NuPrime SW-9X Audiophile Network Switch

The NuPrime SW-9X is an audiophile 8-port Gigabit network switch that specifically frees your streaming network from electrical noise.

It looks like an ordinary switch, but inside it is a different beast: its own low-noise power supply, an integrated AC filter, ground shielding, active common-mode noise cancellation (CM-ANC) and a 25 MHz TCXO clock are meant to ensure that the music data reaches your streamer as cleanly as possible. No server-rack fan, no blinking light show – just a calm component between router and hi-fi chain.

Why the SW-9X?

A normal network switch is optimized for data throughput, not for quiet. The SW-9X reverses the priorities: it lowers circuit and power supply noise and, with its own TCXO clock, provides a precise timing reference. The goal is not "faster internet" but the cleanest possible foundation exactly where your streamer picks up the music data.

NuPrime positions the networking series under the motto "Less noise. More music." – and the SW-9X is the 9X building block for it, matching compact systems from the 9X family. To be honest about it: a switch cannot make correctly transmitted data any better, and a precise clock (ppm) says nothing about jitter or phase noise. What you hear depends on your streamer, DAC and the whole chain.

What you get

Eight gold-plated Gigabit ports give you plenty of room for streamer, music server, NAS and router at one central point. Three rails (12 V, 3.3 V, 1.1 V), each with its own low-noise conversion, supply the electronics, clock supply filters at 10 MHz, 100 MHz and 1 GHz clean things up, and the ground shielding keeps interference out of the case.

In practice that means: one device, one power cable, no plug-in power adapter. Plus two details for tinkerers: you choose between internal and external 25 MHz clock, and the LAN LEDs can be switched off – if you want peace in a darkened listening room, you get it.

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Who is the SW-9X for?

For everyone who streams seriously over the network – Qobuz, Tidal, local hi-res files from a NAS – and wants to coax the last bit of calm out of a cleanly built chain. Especially worthwhile directly in front of a high-quality streamer or music server.

Plain talk: An audio switch is fine-tuning, not a miracle cure. Whether and how clearly you hear the difference depends on your chain, your streamer, your DAC and your network – on a modest system the effort is hardly worthwhile. Hand on heart: if you don't yet have a good streamer, you'd better invest the money there first. We will tell you honestly whether the SW-9X is next in line for you.

Our verdict

The SW-9X is one of those components you don't see – and where the technology speaks for itself: its own power supply, shielding, active noise cancellation, precise clock. NuPrime isn't selling voodoo here, but comprehensible engineering work. If you have a good streaming chain and see the network as the last construction site, you can use it to try whether it gets calmer; we can't promise it, because every chain is different.

Technical specifications

• Type: audiophile Gigabit Ethernet network switch
• Ports: 8 × Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45), gold-plated
• Noise reduction: internal low-noise power supply (Power Engine), integrated AC filter, ground shielding, active common-mode noise cancellation (CM-ANC)
• Voltage rails: 12 V / 3.3 V / 1.1 V, each with its own low-noise conversion
• Clock generator: 25 MHz TCXO (0.1 ppm at 25 °C)
• Clock supply: filters at 10 MHz / 100 MHz / 1 GHz
• Clock source: internal or external (25 MHz), selectable
• LAN LEDs: can be switched off
• Power supply: integrated power supply (no external plug-in adapter needed)
• Housing: shielded metal case
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 235 × 55 × 281 mm
• Weight: 2 kg
• Colour: Black
• Warranty: 2 years

FAQ

What does an audio network switch like the SW-9X do for the sound?
It reduces electrical noise in the network and, with its own 25 MHz TCXO clock, provides a precise timing reference. A switch cannot improve correctly transmitted data, however, and less Ethernet jitter does not automatically mean less jitter in the DAC. Whether and how clearly you hear anything depends on streamer, DAC and the whole chain – some listeners describe a calmer background, others hardly any difference.

Where in the network do I install the SW-9X?
It works most effectively directly in front of the streamer or music server – as the last switch between router/NAS and hi-fi device. You connect the router and NAS to the remaining ports. That way the most sensitive point benefits the most.

Do I need an additional power supply?
No. The SW-9X already has a low-noise power supply built in and is connected directly to the mains. The usual plug-in power adapter is not needed. NuPrime relies on three voltage rails (12 V, 3.3 V, 1.1 V), each with its own low-noise conversion.

Do I have to configure anything?
No, the SW-9X works as a plug-and-play switch without an app and without a menu: plug in the network cable, connect power, done. The only selectable options are the clock source (internal or external at 25 MHz) and whether the LAN LEDs are lit.

Why buy the NuPrime SW-9X at HD Zürisee?
Because we tell you honestly whether an audio switch is next in line for your system – or whether your money does more elsewhere. Andy and Maurizio help with integration and network setup, and service is handled by our own technician. Call us, write to us or drop by in Wädenswil.

Goes well with

A clean network is only one part of the chain – here is how you expand step by step:

• Destination of the data: Your streamer or music server is best placed directly behind the SW-9X – that is where a calm network is most likely to take effect.
• Conversion: The DAC is the next station. Whether the network side arrives there audibly depends on the whole chain – NuPrime says so itself.
• Power: A power conditioner (e.g. Pure AC-4E) or a low-noise power supply (SiGa Power75) from the same series addresses the power supply of the chain – worthwhile only once the basics are right.
• Connection: Good network cables for the last few metres.
• More from the series: NuPrime