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Ethernet Plug
English Electric 8 Switch Audio Grade 8 Port Gigabit Streaming Switch
£500.00 £416.67
SKU
8 Switch
Free UK Delivery
12 Months
New
24 hours
The 8switch by English Electric (a Chord Company brand), is an 8 port GbE Ethernet switch modified and upgraded to our specific requirements for high-performance music streaming networks.
Related Products
English Electric 8 Switch Audio Grade 8 Port Gigabit Streaming Switch
In the world of streaming music, there is a belief that digital signals by their nature are immune to the failings of analogue transmission – but it’s not that simple – and even the most hardened digital sceptic may be surprised at what can be achieved with a high specification Ethernet switch.
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…
The 8switch by English Electric (a Chord Company brand), is an 8 port GbE Ethernet switch modified and upgraded to our specific requirements for high-performance music streaming networks.
Have a listen and test it yourself!
Features
- Inspirational Technologies - Built upon UK electrical and audio engineering heritage
- Maximum compatibility - Tried, tested and recommended by music/pro-audio creators, manufacturers and enthusiasts
- An absolute Joy - The unexpected pleasure when the full potential of your music is revealed
- Chord Company C-Stream 0.75m Ethernet Cable included
What’s inside?
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.
The 8switch features low and high electrical noise isolation, reducing data issues that can often be apparent during the playback of high-resolution material.
Core technologies
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.
Casing & Power Supply
The machined aluminium enclosure offers excellent protection from both acoustic and electrical noise.
The minimal LED display on the front panel includes power, alarm and the link status/speed for each of the 8 ports.
The medical-grade power adaptor has been designed to reduce electrical noise from AC power and prevent mains quality issues from affecting the network signals. It also boasts high power efficiency, a no-load power consumption < 0.075W and protection from short circuit, overload and over-voltage.
Switches require high-speed power supplies so we could not opt for a linear power source due to their speed limitations. We set about improving the power signal by using an extremely high-quality wall supply. This clean supply permits an optimum quality network signal, driven by high-accuracy TCXO clock technology.
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"Possibly; the new English Electric’s first product is a Gigabit Ethernet switch, reflecting where technology is today. Optimised for music, the 8Switch has eight ports (hence the name) and is built into a machined aluminium enclosure. Its features include electrical noise isolation, temperature-compensated crystal-clocking with accuracy rated at 0. Ippm, resonance-damping What Hi-Fi? Announcement - English Electric 8 Switch
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UK Delivery
1. We use Royal Mail 1st Class Services as a Standard Postage Option
Orders received before 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. Over 98% of our orders are usually delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2-3 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays . In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Futureshop.co.uk. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD or Interlink Express for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order Monday to Friday subject to stock availability. For International orders, we use FedEx Services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths or custom-made cables may be subject to longer delivery time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free UK delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at FutureShop.co.uk
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by UK Mail).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or Interlink Express next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or Interlink Express.
2. Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by futureshop.co.uk by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
3. Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 10 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 7 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the EU are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you login or register.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail - Items are usually delivered within 10-15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets.
Customer Reviews
4.8 /5.0 of 13 Reviews
Essential device for the streaming era
Dewald
11 Mar 2022
Verified Buyer
A very good upgrade for those wanting more from their streaming setup. Audio and video quality is improved. The sound is more neutral sounding. All this performance without hurting the bank. Good build quality, with a decent chassis. Nice touch with the LED indicator lights not being very intrusive. A standard power supply sounded best to me. Upgraded power supplies sounded musical. I cannot comment on included Ethernet cable; I just used the matching Ethernet cable for my brand of cables. Lastly, Futureshop delivered very fast to me. Excellent service from them!
Noticeable improvement to the sound of streaming
Marco
22 Feb 2021
Verified Buyer
Was not sure what to expect. Some call these Ethernet switches 'snake oil' and say they can not possibly have a difference, others like Hans Beekhuyzen on his YouTube channel provide excellent thought-provoking reviews explaining how and why they make a difference. My own impression, using it with an Innuos server and a Bluesound Node 2i streamer - wow, it really does make a noticeable difference for the better ! I can say that my impression is that streamed music from Tidal or Amazon HD sounds less abrasive, somehow less 'digital', with greater air, clarity and soundstage. If you doubt me then take a look at the comments on the Naim forum in a massive thread there about the 8switch.
And yes, the 8switch does appear to be a more expensive derivative of the Silent Angel Bonn N8 but this has a nicer aluminum casing, a better power supply and potentially other tweaks we do not know about. Very happy to recommend this to anyone using streaming. Everyone I have talked to who has tried an 8switch has kept it and not returned it to their dealer - I think this speaks for itself. I personally know around a dozen who have substituted this in the place of good Cisco switches and they prefer the 8switch. Easy to recommend ! Fast delivery as always by Futureshop - thanks guys !
