly to my streamer (Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition) and through the Bonn 8. I have been listening to the same 3 songs, over and over again.

In my humble opinion, and to my ears, I found a difference in the overall clarity and improved instrument separation. For me there was no bias, if I liked it I would keep it, if I didn't I would return it.

Well, I am keeping it.

 

[amit11]

I pulled the plug for the tp-link. They should arrive by saturday.
Ordered the MC110CS (Fibre media convertor) 2 pcs
Also ordered optical cable - single mode and SC type connector.
I know it may be an experimentation only and there may or may not be an improvement, or rather it is possible it may degrade aswell. But worth experimenting.

part shipment arrived.
One fibre media convertor (FMC) arrived.
Waiting for the 2nd unit, and optical wire.

 

[Phew]

I just bought the Bonn 8 with the condition that I can give it back if it doesn't make a substantial difference to the quality of the sound.
I went through every comment on this thread, being a skeptic, I started ready to send the Bonn 8 back.

I have spent the last 2 hours switching between the my Cat6 cable from my router (TPLink Xe75) directly to my streamer (Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition) and through the Bonn 8. I have been listening to the same 3 songs, over and over again.

In my humble opinion, and to my ears, I found a difference in the overall clarity and improved instrument separation. For me there was no bias, if I liked it I would keep it, if I didn't I would return it.

Well, I am keeping it.

little suggestion Incase all your audio equipment is in an extension cord/power strip, put the bonn n8 into a seperate wall socket, in my usage I had noticed that the wall Adaptor that the n8 comes with deteriorates the sound if plugged into the same power strip as other equipment, after adding the SA lpsu the gains came about much clearer.

 

[hydra]

I pulled the plug for the tp-link. They should arrive by saturday.
Ordered the MC110CS (Fibre media convertor) 2 pcs
Also ordered optical cable - single mode and SC type connector.
I know it may be an experimentation only and there may or may not be an improvement, or rather it is possible it may degrade aswell. But worth experimenting.

These are basically to convert ethernet to fiber and then back to ethernet, right? I've not quite been able to figure out the exact types of devices needed for this. Your list is helpful! Do post more info as you set it up.

My Roon endpoint (Windows Laptop) on the ground floor cuts out every so often on WiFi, though the signal (about 70% strong) is good enough for internet usage and all other work. To fix this, I needed to get an ethernet line from the 1st floor of my house to the ground floor, and the only way to do it is to pass it outside a window (on the 1st floor) and then inside a ventilation slot (on the ground floor). I could do this with ethernet cable, but I'm told that passing ethernet cables outside (even through PVC pipes) could be a lightning hazard. So I was thinking of using the fiber convertors (though they work out to be expensive in comparison).

 

[ishmeet73]

little suggestion Incase all your audio equipment is in an extension cord/power strip, put the bonn n8 into a seperate wall socket, in my usage I had noticed that the wall Adaptor that the n8 comes with deteriorates the sound if plugged into the same power strip as other equipment, after adding the SA lpsu the gains came about much clearer.

Thanks for the tip…..

 

[Nikhil]

I just bought the Bonn 8 with the condition that I can give it back if it doesn't make a substantial difference to the quality of the sound.
I went through every comment on this thread, being a skeptic, I started ready to send the Bonn 8 back.

I have spent the last 2 hours switching between the my Cat6 cable from my router (TPLink Xe75) directly to my streamer (Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition) and through the Bonn 8. I have been listening to the same 3 songs, over and over again.

In my humble opinion, and to my ears, I found a difference in the overall clarity and improved instrument separation. For me there was no bias, if I liked it I would keep it, if I didn't I would return it.

Well, I am keeping it.

I have to say the same exact thing. I had a chance to pick up a Bonn 8 a few weeks ago. In my case I could instantly hear an extension in the lower mids that gave the music a fuller sound. I've had the Bonn 8 in my setup for over a month now.

An interesting note - I've had Qobuz for a while. Listening to Qobuz with my earlier switch was good but the low end always felt a little smeared. As a result I was fine with Spotify for most listening purposes. With the Bonn N8 in the chain, listening to Qobuz has completely changed. Gone is that smeared low end. The music comes through clear across a wider spectrum and voices especially are a real revelation. I'm listening to a Dean Martin album right now and it sounds really nice with a full textured sound. Upright bass notes and trumpet have a lovely tight definition.


