greg788 Posted April 5, 2021 Share Posted April 5, 2021 Has Anyone done a serious AB comparison between these two switches? Or the Ether Regen (which I own) versus any other *comparably priced* audiophile switch? What was the result? Link to comment
Stevem324 Posted April 13, 2021 Share Posted April 13, 2021 I'm interested in this comparison too. In Austinpop's review of the Etherregen, he does compare it to other network switches from TLS, SOtM and Melco. I also own the Etherregen and I like the changes it has brought about in my system. I'm wondering if adding a switch like the English Electric in front of the Etherregen would be additive and bring further improvements in SQ. In Austinpop's review, he liked the SOtM ($1700) switch in front of the Etherregen. I was wondering if the EE 8switch at $595 could bring similiar results. I called 2 dealers in the USA that are listed on the English Electric webpage and asked them for an opinion. Both of them didn't think that adding the EE 8switch in front of the Etherregen would bring further improvements. I would be interested if anyone has actually tried the EE 8switch with the Etherregen. Link to comment
Popular Post MarkusBarkus Posted April 13, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 13, 2021 Here is an old post re: EE Switch, FYI... ThunderData is a small OEM manufacturer in Guangdong, China. They designed a basic switch. Here is the board. It is pretty simple, nothing fancy, probably not more than about $30 assembled (for comparison, we spend 2.5 times that just on voltage regulators for the EtherREGEN): Then offer it themselves--with an inexpensive upgraded clock replacing the $0.30 oval crystal--as the Silent Angel Bonn N8. Here is a pic of it: They also offer it in a nicer case to other manufacturers, still with exact same circuits and clock. Here it is as the Nuprime Omnia SW-8: And the outside: And then as here it is branded by EnglishElectric as the 8Switch: How do I know all this? Because Ethan W., ThunderData's V.P. Sales & Marketing e-mailed me in January asking if UpTone would like to label and sell this same switch. (I of course demurred.) Out of respect and propriety I won't tell you the pricing I was quoted. Let's just say that if I bought in volume and sold them for the same $500 that Nuprime and English Electric are, our profit percentages would be about 3 times the margin we make on the EtherREGEN! Call me a fool, but I simply have no interest in selling other people's generic designs--even if they come in a nicer box. terry78, Stevem324, El Guapo and 2 others 4 1 I'm MarkusBarkus and I approve this post. Link to comment
Stevem324 Posted April 14, 2021 Share Posted April 14, 2021 @MarkusBarkus, interesting. Thanks for the reply! Link to comment
Windows X Posted April 14, 2021 Share Posted April 14, 2021 10 hours ago, MarkusBarkus said: Here is an old post re: EE Switch, FYI... ThunderData is a small OEM manufacturer in Guangdong, China. They designed a basic switch. Here is the board. It is pretty simple, nothing fancy, probably not more than about $30 assembled (for comparison, we spend 2.5 times that just on voltage regulators for the EtherREGEN): Then offer it themselves--with an inexpensive upgraded clock replacing the $0.30 oval crystal--as the Silent Angel Bonn N8. Here is a pic of it: They also offer it in a nicer case to other manufacturers, still with exact same circuits and clock. Here it is as the Nuprime Omnia SW-8: And the outside: And then as here it is branded by EnglishElectric as the 8Switch: How do I know all this? Because Ethan W., ThunderData's V.P. Sales & Marketing e-mailed me in January asking if UpTone would like to label and sell this same switch. (I of course demurred.) Out of respect and propriety I won't tell you the pricing I was quoted. Let's just say that if I bought in volume and sold them for the same $500 that Nuprime and English Electric are, our profit percentages would be about 3 times the margin we make on the EtherREGEN! Call me a fool, but I simply have no interest in selling other people's generic designs--even if they come in a nicer box. It's very inappropriate and unprofessional to disclose private information about trade offers. I'm disappointed to see this to be honest. terry78, R1200CL and 87mpi 1 2 Happy Emm Labs/Viola/Karan/Rockport audiophile Fidelizer - Feel the real sound http://www.fidelizer-audio.com Link to comment
Popular Post MarkusBarkus Posted April 14, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 14, 2021 ...interesting. I viewed it as a public service. R1200CL, pl_svn and George Hincapie 2 1 I'm MarkusBarkus and I approve this post. Link to comment
