The true experimental tweak thread

[Monge]

@Cornan I my search for a good linear PSU I had the thougt “Why NOT have a look at Poul Hynes website?”

I found this information

http://www.paulhynesdesign.com/page2.html

http://www.paulhynesdesign.com/page3.html

Hope it’s ok to post here.

Regards Monge

[desbiss]

I posted this on another thread, but it may be more suited here...

 

I am interested in hearing others' thoughts regarding what sort of a SQ improvement I could expect with the AQVOX AQ-SWITCH-8 in my system... I have already taken some steps to improve my current switch, and have been impressed with the results thus far. I'm trying to legitimize the added cost for the AQ-SWITCH-8...

 

CURRENT SCENARIO: I presently have a Netgear GS108 switch with an iFi iPower PS replacing the factory wallwart... I am also already using high quality ethernet cables on the switch (Nordost for Audio purposes, and Audioquest for non-audio items). As well, I have the LAN IN on port 1, and main audio OUT to my Aurender on port 8...

 

I've read through everything I could find on the forum about the AQVOX switch, and the comments are compelling. I'm curious if anyone has transitioned from a setup like what I already have, as noted above, to the AQ-SWITCH-8... and the gains to be had. I primarily listen to Tidal, and am excited to have read many comments indicating it bears a significant improvement.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Cornan]

56 minutes ago, desbiss said:

I posted this on another thread, but it may be more suited here...

 

I am interested in hearing others' thoughts regarding what sort of a SQ improvement I could expect with the AQVOX AQ-SWITCH-8 in my system... I have already taken some steps to improve my current switch, and have been impressed with the results thus far. I'm trying to legitimize the added cost for the AQ-SWITCH-8...

 

CURRENT SCENARIO: I presently have a Netgear GS108 switch with an iFi iPower PS replacing the factory wallwart... I am also already using high quality ethernet cables on the switch (Nordost for Audio purposes, and Audioquest for non-audio items). As well, I have the LAN IN on port 1, and main audio OUT to my Aurender on port 8...

 

I've read through everything I could find on the forum about the AQVOX switch, and the comments are compelling. I'm curious if anyone has transitioned from a setup like what I already have, as noted above, to the AQ-SWITCH-8... and the gains to be had. I primarily listen to Tidal, and am excited to have read many comments indicating it bears a significant improvement.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Actually, the Aqvox switch-8 is perticularly great with Tidal. I actually consider it as one of my best audio related purchases. I listen 100% to Tidal and would never trade the Aqvox for another switch. Maybe just upgrade it to the SE version. I have'nt tried your specific Netgear switch in my setup nor the iFi iPower, but a bunch of others Netgear and TP-Link switches. Aqvox beats them all with Tidal. According to others the Aqvox switch do not improve local content as much. It is definately worth to try a better LPS or battery supply for the Aqvox switch. Despite what Aqvox say. If you use a SMPS you should consider DC- output grounding and ground the GND screw as well.

 

 

 

 

[Cornan]

1 hour ago, Monge said:

@Cornan I my search for a good linear PSU I had the thougt “Why NOT have a look at Poul Hynes website?”

I found this information

http://www.paulhynesdesign.com/page2.html

http://www.paulhynesdesign.com/page3.html

Hope it’s ok to post here.

Regards Monge

 

Paul Hynes is one of the best LPSs out there. He have recently released his valuable option SR4. Not yet sure where you can butpy it though. That website seems not to be updated with his new LPSs. Maybe someone else here can let you know how to order from Paul Hynes?

[desbiss]

3 hours ago, Cornan said:

 

Actually, the Aqvox switch-8 is perticularly great with Tidal. I actually consider it as one of my best audio related purchases. I listen 100% to Tidal and would never trade the Aqvox for another switch. Maybe just upgrade it to the SE version. I have'nt tried your specific Netgear switch in my setup nor the iFi iPower, but a bunch of others Netgear and TP-Link switches. Aqvox beats them all with Tidal. According to others the Aqvox switch do not improve local content as much. It is definately worth to try a better LPS or battery supply for the Aqvox switch. Despite what Aqvox say. If you use a SMPS you should consider DC- output grounding and ground the GND screw as well.

 

 

 

 

That’s very promising to hear! Thank you Cornan for the feedback, especially since the large majority of my listening is also via Tidal...