.

 

[amit11]

I just bought the Bonn 8 with the condition that I can give it back if it doesn't make a substantial difference to the quality of the sound.
I went through every comment on this thread, being a skeptic, I started ready to send the Bonn 8 back.

I have spent the last 2 hours switching between the my Cat6 cable from my router (TPLink Xe75) directly to my streamer (Eversolo DMP-A6 Master Edition) and through the Bonn 8. I have been listening to the same 3 songs, over and over again.

In my humble opinion, and to my ears, I found a difference in the overall clarity and improved instrument separation. For me there was no bias, if I liked it I would keep it, if I didn't I would return it.

Well, I am keeping it.

Curious to know. I have a normal tp link switch. But below combinatuons.

A) tp link WIFI extender --> direct to streamer. Sounds ok.

B) Tp link wifi extender --> tp link Switch - sounds slightly better.


C) Same as B but switch should be powered from battery (instead of wall wart) - this is yet to try bcos i need to get one USB to DC barrel convertor.

So my point is,had you tried another switch before using Bonn?

If yes then fine.
If not then the improvement is due to putting a switch in between. The switch is simple, less electronics , less noise compared to direct router to streamer.

 

[amit11]

Received the 2nd FMC unit and optical cable.

 

[amrutmhatre90]

Hey Guys,

Just saw this and here are my two cents:

I am using a FMC convertor since 6-7 months,
Upgraded the SFP module with cisco optical cable and added a Linear power Supply to clean end.

I do hear clarity and darker background with this combo, but the biggest upgrade going to FMC was lower noise floor.
It is hard to understand at first, but once you remove the FMC module it is audible.

 

[Nikhil]

So my point is,had you tried another switch before using Bonn?

If yes then fine.
If not then the improvement is due to putting a switch in between.

Your query wasn't addressed to me but I had a TP Link switch powered with a LPS.
The Bonn N8 was a definite step up in terms of sound quality.


.

 

[ishmeet73]

Curious to know. I have a normal tp link switch. But below combinatuons.

A) tp link WIFI extender --> direct to streamer. Sounds ok.

B) Tp link wifi extender --> tp link Switch - sounds slightly better.


C) Same as B but switch should be powered from battery (instead of wall wart) - this is yet to try bcos i need to get one USB to DC barrel convertor.

So my point is,had you tried another switch before using Bonn?

If yes then fine.
If not then the improvement is due to putting a switch in between. The switch is simple, less electronics , less noise compared to direct router to streamer.

Yes did try a switch, actually I tried 3 different switches ( TPLink, D-link and CISCO) there the wasn’t much difference to my ears.

As @Nikhil put it, with the Bonn 8, it the sound was a “step up”. I listen to most of my music on Tidal. It made a difference. In the track that I was using for testing, I was able to hear the breath taken by the singer, without the Bonn, there was a sound but I couldn’t identify it. Also, I found a difference in the instrument separation. As I said earlier, this is what my ears heard.

I am waiting for the delivery of the Denafrips Hermes (DDC), I am hoping my systems’ resolution becomes even better. Fingers crossed

 

[Analogous]

I came across the Aardvark Ultra (passive) network filter. Hans Beekhausen thinks they are good. Anyone used this? Thoughts?

 

[altair21]

Replaced all Cat5s with SFTP Cat8 and yes, there is a difference. More stable and clean image. Those sitting on the fence for audiophile-grade switches can start with this instead. Note that in-wall wiring in my home is still some old cat5, but it proves that last legs do matter.

I bought this-cable, especially because it is made of solid-core copper.

I know old thread but do you have an idea how much of the wiring is cat5? I was thinking of upgrading my cables from cat6E to cat 8 and most of it is in the walls and I know for sure, parents wont let me rip it out, so was thinking of upgrading atleast the outer cables to cat8 if its worth it. I'll only replace at most 10% of the cables but not sure if I'll even get any boost of any kind

 

[bornfi]

I know old thread but do you have an idea how much of the wiring is cat5? I was thinking of upgrading my cables from cat6E to cat 8 and most of it is in the walls and I know for sure, parents wont let me rip it out, so was thinking of upgrading atleast the outer cables to cat8 if its worth it. I'll only replace at most 10% of the cables but not sure if I'll even get any boost of any kind

Even I didn’t do any such replacements of what is concealed in the walls, replaced just the exposed ones.