Popular Post Tokyokyoto Posted April 14, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 14, 2021 3 hours ago, Windows X said: It's very inappropriate and unprofessional to disclose private information about trade offers. I'm disappointed to see this to be honest. .....But certainly not surprised. This isn’t about disclosing trade offers but more about trade deception. plissken, Stevem324, pl_svn and 1 other 3 1 Link to comment
Windows X Posted April 14, 2021 Share Posted April 14, 2021 9 minutes ago, Tokyokyoto said: .....But certainly not surprised. This isn’t about disclosing trade offers but more about trade deception. I'm not interested in doing SJW job here. Just sharing my disappointment. Happy Emm Labs/Viola/Karan/Rockport audiophile Fidelizer - Feel the real sound http://www.fidelizer-audio.com Link to comment
Tokyokyoto Posted April 14, 2021 Share Posted April 14, 2021 Wait, Are you disappointed that the deception was revealed or are you disappointed that it happened in the first place. Can’t be both, btw. 1 hour ago, Windows X said: I'm not interested in doing SJW job here. Just sharing my disappointment. George Hincapie 1 Link to comment
Popular Post plissken Posted April 14, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 14, 2021 5 hours ago, Windows X said: It's very inappropriate and unprofessional to disclose private information about trade offers. I'm disappointed to see this to be honest. What? This looks exactly like the Bonn switch I had. They are a small manufacturer that is taking something like a $18 Zyxel or TP-Link switch, tossing on a few more dollars of parts that does exactly what the integrated clock does and then getting the gullible to pay 400% markup when everything is said and done. If the information was so 'private' then it would all be done under an NDA. George Hincapie and cpvniii 1 1 Link to comment
Superdad Posted April 14, 2021 Share Posted April 14, 2021 3 hours ago, plissken said: This looks exactly like the Bonn switch I had. They are a small manufacturer that is taking something like a $18 Zyxel or TP-Link switch... That is incorrect Mark. Reread above and at http://www.thunder-data.com/about Thunder Data did the actual board themselves. They market their product themselves as the Silent Angel Bonn N8. And they sell the same board to NuPrime and English Electric. But yes, there are no innovations on it and it is very low cost piece. I spend more on voltage regulators for each EtherREGEN than the likely total cost of the N8 board. But I already know how you think about all this stuff so don't bother going there again... 87mpi 1 UpTone Audio LLC Link to comment
Popular Post plissken Posted April 14, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 14, 2021 1 hour ago, Superdad said: That is incorrect Mark. Reread above and at http://www.thunder-data.com/about Thunder Data did the actual board themselves. They market their product themselves as the Silent Angel Bonn N8. And they sell the same board to NuPrime and English Electric. But yes, there are no innovations on it and it is very low cost piece. I spend more on voltage regulators for each EtherREGEN than the likely total cost of the N8 board. But I already know how you think about all this stuff so don't bother going there again... Alex you really need to read what I typed. I said it's a low cost design like a Zyxel or TP-Link 8 port switch. It looks like a bog standard reference design and I wouldn't be surprised if you purchased a handful of 8 port $30-$50 switches from Amazon that this wouldn't pop up a few times. And the Bonn Silent Angel made no audible difference. Just like your EtherRegen. Superdad and 87mpi 2 Link to comment
plissken Posted April 14, 2021 Share Posted April 14, 2021 From Roon forum.... It is actually the same as a ZYXEL GS-108B v3 Link to comment
Superdad Posted April 15, 2021 Share Posted April 15, 2021 3 hours ago, plissken said: From Roon forum.... It is actually the same as a ZYXEL GS-108B v3 WOW! The links and quotes get a little circular from there--to the Naim forum and elsewhere--but Googling for the ZyXEL GS-108B v3 with images does turn up a German modification thread with photos: https://www.aktives-hoeren.de/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=11581 And indeed looking closely at the white part number stickers on the board pics above does show ZYO-GS208. $20 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TT128YC So I guess Thunder Data was trying to pull the wool over my eyes as well when they offered to sell UpTone those for about $100 (with whatever unknown spec clock board mod they have). Perhaps NuPrime and English Electric ought to have looked a little closer! Of course we will only ever 100% roll our own: Now if only our back-order of 2,000 Silicon Labs clock buffer chips would arrive. Darn worldwide computer chip shortage! They say it's due to automaker demand combined with Covid19 fabrication slowdown. Anyway @plissken, thanks for getting to the bottom of the ThunderData/SilentAngel Bonn/NuPrime/English Electric mystery. Funny thing is, there are now a bunch of other new Asian firms getting into the act of putting stock designs into fancy cases with power supplies and charging over $1,200. They just do a better job of hiding their actual pre-made Ethernet switch. Here's a new one that ranges from $900 to $1,400. Whose standard switch is under the blue box? UpTone Audio LLC Link to comment
