Nordost QNET7 Network Switch

Center Your High-End Streaming Chain with the Nordost QNET7 Network Switch: Seven-Port Device Eliminates Noise and Radically Improves Imaging, Soundstaging, and Bass Responsiveness 

If you've ever wondered about the critical importance of connectivity when it comes to high-end streaming, the Nordost QNET 7 network switch is devised to end any and all debates. Bolstered by seven ports, this Layer-2 Ethernet switch features nine independent ultra-low-noise power supplies, a high-speed internal layout with an eight-layer impedance-controlled PCB, and two Femtosecond temperature-compensated oscillators. From a technical angle, those components dramatically minimize cross-contamination, defeat jitter, and provide clean, natural, pure operation. 

Housed in an aluminum chassis that doubles as a heat shield and sink, and sold with a DC power supply, QNET7 ensures all seven ports (offering five 10/100/1000BASE-T (1 Gbps), one 100BASE-TX (100 Mbps), and one 1000BASE-LX/SX (802.3z-1998 (CL3B)) SFP capability) are physically separated. Compared to the majority of audiophile network switches — typically standard switches with a simple upgrade to either the power supply or clock — QNET7 is completely engineered from the ground up. Every aspect, from each part to its placement, honors the ideal transmission and receipt of high-speed audio signals all the while achieving nearly dead-quiet operation. 

The practical upshot to everything from texture-laden atmospheric  and grand orchestral fare to club-going hip-hop, down-tuned metal, big-sky country, and the latest Top 40 hits? Incredibly enhanced soundstages, three-dimensional imaging, precise timing, greater extension, remarkable clarity, blacker backgrounds, and vast bass responsiveness due to the increased separation of the low-end frequencies. 

Want to know more about this 3.64-pound streaming specialist? Give us a call at 312-433-0200.

Please note: To achieve best results, Nordost recommends QNET be powered by the QSOURCE power supply and connected with Nordost Ethernet cables. 

LED Indicators
For Ports 1-5, the LED indicators on the back will flash green if a connection is established at 1 Gbps, orange at 100 Mbps, and both at 10 Mbps. For Port 6, the LED indicators on the back will flash orange when connected either at 100 Mbps or 10 Mbps. For Port 7 (SFP), the LED indicator on the back will light up steady blue when a connection is established. Please note that there is a wide variety of modules on the market. Some of them will cause the LED to turn on just by being inserted in the SFP port. 

Port Connectivity
Ports 1-5 are auto-negotiated, 1000BASE-T (1 Gbps) capable. Your input (router) and any other generic network devices (including NAS drives) should be connected to these ports for best connectivity.  Port 6 is auto-negotiated, 100BASE-TX (100 Mbps) capable. It is optimized for audio performance. For Port 6, layer 1 and 2 functionalities are further separated into dedicated circuits, allowing for even better noise control and overall performance. Connect the unit that is processing audio downstream from the switch to Port 6 (typically a streamer, or a server/DAC).  Ports 7 is compatible with 1000BASE-T (IEEE 802.3ab) and 1000BASE-X (LX/SX 802.3z-1998 [CL38] only) SFP transceivers/modules. By attaching external, compatible modules, Port 7 can be used as an extra RJ-45 port (to connect a router or NAS drive) or as an optical port.  It is highly recommended that when using pairs of external modules, they are identical at both ends of the cable that is being used. Multi-mode and single-mode fibers can be used depending on the chosen module. Please refer to the module’s documentation to determine the best choice of optical medium and connectors. Also note  Port 7 does not support SFP+ modules and supports fixed 1 Gbps 1000BASE-T copper modules only. Modules labeled “10/100/1000BASE-T” are unlikely to work.