Build & Setup

This SOtM sNH-10G review unit includes the sCLK-EX, 75-ohm master clock input, EVO caps, and 7N copper upgrade ($1,900).

This is an Ethernet switch built from the ground up with SOtM's signature enclosure style. The back switch allows you to switch on, off, and on without the LED. It feels like a robust, weighty, and well-designed product.

  • 8 x RJ45 Gigabit ports
  • 2 x SFP optical ports
  • Input voltage: 9V (Optional 12V or Optional 6.5V ~ 8.5V when installing the sCLK-EX)
  • 12" x 8"

And that's it. It behaves just like any other Ethernet switch.

Equipment:

  • Speakers
    • ATC SCM7 V.3
    • JL Audio F110 V2 subwoofer
  • Amplification
    • Chord Electronics TToby
  • Source
    • Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler
    • Chord Electronics DAVE
  • Analog Cables
    • Iconoclast OFE XLR interconnects
    • Danacable Sapphire Reference speaker cables
  • Digital Cables
  • Music Server
    • Innuos ZENith SE Mk.2
  • Power cables
    • Snake River Audio Signature Cottonmouth
    • Furutech DPS-4
    • High Fidelity Cables CT-1 Ultimate
  • Power Supply
    • Paul Hynes SR7 (9v)
    • High Fidelity Cables MC-6 Hemisphere
  • Grounding / Isolation
    • Synergistic Research Tranquility Base UEF
    • Synergistic Research Passive ground block

Setup

SOtM suggested better sound quality from the RJ45 ports so I didn't test the SFP in this review. SFP in itself has many variables - so it's probably better this way. I may revisit SFP at a later time.

SOtM also recommended the following series configuration for a performance boost:

Given the outlay for this type of configuration (over $5,000!), I'm sure more affluent audiophiles may give this a shot. As you'll see, this configuration may make sense if you want the utmost amount of transparency.

Grounding

Assuming you have a good power supply, the SOtM sNH-10G doesn't require grounding. If you were thinking about getting the master clock input for future use, grounding the connector will give the sound more solidity but you do lose that holographic sound and black background. Grounding a RJ45 port didn't sound good.

One thing to note, I had two SOtM sNH-10G switches. One with and without the master clock add-on (exact configuration otherwise). The one without the master clock sounded warmer and tonally denser. The one with the master clock was quieter and was more detailed. This could be due to the BNC connector being exposed (just a guess).