The New English Electric Ethernet Switch

British manufacturer The Chord Company (no relation to Chord Electronics) is branching out from their 30+ years of cable manufacturing with a new sister brand, "English Electric."

The first product in the new English Electric brand is a high quality Ethernet Switch called 8Switch ($595). The 8Switch starts with the assumption that typical ethernet distribution boxes, designed for computers, ignore audiophile concepts of isolation, shielding, and the importance of the power supply. 

Starting with the basics, unlike typical ethernet switches where all ports are two way, for isolation purposes in the 8Switch one port is designed as in-only and the rest as out-only - what a concept!

The unit is built into an aluminum case which helps with rfi/emi isolation, and is powered by a well-shielded medical grade power supply.

The more we learn about data transmission via Ethernet, the more we know that noise issues are critical to audio performance. This quality switch seems like a no-brainer.

For more on the 8Switch we have a trade show demo video for you to take a look at. Start at 15:30 for about 3 minutes of description which is followed by a 4 minute music demo.