And yes, the 8switch does appear to be a more expensive derivative of the Silent Angel Bonn N8 but this has a nicer aluminum casing, a better power supply and potentially other tweaks we do not know about. Very happy to recommend this to anyone using streaming. Everyone I have talked to who has tried an 8switch has kept it and not returned it to their dealer - I think this speaks for itself. I personally know around a dozen who have substituted this in the place of good Cisco switches and they prefer the 8switch. Easy to recommend ! Fast delivery as always by Futureshop - thanks guys !
A good upgrade
Ray
9 Feb 2021
Verified Buyer
A very nice upgrade. It was better straight out of the box, but improved over a few days. It’s made Qobus enjoyable and a little closer to my Nas ripped music sound and also an improvement in picture and sound quality in Netflix.
A recommended and noticeable upgrade.
A recommended and noticeable upgrade.
Essential for streaming audiophiles
Dan Johns
4 Feb 2021
Verified Buyer
Having upgraded the ethernet cable that feeds my streamer and discovered - somewhat to my surprise - that it vastly improved the sound, I was curious what more could be achieved with better kit upstream.
And what I’ve found is that a LOT can be achieved. The difference is sound quality is not subtle - it’s pronounced. Bass is firmer, treble is airier, and music simply sounds more fun. My streamer used to have a frustrating softness which I put down to the limitations of streaming technology. I now realise that all this stuff about electrical noise, jitter and so on is absolutely true.
In years to come this sort of component will be as vital to streaming audiophiles as a phono stage is to vinyl audiophiles. Highly recommended.
And what I’ve found is that a LOT can be achieved. The difference is sound quality is not subtle - it’s pronounced. Bass is firmer, treble is airier, and music simply sounds more fun. My streamer used to have a frustrating softness which I put down to the limitations of streaming technology. I now realise that all this stuff about electrical noise, jitter and so on is absolutely true.
In years to come this sort of component will be as vital to streaming audiophiles as a phono stage is to vinyl audiophiles. Highly recommended.
Small but worthwhile upgrade.
Ross Browning
20 Jan 2021
Verified Buyer
Lovely little piece of kit. Small but perfectly formed. I use it to connect my NUC, which runs Roon, my Router and an Innuos server/streamer. Rest of the chain is an Audio-GD R7 2020 DAC, an Audio-GD Master 19 headphone amplifier and a pair of HiFiman HE 1000v2. Doesn’t change the overall character of the sound but everything sounds that little bit ‘cleaner’ and more organised.
Easier to pick up on the finer details previously hidden in the music which makes listening more enjoyable. Fairly priced and looks built to last.
Easier to pick up on the finer details previously hidden in the music which makes listening more enjoyable. Fairly priced and looks built to last.
Yes, this does make a noticeable difference
Steven
24 Dec 2020
Verified Buyer
I bought this only to deal with any electrical noise coming from a Sky Q modem, because I had no other ethernet switching in my audio signal path (which is modem to server to streamer). The improvements are immediately noticeable. A very worthwhile item.
Stunned
Rob skipton
13 Dec 2020
Verified Buyer
Already have a high resolution system with an Auralic Vega G2 driving ATC 100 active speakers... So I thought. Wham putting in the EE switch has retrieved so much more in fact it resolves more information than a change to Audioquest vodka Ethernet from AS cinnamon and that was a huge jump itself. For £500 you cannot afford not to have one.
Snap crackle and pop are gone
Nick Boot
7 Dec 2020
Verified Buyer
Bought a Naim 252, NDX2, 250 DR. Listening was frustratingly like a scratched record. Knowing something of the sonic irritation of digital noise and its effects, insertion of the EE8 removed all the snap crackle and pop and everything is sound.
Highly recommended...
Highly recommended...
Pricey for what it is but it does make a difference.
Alex Landrum
17 Oct 2020
Verified Buyer
I bought this with the intention of trying it in my system to see if it made enough of a difference and was half expecting to return it, but...
I don't have a high end network streamer/server but I do use Roon and have several components to clean up the digital signal before it reaches the Dac. Fed from my Mac Mini, I use an SOtM sMS 200 Ultra Neo as a Roon Ready network streamer and I bought an SOtM iSO-CAT6 ethernet isolation transformer which improved its performance enough for me to keep it. The USB out from the SOtM S200 goes into a Mutec MC-3+ USB reclocker and SPDIF converter which feeds my DAC, so my system is pretty well tuned for network streaming.