 

Can I ask, were the Netgear / TP-Link switches you experimented with ones that were bone stock, or were they optimized with better power supplies / Ethernet cables?

 

I have experimented with the iPower and better cables, and saw improvement... so I retained them permanently. What I am trying to discern is if the AQ-SWITCH-8 would yield even better results than my current scenario, and if it’s worth the cost potentially(?)...

 

My system is quite resolving and I am not too much of a tinkerer, so the decision criteria for me would be it bettering my current combination of Netgear, Nordost cables, and the iPower.

 

Much appreciated!

[tapatrick]

50 minutes ago, desbiss said:

That’s very promising to hear! Thank you Cornan for the feedback, especially since the large majority of my listening is also via Tidal...

 

Can I ask, were the Netgear / TP-Link switches you experimented with ones that were bone stock, or were they optimized with better power supplies / Ethernet cables?

 

I have experimented with the iPower and better cables, and saw improvement... so I retained them permanently. What I am trying to discern is if the AQ-SWITCH-8 would yield even better results than my current scenario, and if it’s worth the cost potentially(?)...

 

My system is quite resolving and I am not too much of a tinkerer, so the decision criteria for me would be it bettering my current combination of Netgear, Nordost cables, and the iPower.

 

Much appreciated!

Like @Cornan I highly recommend the Aqvox switch. It has transformed Tidal streaming and this now betters my local files which I don’t listen to much any more (and I have an Antipodes DXe )

i imagine the newer Aqvox switch model must be better too but I can’t justify the price. 

Their supplied psu is good but I power it with an Linear psu and the switch is a major addition to my system. 

[tapatrick]

4 hours ago, Cornan said:

 

Paul Hynes is one of the best LPSs out there. He have recently released his valuable option SR4. Not yet sure where you can butpy it though. That website seems not to be updated with his new LPSs. Maybe someone else here can let you know how to order from Paul Hynes?

Contact Paul here and he will send you details of current prices and models. 

 

[email protected]

 

I have ordered his new SR4 (£330) which is a single and adjustable output psu based on the SR7. These are a new product - off the shelf,  rather than made to order which reduces the wait time. 

[Monge]

15 hours ago, tapatrick said:

Contact Paul here and he will send you details of current prices and models. 

 

[email protected]

 

I have ordered his new SR4 (£330) which is a single and adjustable output psu based on the SR7. These are a new product - off the shelf,  rather than made to order which reduces the wait time. 

Thank you very much 

Also the AQVOX Switch for sure sound  promissing according to you and Cornan.

Cheers!

[Cornan]

15 hours ago, desbiss said:

That’s very promising to hear! Thank you Cornan for the feedback, especially since the large majority of my listening is also via Tidal...

 

Can I ask, were the Netgear / TP-Link switches you experimented with ones that were bone stock, or were they optimized with better power supplies / Ethernet cables?

 

I have experimented with the iPower and better cables, and saw improvement... so I retained them permanently. What I am trying to discern is if the AQ-SWITCH-8 would yield even better results than my current scenario, and if it’s worth the cost potentially(?)...

 

My system is quite resolving and I am not too much of a tinkerer, so the decision criteria for me would be it bettering my current combination of Netgear, Nordost cables, and the iPower.

 

Much appreciated!

 

You´re welcome desbiss!

 

I used battery supplies on all of my previous 5v network switches and used the same type on Aqvox switch-8. I did try the original Aqvox SMPS without DC- output grounding, but found battery supplies much better. Now I actually use Gophert csp-3205II floating SMPS into a floating IT which I found better than the battery supply. I am quite sure a good LPS will improve it as well.

 

I am not sure if iFi iPower will better Aqvox own SMPS or not since I have never tried it myself. However, since you have it will be quite easy to try it out together with DC- output grounding with the Aqvox and see how it turns out.

 

If your system is very resolving and you are listening to a lot of Tidal it is IMHO equally important to upgrade the power supply for the router as well. A LPS is a good start.

 

 

[desbiss]

16 hours ago, tapatrick said:

Like @Cornan I highly recommend the Aqvox switch. It has transformed Tidal streaming and this now betters my local files which I don’t listen to much any more (and I have an Antipodes DXe )

i imagine the newer Aqvox switch model must be better too but I can’t justify the price. 

Their supplied psu is good but I power it with an Linear psu and the switch is a major addition to my system. 

