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

[preston8452]

I think it's been a quite controversial topic for years, like what's the difference between normal network switch and an audio grade network switch, the price difference is certainly obvious though...
Anyway, I've done some researches, most audio reviewers say that under this " new digital streaming era " that an network switch is a must for an audio system, which is understandable for me, I mean because if I wanna play TIDAL or Qobuz or Spotify, I gotta use network so I can stream these online services, so yeah I get that if the network quality is good enough, it can possibly level up the music performance.

But anyhow, I'm new to this area, so I don't like to spend big bucks on my first purchase hahaha... there's a very wide range of the prices though, the top one is Ansuz Power Switch I think, the inner circuit and design look pretty sharp, and surely over my budget lol

So I'm choosing between Bonn N8 and SW-8, these two both got good reviews, and the prices seem so darn much friendly to me as I'm looking for an entry level switch now, do any of you have any insights to share?
or should I just go for the higher level ones?

Best,

 

[Kvn_Walker]

Therer’s literally no such thing as “audio-grade” network components. It’s all a scam. The majority of those devices are internally identical to consumer gear you could buy at Target or Best Buy, with a fancy wrapper and ridiculous markups.

Networking gear transmits 1’s and 0’s. Speed, reliability, and accuracy are what matters in networking components. “Sound quality” isn’t transmitted over ethernet or wifi.

You’ll get better returns if you donate to charity or bet on sports with the money you’d waste buying stuff like that.

 

[Kvn_Walker]

Silent Angel Bonn N8 Audio Grade Ethernet Switch

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Silent Angel (Thunder Data) Bonn N8 8-port gigabite audiophile Ethernet switch. It is on kind loan from a member. It seems to cost US $399. As a way of comparison, a brand name switch without the "audio grade" designation costs US $35 so about...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[lovinthehd]

LOL it was never controversial, just idiotic audiophools and those selling the snake oil.

 

[NINaudio]

You already asked this question and got these exact same answers.

Don't waste your money on such things as audiophile ethernet switches or cables. You'd be better off putting the extra money into better speakers. That's where you will often make the biggest sound quality gains.