One thing that is challenging the value of switches is playing files off the Grimm MU1. I’m sure this has been discussed at length, but files should sound identical since there’s no networking component at play, right? Unless there’s some minuscule amount of noise making its way into the system just via the network being active. I’ll need to try disconnecting the network cable during file playback to see if it sounds any different. In theory you can even test streaming this way for a good minute or so due to the amount of buffering Qobuz does - when I swapped in my SW6 my Qobuz track kept on playing while the MU1 was disconnected for a good while.
2 Likes
Zerostat?
By Jove, I think you got it!
I have one of those as well. Never loved it.
I support your idea trying playing without LAN cable attached.
I already have two opposite experiences trying this 
First time when I did not had audiophile switch (but had cheap optical isolation with LPS) and second time with proper audiophile switch
First time it was as you suggested - playing from RAM without cable attached to optical converter was just a little bit cleaner than with LAN attached.
In the second try (some time later) I got shocked, as unplugging streamer from audiophile switch (while playing from RAM) very noticeably degraded the sound. It got more congested, missing extension on both ends and front-back soundstage collapsed.
Okay there was probably more differences in my setup between the tries than just another eth. switch (i think i upgraded also some ethernet cables in meantime etc.) but was for me another lesson that my previous mantra (nothing could beat unplugging from LAN) was not fully correct.
1 Like
fascinating and baffling… this %@#$! hobby…
1 Like
After a few more days of settling in with the SW-6, the word that most comes to mind is “resonance.” The system seems to be doing a much better job capturing the resonant qualities of voices, instruments and spaces. This manifests in many different ways across the spectrum, but you can really hear it when streaming the latest hi-res releases of solo instrumental material - e.g. Chopin Nocturnes (Pentatone 192/24) or works for viola da gamba (Alpha 192/24). A modern concert grand and a viola da gamba are obviously vastly different instruments, but with the SW-6 both have a lovely glow around them which you can clearly make out as both the resonance of the instruments themselves and the acoustics of the space they occupy. It gives the feeling of richness and body without an actual tonal coloration.
YMMV will vary of course, but if your streaming system is transparent but a bit dry with run-of-the-mill networking gear, there are probably far less effective things to tinker with than a switch like the SW-6.
3 Likes
I am not certain I hear anything one way or another out of adding my SW-6 to my system. That could be because I have a MUON Pro between it and my Grimm MU2. The SW-6 is a keeper, I am sure of that.
5 Likes
I tried a brief test of SW-6 vs an RJ45 coupler. Depending on the track it is pretty subtle and not the sort of thing that jumps out at you in an A/B test, but all my prior comments still hold. There’s something vaguely flat about the sound without the SW-6, and the space between the sounds (both in terms of imaging and timing) gets a little vague. The most noticeable difference is with the viola da gamba album I previously referenced - the lower registers of the instrument lose some body and resonance. Both the instrument and the space sound smaller.
I guess I’ll be ordering a Muon Pro now… and maybe a SW-10 to use here so I can move the SW-6 to my other system which probably needs it even more. No, I don’t think I’ll be ordering a Tempus, or chaining a SW-6 and SW-10. I think I will take a break there and leave “good enough” alone… for now…
4 Likes
Probably your cheap system is too modest to reveal any difference in sound quality that a switch can make!
5 Likes
Oh my goodness, do you think that is the reason?
So, starting with the SW-6 as a base, what gear should I buy?
Thanks for any help you can offer!!! 
3 Likes
… all in good humour!!!
1 Like
You have to rebuild your system starting from fuses and Ethernet cables of course! And remember: it is scientifically proven that the break-in process requires 5000 hours of uninterrupted listening to Supertramp music
7 Likes
Those Stealth power cords, and especially the Sakra 17 ICs ruined the effectiveness of fuses and the great SW-6. I’ll be happy to takeover your Stealth at your garage sale.
3 Likes
Happy cake day @dchang05
Now we know the real reason you went to Hawaii
2 Likes
Happy Cake Day!!!
2 Likes
Here’s the reason I am here. This is as exciting as my PZ “OMG” moment:
The guy who is pointing to an UFO (what else was there?) ruined this postcard moment, but I can take the exact same picture at 7Pm tomorrow. Hopefully this guy will not be doing the same thing tomorrow.
9 Likes
Very nice! Beautiful picture.
3 Likes
Eat your vacation cake, Donald. 
3 Likes
Happy cake Hawaii day, my friend! Great place indeed.
3 Likes