Popular Post Windows X Posted April 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 15, 2021 10 hours ago, Tokyokyoto said: Wait, Are you disappointed that the deception was revealed or are you disappointed that it happened in the first place. Can’t be both, btw. What I'm disappointed isn't about Thunder Data but how Uptone staff disclosed information and also person who contacted them. Not to mention about slandering competitors' products promoting how they consider their products being superior. It's very sad to see this sort of thing from famous manufacturer. kbuech, 87mpi, Alchemist and 1 other 3 1 Happy Emm Labs/Viola/Karan/Rockport audiophile Fidelizer - Feel the real sound http://www.fidelizer-audio.com Link to comment
Popular Post sot13 Posted April 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 15, 2021 9 hours ago, Windows X said: What I'm disappointed isn't about Thunder Data but how Uptone staff disclosed information and also person who contacted them. Not to mention about slandering competitors' products promoting how they consider their products being superior. It's very sad to see this sort of thing from famous manufacturer. I am really disappointed by the proposed (this is how I understand your comment...) "omerta" amongst manufacturers so the conning of the consumers can continue to exist!!! George Hincapie, cpvniii and pl_svn 1 2 Analogue: Michell Orbe SE, SME IV, Van Der Hul MC10 special, Parasound JC3 (phono stage) Digital sources: Sony SCD 1, Ayon S-10 II (network player / DAC) Amplification: Krell KCT (pre), FBP-350mc monoblocks (x2) Speakers: Dynaudio Evidence Temptation Wiring: Atlas Link to comment
plissken Posted April 15, 2021 Share Posted April 15, 2021 11 hours ago, Superdad said: So I guess Thunder Data was trying to pull the wool over my eyes as well when they offered to sell UpTone those for about $100 (with whatever unknown spec clock board mod they have). Perhaps NuPrime and English Electric ought to have looked a little closer! But what does it matter if someone has one of these vs another and they say it sounds better? Link to comment
Popular Post Windows X Posted April 15, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted April 15, 2021 2 hours ago, sot13 said: I am really disappointed by the proposed (this is how I understand your comment...) "omerta" amongst manufacturers so the conning of the consumers can continue to exist!!! That's your misunderstanding. My point stands for not agreeing with: 1. Disclosing person's name and his position in company in public and now that person is going to have issues from this defamation. 2. Slandering other products with product model so clients buying those products will strongly be offended from that. He could have worded it better like receiving offers from famous OEM company that he can build $500 network switch under his brand for 3 times profit but he still choose to build EtherRegen. At least no person or company is directly offended from this kind of announcement. Anyway, this is not my business and I pry onto this more than I should have already so I'll stop here and have a nice day. George Hincapie, 87mpi, kbuech and 1 other 1 2 1 Happy Emm Labs/Viola/Karan/Rockport audiophile Fidelizer - Feel the real sound http://www.fidelizer-audio.com Link to comment
Matias Posted April 15, 2021 Share Posted April 15, 2021 49 minutes ago, Windows X said: That's your misunderstanding. My point stands for not agreeing with: 1. Disclosing person's name and his position in company in public and now that person is going to have issues from this defamation. 2. Slandering other products with product model so clients buying those products will strongly be offended from that. He could have worded it better like receiving offers from famous OEM company that he can build $500 network switch under his brand for 3 times profit but he still choose to build EtherRegen. At least no person or company is directly offended from this kind of announcement. Anyway, this is not my business and I pry onto this more than I should have already so I'll stop here and have a nice day. Yet snake oil haters do this defamation every day on all social media and forums and noone cares. So why not expose an OEM company selling a 20 usd switch as a high end design? It is more transparency and ultimately customers win. 1. WiiM Pro - Mola Mola Makua - Apollon NCx500+SS2590 - March Audio Sointuva AWG 2. LG 77C1 - Marantz SR7005 - Apollon NC502MP+NC252MP - Monitor Audio PL100+PLC150+C265 - SVS SB-3000 3. PC - RME ADI-2 DAC FS - Neumann KH 80 DSP 4. Phone - Tanchjim Space - Truthear Zero Red 5. PC - Keysion ES2981 - Truthear Zero Red Link to comment