Thanks for your comments tapatrick! That's promising feedback, especially with my being mostly a Tidal listener. 

 

The SE model switch is a bit too much $$ for me to justify, so the AQ-SWITCH-8 is my focus. I'm just trying to get a sense for whether / not the cost is worthwhile, and that the gains will be there vs my current scenario with the Netgear GS108 with the iFi iPower and Nordost Ethernet cables (which would remain in the mix)...

 

I'm also glad to hear the AQVOX switch plays nice with Antipodes gear... I currently am using an Aurender X100s server, but have the Antipodes Core on my radar.

[Al Jones]

I just hooked up  an Aqvox SE switch for burn-in. I will give it a few days, before I start comparing it to the standard version.

[desbiss]

55 minutes ago, Cornan said:

 

You´re welcome desbiss!

 

I used battery supplies on all of my previous 5v network switches and used the same type on Aqvox switch-8. I did try the original Aqvox SMPS without DC- output grounding, but found battery supplies much better. Now I actually use Gophert csp-3205II floating SMPS into a floating IT which I found better than the battery supply. I am quite sure a good LPS will improve it as well.

 

I am not sure if iFi iPower will better Aqvox own SMPS or not since I have never tried it myself. However, since you have it will be quite easy to try it out together with DC- output grounding with the Aqvox and see how it turns out.

 

If your system is very resolving and you are listening to a lot of Tidal it is IMHO equally important to upgrade the power supply for the router as well. A LPS is a good start.

 

 

Thank you for your reply Cornan! Very much appreciated.

 

I'm glad to hear that, (with your prior switches), you'd experimented with factors separate to the switch itself. That gives me more confidence in there being a worthwhile difference with the AQ-SWITCH-8. Helps to legitimize the cost.

 

I've looked a bit more into the DC-ouput grounding option, but am not entirely clear... Is this simply a matter of grounding the switch's case directly to the grounding post of my AC receptacle / receptacle box (which are grounded to my home wiring)...?

 

Thanks as well for the suggestion regarding a better router power supply. I already am using an iPower on it, and certainly did notice benefit. Though I expect a proper LPS would yield further benefit, I am satisfied with what the iPower brought to the equation. They work very well for the cost. My needs were a bit dictated by budget, but also some space limitations...

[desbiss]

11 minutes ago, Al Jones said:

I just hooked up  an Aqvox SE switch for burn-in. I will give it a few days, before I start comparing it to the standard version.

Will be interested in your observations! I'm leaning toward the AQ-SWITCH-8, but also eying up the SE model... Not sure I can legitimize the additional cost though.

 

Are there any apparent differences from the get-go? Do they use the same PS as the AQ-SWITCH-8?

[Monge]

1 hour ago, desbiss said:

Thank you for your reply Cornan! Very much appreciated.

 

I'm glad to hear that, (with your prior switches), you'd experimented with factors separate to the switch itself. That gives me more confidence in there being a worthwhile difference with the AQ-SWITCH-8. Helps to legitimize the cost.

 

I've looked a bit more into the DC-ouput grounding option, but am not entirely clear... Is this simply a matter of grounding the switch's case directly to the grounding post of my AC receptacle / receptacle box (which are grounded to my home wiring)...?

 

Thanks as well for the suggestion regarding a better router power supply. I already am using an iPower on it, and certainly did notice benefit. Though I expect a proper LPS would yield further benefit, I am satisfied with what the iPower brought to the equation. They work very well for the cost. My needs were a bit dictated by budget, but also some space limitations...

You migth have a look here regarding Grounding

In any case I Think your IPower will benefit Grounding the negative DC output

The AQVOX Switch need 5V/DC

Regards Monge

[Cornan]

1 hour ago, Al Jones said:

I just hooked up  an Aqvox SE switch for burn-in. I will give it a few days, before I start comparing it to the standard version.

 

I would be very interested in your findings Al! ?

[Cornan]

1 hour ago, desbiss said:

Thank you for your reply Cornan! Very much appreciated.

 

I'm glad to hear that, (with your prior switches), you'd experimented with factors separate to the switch itself. That gives me more confidence in there being a worthwhile difference with the AQ-SWITCH-8. Helps to legitimize the cost.

 

I've looked a bit more into the DC-ouput grounding option, but am not entirely clear... Is this simply a matter of grounding the switch's case directly to the grounding post of my AC receptacle / receptacle box (which are grounded to my home wiring)...?

