English Electric EE 16-Switch

Music and video streaming goes audiophile with the EE 16 network switch

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The EE 16 switch from English Electric (a Chord Company brand) is a 2x8-port GbE Ethernet switch modified and upgraded for high-performance music streaming networks. In doing so, each 8-port panel is powered by its own power supply.

Its two rows of eight high-quality Gigabit Ethernet ports, operate as two independent eight-way switches or can be used connected as one unit.

Driven by a customised TCXO (Temperature Compensation Crystal Oscillator), the accuracy is 0.1 ppm - far higher than normal crystals and higher than a normal oscillator. This allows the 16Switch to generate network signals with higher precision, which in turn contributes to more stable music data transmission.

Each network zone has a single isolated clock, allowing the TCXO modules to remove power-related noise from the switch's circuitry. Power is supplied by two isolated power supplies, each feeding the eight-port switch modules individually. The clean supply enables better network signal quality, which is ultimately due to the high-precision TCXO clock technology.

The combined technologies and attention to detail in the 16Switch result in more stable and accurate network signals and clock circuits, delivering significantly improved data transmission with measurably reduced jitter errors.

Doug Maxwell, sales manager at English Electrics, on the new switch:

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"With the 16Switch, we may be able to convince even the most hardened digital sceptic. In our initial testing phases, we were so surprised by what we heard that we absolutely had to launch this incredible product to complement the 8Switch.

Listening to streamed music is not just about measurements and numbers. Finding a way to improve music playback is something very special. In our opinion, the optimised network signal quality offers significant advantages in music and video playback, whether streamed or via NAS drives. The 16x 100/1000 Base-T Gigabit Ethernet ports make it possible to connect even the most demanding setups." Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

High-quality aluminium housing.
The 16Switch benefits from its high quality aluminium housing, which provides excellent protection against acoustic and electrical interference. It is highly
flexible and can be placed on any solid surface with the (optional) resonance-damping feet to decouple the unit from unwanted mechanical vibrations.

The 16Switch is also supplied with rack brackets and screws to allow it to be mounted in a 19-inch rack (1U height). It can be mounted on either the
front or rear of the unit. An EMI absorber on the inner lower housing reduces electromagnetic interference from the digital circuitry.

The LED display on the front shows power supply, error messages, connection status and connection speed for the 16 ports. The 100/1000 Base-T Gigabit Ethernet ports are suitable for all home network devices.

The power supply
Chord Company has chosen to use high quality plug-in power supplies. This clean supply allows for an optimum quality network signal driven by highly accurate TCXO clock technology. It is designed to reduce electrical noise from AC sources and prevent power quality issues from affecting network signals.

The 16Switch also offers high energy efficiency, an idle power consumption of <0.075 W and protection against short circuit, overload and overvoltage.

Each EE 16Switch comes with a digital C-stream streaming cable from Chord Company (0.75 m) worth €49.