Spannko wrote: ↑2019-10-08 23:00
By now, I really shouldn’t be surprised by any differences I hear, but the network switch comparison has caught me off guard. How can something like a switch make so much difference? It’s crazy!
It’s also quite disheartening that the Cisco has generated such a following because I wouldn’t mind betting that the damage it does to the musicality would be irreparable by even the best NAS’s and streamers.
The 108T, on the other hand, still holds the title for “Most Musical Switch”
here is what I will do tomorrow as I dont have time for it today. I will put the Cisco back in in the morning let it run so we are sure its completely warmed through. I will set it on a base properly and provide 3 clips one Netgear one Cisco normal polarity and one reversed polarity so we are sure whats happening here.
I have a Gigabit version of the switch (Catalyst 2960G) - there is also the 100M/bit version (Catalyst 2960) and some say that one is the only one which is outstanding.
Defender wrote: ↑2019-10-09 06:23
.. for more chances to hear the polarity change for the NAS...
Order was kept the same.
So people who liked the polarity on the first check in clip #1 better should like the same polarity in the second test again with clip #1
Haha, and you were leaning the other way this time... I'm ok being the poster child for 'how not to' :) Thanks for the second chance ;)
@ Defender: Much appreciated your switch comparison. Like most here, I preferred the Netgear in the clips (not quite as clear, but musically more satisfying). Which power cable do you use for the Cisco? I use a Lejonklou Power One, which is much better than a standard cable. Is the 108T using a Friwo power supply?
Hi Tendaberry,
I think we both had a chat about the Cisco switch already. Your one if I remember it right is the 2960 10/100bit and not the Gigabit switch which I have - both almost look the same but name is 2960G for the Gigabit version. The 2960 10/100bit is the one the guys over at the Naim forum rave about (your one).
We also talked about power cables that time thats why I used a Longwell from 2011 with text.
As I said I will let it play for 24h and set it on a proper base but I have no better power cable than the one I used already.
Yes the Netgear GS 108T was used with the Friwo MPP 15 power supply.
So still maybe an advantage for the GS108T but lets see tomorrow.
So lets find out what a warmed up Cisco can do. To make it more structured for friends who comment later on the different sets of comparisons there have been 3 sets of comparisons so far.
1st stet was about different polarity of the power supply to the NAS
2nd set was about Cisco 2960G vs. Netgear GS108T switch
3rd set was again same test as 1st set polarity of power to the NAS same order just different music
Yep, I definitely prefer the 108T. Clip 1 with normal polarity on the Cisco is better than the reversed polarity of clip 2, but both pale compared to clip 3.
The LP12 Whisperer
Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer and above all lover of music.
ThomasOK wrote: ↑2019-10-10 17:18
Yep, I definitely prefer the 108T. Clip 1 with normal polarity on the Cisco is better than the reversed polarity of clip 2, but both pale compared to clip 3.
thank you all for your contribution and I hope someone with the other version of the Cisco can compare it to an Netgear GS108T so we are sure we are not missing out something with the Cisco 2960
I still wonder why I was tending more to #2 in the 3rd set of comparison (NAS polarity) maybe I was trapped with the additional details as Thomas said - means I need more practice on tune dem.
What about even older Cisco switches, assuming you don’t need gig speed? 2950s must be cheap and aplenty. Or there’s even older ones like 2940/2900 Series.
sure we can also test older Cisco switches. I thought testing the 2960 because that model got high rates from Naim users. However I ended up having accidentally buying the 2960G so I hoped it is also good.
Clip A is a DMM-CD/SACD (Direct Metal Mastering)
What was done is they took the analog signal from a cartridge after cutting a copper master and created a DSD digital signal from the analog signal. I played the 16bit/44kHz version to keep it equal as much as possible.
Clip B is the CD without going trough a turntable
the question which I ask myself and cant answer is:
in clip B they just use what they have (either already a digital recording or an analog master tape) and create the 16bit 44kHz signal for the CD
in clip A the process makes a detour with cutting a copper plate, read it with a cartridge, do analog to digital conversion (DSD) and than create the 16bit 44kHz signal for the CD
how can a detour through a turntable make it sound better?
Maybe the mastering was better in clip A - I dont know.
Maybe their technology for the conversion to digital got better.
I would assume if they went through that complicated process they did so in order to make a more musical product. I haven't read the article yet but I would also think this would be something used with analog masters. Either way, one does not know the quality of mastering put into the original CD master - it could be far inferior.
The LP12 Whisperer
Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer and above all lover of music.
beck wrote: ↑2019-10-21 09:05
Just plug in the amp you are in the mood to use and sit back.....
Guess that’s the ultimate test, how much music do you listen to. This weekend we played some 20-25 records on the LP12, did not feel the urge to compare amps just play more music as usual!
That said, a mayor source upgrade on the way in a few weeks ;)
Until then I’ll just keep enjoying listening to music