Superdad Posted April 15, 2021 Share Posted April 15, 2021 52 minutes ago, Windows X said: 1. Disclosing person's name and his position in company in public and now that person is going to have issues from this defamation. On that point I agree that I could have been more discreet. Though Ethan is a top executive there and I used only his first name. He was just doing his job. And apparently he has done it well since he got two other marketing-based companies to buy and package what he was offering—though using the very same casework does show a lack of imagination all the way around. 52 minutes ago, Windows X said: 2. Slandering other products with product model so clients buying those products will strongly be offended from that. The word “slander” means to make false statements about something or someone. I have done no such thing here. And all images and info were right there on the web to see. It is not as if I bought those products, opened them up, and revealed something proprietary. R1200CL 1 UpTone Audio LLC Link to comment
MarkusBarkus Posted April 15, 2021 Share Posted April 15, 2021 ...as an FYI reference point: when I re-posted the EE info, it was copied over from an Uptone sponsored thread on the JS White Paper, a thread started in March of 2020. The post is from August of 2020. I'm MarkusBarkus and I approve this post. Link to comment
OldBigEars Posted April 17, 2021 Share Posted April 17, 2021 I couldn't find one post in this thread that addresses sound quality comparisons. The cost of materials / badge-engineering discussion is interesting, but ultimately I would find a performance comparison more important. kbuech 1 Tidal / Qobuz--> Roon--> Fios Gigabit--> Netgear Prosafe GS105 --> Supra 8-->EtherRegen --> Fiber--> opticalRendu / CI Audio LPS --> Curious Evolved Link --> Chord Qutest--> AQ Water --> Belles Aria Integrated--> AQ Robin Hood--> Kudos Super 20's Link to comment
plissken Posted April 17, 2021 Share Posted April 17, 2021 2 hours ago, OldBigEars said: I couldn't find one post in this thread that addresses sound quality comparisons. The cost of materials / badge-engineering discussion is interesting, but ultimately I would find a performance comparison more important. I would propose we take two of these 'enhanced units' and then another plain Zyxel and board swap one of them. Security tape the units so they couldn't be opened without detection and send them out for a round and see what the consensus is. R1200CL 1 Link to comment
jsawyer09 Posted April 21, 2021 Share Posted April 21, 2021 An answer to the thread...yes: https://community.naimaudio.com/t/mini-review-cisco-catalyst-2960-vs-etherregen-vs-ee8-switches/14644/103 Link to comment
Duckworp Posted April 24, 2021 Share Posted April 24, 2021 On 4/15/2021 at 2:04 AM, Superdad said: WOW! The links and quotes get a little circular from there--to the Naim forum and elsewhere--but Googling for the ZyXEL GS-108B v3 with images does turn up a German modification thread with photos: https://www.aktives-hoeren.de/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=11581 And indeed looking closely at the white part number stickers on the board pics above does show ZYO-GS208. $20 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TT128YC So I guess Thunder Data was trying to pull the wool over my eyes as well when they offered to sell UpTone those for about $100 (with whatever unknown spec clock board mod they have). Perhaps NuPrime and English Electric ought to have looked a little closer! Of course we will only ever 100% roll our own: Now if only our back-order of 2,000 Silicon Labs clock buffer chips would arrive. Darn worldwide computer chip shortage! They say it's due to automaker demand combined with Covid19 fabrication slowdown. Anyway @plissken, thanks for getting to the bottom of the ThunderData/SilentAngel Bonn/NuPrime/English Electric mystery. Funny thing is, there are now a bunch of other new Asian firms getting into the act of putting stock designs into fancy cases with power supplies and charging over $1,200. They just do a better job of hiding their actual pre-made Ethernet switch. Here's a new one that ranges from $900 to $1,400. Whose standard switch is under the blue box? The photos don’t show on my iPad. Is there a way to see them? Link to comment
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