English Electric 8Switch 8-Port Audio Grade Gigabit Streaming Switch

When streaming music, there is a belief that digital signals by their nature are immune to the failings of analogue transmission. Sadly this is not true, and even the most hardened digital sceptic may be surprised at what can be achieved with a high specification Ethernet switch - enter the 8Switch by English Electric (a Chord Company brand).

Listening to streamed music is not just about measurements and numbers. While both elements have important roles during product design and development, the real test for music lovers is how it sounds.

8switch by English Electric is an 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch modified and upgraded to the specific requirements of The Chord Company for high-performance music streaming networks.

Eight audio grade 100/1000 Base-T gigabit Ethernet ports make it possible to connect even the most demanding streaming setups. Significant (ie. audible) improvements can be experienced in music playback via streaming services or music stored on a NAS drive.

The 8switch features low and high electrical noise isolation, reducing data issues that can often be apparent during the playback of high-resolution material.

Powered by a customised TCXO (Temperature Compensation Crystal Oscillator), accuracy is 0.1ppm – far higher than normal crystals and higher than a normal TCXO, allowing the 8Switch to generate higher accuracy network signals, which in turn helps provide more stable music data transmission.

The power supply and clock generation circuits each have two electrical noise isolation circuits which ensure stable network signals. An EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) absorber helps to further reduce the noise from the digital circuit.

Compare the increased performance and jitter measurement (90% less!) of the 8switch compared to that of a general network switch.

Features

• Eight audio grade 100/1000 Base-T gigabit Ethernet ports
• Low / high electrical noise isolation
• Resonance-damping feet
• Customised TCXO (Temperature Compensation Crystal Oscillator)
• Twin electrical noise isolation circuits (Power / Clock)
• EMI (electromagnetic interference) absorber
• 90% less Jitter than standard network switches!
• Machined aluminium enclosure
• Front-panel LED display (showing power, alarm, link status / speed)
• AV-grade power adaptor

Included

• 8Switch
• C-Stream Cable
• Power Adaptor

More Information

• English Electric 8Switch
• English Electric UK