 

Thanks as well for the suggestion regarding a better router power supply. I already am using an iPower on it, and certainly did notice benefit. Though I expect a proper LPS would yield further benefit, I am satisfied with what the iPower brought to the equation. They work very well for the cost. My needs were a bit dictated by budget, but also some space limitations...

 

Your welcome desbiss! ?

 

There is quite a lot of things that could potensially increase SQ for a router as well IME. A new router and optimized settings ofcourse, but also AC mains DC Blocker, F-plug DC Blocker (if your router have satellite input) alt ethernet isolator (if router  have ethernet input), AC mains voltage regulator, isolation transformer with floating secondary etc. I personally also isolate the router and Aqvox switch with a wireless adapter (wired to the Aqvox switch and Aries Mini). I use the TP-Link RE450 with good results, but I'll guess the RE650 is even better.

 

With a switch it is also important to use one only for audio. That one should have input ethernet cable to port 1 and output ethernet cable to the last port. Grounding the GND screw is very important as well as DC- output grounding as @Monge posted you a link to! ?

[Speed Racer]

53 minutes ago, Cornan said:

With a switch it is also important to use one only for audio. That one should have input ethernet cable to port 1 and output ethernet cable to the last port.

 

You are putting out ridiculous information.

[MikeyFresh]

28 minutes ago, Speed Racer said:

You are putting out ridiculous information.

 

No he isn't.

 

It's his thread, and he has actually tried all of the combinations that he is posting about, there is nothing ridiculous about any of that.

 

Rather, it is ridiculous that you continue to lurk in threads like this for the sole purpose of trolling.

[Ralf11]

you'd be better off if you were able to explain why a special audiophile switch does - or even might - sound better

 

pointing out something that MAKES NO SENSE IS NOT TROLLING 

[Speed Racer]

Sorry, @MikeyFresh, you are all wet here. No one "owns" threads in this part of the forum. I can call out "hooey" when it is put forth.

 

You don't need special "audio" switches. You don't need to run only audio through them. You don't need to have the ports used in the switch separated by 3 ports.

[MikeyFresh]

28 minutes ago, Speed Racer said:

No one "owns" threads in this part of the forum.

 

I never said anyone "owned" anything, your words not mine. The site moderator has made it clear however, that the thread starter does have the ability to decide what is on-topic and what isn't.

 

In your case you are lucky the thread starter doesn't deem your steady stream of troll crap as worthy of the heave-ho.

 

28 minutes ago, Speed Racer said:

You don't need...

 

You don't "need" to instantly attack opinions expressed in an experimental thread as ridiculous. What anyone wishes to try on either an experimental or permanent basis is not subject to approval from the audio police, or in this case you or your merry little band of trolls.

 

If you don't like the thread content, then just move along, no one died and left you in charge of the audio consumer protection police. Why do you think you can identify "hooey" so much better than everyone else? You can't.

 

Full disclosure - both you and the esteemed scientist Ralf are on my ignore list, I will not engage in any back and forth with your ilk. Goodbye.

[Cornan]

Guys please! If you are against something, start a thread about it. Remember what this thread is all about. The true experimental tweak thread. I think that @The Computer Audiophile can confirm that I have the right to set the guide lines for this thread. You are welcome to join if you have something to add in the context of this thread. It is about being nice instead of throwing pies.

[Speed Racer]

1 minute ago, MikeyFresh said:

Full disclosure - both you and the esteemed scientist Ralf are on my ignore list, I will not engage in any back and forth with your ilk. Goodbye.

 

Do you think this affects me in the least? I love how people think they are somehow hurting someone by telling them this. Just do it and go away. 

[Speed Racer]

2 minutes ago, Cornan said:

Guys please! If you are against something, start a thread about it. Remember what this thread is all about. The true experimental tweak thread. I think that @The Computer Audiophile can confirm that I have the right to set the guide lines for this thread. You are welcome to join if you have something to add in the context of this thread. It is about being nice instead of throwing pies.

 

My post was completely on topic. Your recommendations can be challenged. You can’t say they cannot be challenged or this whole site becomes a joke. 

[Cornan]

2 minutes ago, Speed Racer said:

 

My post was completely on topic. Your recommendations can be challenged. You can’t say they cannot be challenged or this whole site becomes a joke. 

So this is your way of being on topic do you mean? "You are putting out ridiculous information."