Adding the EE Gigabit switch recently made a positive difference to the sound of my system overall. I listen to acoustic music, classical and jazz mostly, so I like listen to believable instrumental timbres and the subtle nuances that the instrumentalists bring to their performances. The illusion of real instruments and performers was increased significantly by the EE Gigabit switch so there's no way I'm sending it back. if you already have a well tuned network system, or are fortunate to have a high end streamer/server set up, I highly recommend you audition it in your system. I gave it 4 stars because I think it could be priced a bit more competitively than it is.
I don't have a high end network streamer/server but I do use Roon and have several components to clean up the digital signal before it reaches the Dac. Fed from my Mac Mini, I use an SOtM sMS 200 Ultra Neo as a Roon Ready network streamer and I bought an SOtM iSO-CAT6 ethernet isolation transformer which improved its performance enough for me to keep it. The USB out from the SOtM S200 goes into a Mutec MC-3+ USB reclocker and SPDIF converter which feeds my DAC, so my system is pretty well tuned for network streaming.
Adding the EE Gigabit switch recently made a positive difference to the sound of my system overall. I listen to acoustic music, classical and jazz mostly, so I like listen to believable instrumental timbres and the subtle nuances that the instrumentalists bring to their performances. The illusion of real instruments and performers was increased significantly by the EE Gigabit switch so there's no way I'm sending it back. if you already have a well tuned network system, or are fortunate to have a high end streamer/server set up, I highly recommend you audition it in your system. I gave it 4 stars because I think it could be priced a bit more competitively than it is.
Surprising audio streaming SQ improvement
Martin
21 Sep 2020
Verified Buyer
I actually like this unit a lot, but I have to start with a negative. Chord’s marketing puff claims “they designed the EE 8switch”. This is simply not true. This is a Chinese designed and built unit that Chord has just stuck their EE badge on. There are two or three other 're-badged’ versions of this same unit on the market in Europe already. OK so not exactly Johnson/Cummings levels of cynical duplicity - nothing much is. But I do think, as this is a new venture for Chord, it would have built trust and credibility for their new brand if they were open and transparent about the products.
Maybe they tweaked or modified the unit? They haven’t been clear or honest with their customers. They could have built a good case by saying they chose 'best of breed’ from a recognised expert in the field, that enabled them to keep costs down and bring a reliable, proven product to market.
With that said, I’ve found this to be a very effective device that does indeed provide worthwhile sound quality improvement over a standard router for audio streaming. It demonstrates just how much EMI/RF noise there is on an internet connection that then feeds straight into the DAC. I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise, as it applies to all other types of audio connection.
I used to think that physical CD and SACD sounded better than streaming. But with this unit in place, this is no longer true. If you’re into hi-rez streaming with Qobuz or Tidal the EE8 will likely make a significant and surprising sound quality improvement. I subscribe to Qobuz hi-rez (better than Tidal for sound IMHO) and for the first time I really appreciate what hi-rez is all about - a true wow moment. And perhaps also see why some people feel hi-rez is overhyped - their network is just too noisy for them to hear the difference.
Maybe they tweaked or modified the unit? They haven’t been clear or honest with their customers. They could have built a good case by saying they chose 'best of breed’ from a recognised expert in the field, that enabled them to keep costs down and bring a reliable, proven product to market.
With that said, I’ve found this to be a very effective device that does indeed provide worthwhile sound quality improvement over a standard router for audio streaming. It demonstrates just how much EMI/RF noise there is on an internet connection that then feeds straight into the DAC. I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise, as it applies to all other types of audio connection.
I used to think that physical CD and SACD sounded better than streaming. But with this unit in place, this is no longer true. If you’re into hi-rez streaming with Qobuz or Tidal the EE8 will likely make a significant and surprising sound quality improvement. I subscribe to Qobuz hi-rez (better than Tidal for sound IMHO) and for the first time I really appreciate what hi-rez is all about - a true wow moment. And perhaps also see why some people feel hi-rez is overhyped - their network is just too noisy for them to hear the difference.
Unbelievable improvement
NVC
26 Aug 2020
Verified Buyer
I will admit to being sceptical here before purchase. Prior to purchase I used Chord Shawline ethernet from powerline to 851n streamer. Simple A-B swap with included c-stream to 8 switch and Shawline from switch to streamer.
Blind tested everyone in my house having almost fallen off my chair in disbelief when I heard system with switch in place. Injected considerable clarity to female vocals, opened soundstage, tauter and more textured base. A much more life-like presentation. Needless to say took about 10sec of A-B listening for everyone to agree. If you have powerline I can hugely recommend this in a revealing system and I think for the benefit its cost is very reasonable.
Blind tested everyone in my house having almost fallen off my chair in disbelief when I heard system with switch in place. Injected considerable clarity to female vocals, opened soundstage, tauter and more textured base. A much more life-like presentation. Needless to say took about 10sec of A-B listening for everyone to agree. If you have powerline I can hugely recommend this in a revealing system and I think for the benefit its cost is very reasonable.