Review sample provided by XACT
Retail price in the Netherlands:
XACT N1 Network Switch: 6.000 euro
Created by Marcin Ostapowicz, the founder of JCAT and JPLAY brands, the XACT N1 is a dedicated network switch designed exclusively for high-end audio playback.
During the development of the Music Servers, XACT S1 & S1 EVO, Marcin and his team intentionally refrained from using any external network switch to ensure the performance stood independently at the highest level. However, the influence of network configuration on sound quality is undeniable, and for those seeking to push the boundaries of digital playback, every element counts.
For these discerning listeners, there is the XACT N1 – a dedicated network switch designed exclusively for audio applications, and aimed to represent a new benchmark in network performance.
Alas, the XACT S1 server has been returned to the manufacturer, but the N1 Switch is compatible with any server or streamer. I will test it using the Antipodes Oladra and Grimm MU1.
Technical
As XACT mentions, most “audiophile-grade” network switches available today are based on standard, off-the-shelf motherboards intended for office or general IT use. In my experience, this is indeed correct. Typically, these designs feature cost-optimized switching power converters that can pollute the network with high-frequency noise, potentially interfering with other high-fidelity components and degrading the sound. These issues can be partly mitigated by upgrading the power supply sections, a route often taken by switch manufacturers. However, as XACT indicates, this approach only treats the symptoms without considering that the motherboard itself was never designed for high-end audio performance. That’s why the XACT N1 is built around a 100% custom-designed motherboard, developed exclusively for one purpose: to deliver the purest, most natural sound over Ethernet for high-end audio systems.
The custom motherboard inside the XACT N1 is built with ultra-low-noise LDO linear regulators dedicated to each critical circuit. This design ensures that every component receives the cleanest possible power — but just as importantly, it prevents noise generated by one part of the system from contaminating the rest of the board.
Unlike typical network switches, which rely on potentially noisy switching converters or generic voltage rails shared across the entire circuit board, the XACT N1 uses a dedicated 100% linear internal power supply with only linear power regulation throughout, with no switching components anywhere in the signal or power path.
The N1 features 4 standard LAN RJ45 ports, which share a common ground. These ports are intended for connecting devices such as routers, NAS devices, Wi-Fi access points, or other network components.
The N1 also features an isolated RJ45 port, which is galvanically isolated from the rest of the switch circuitry. It has a separate power supply and an independent ground connection. This port is specifically designed for connecting an audio renderer (Network Player) or DAC, thereby preventing network noise from interfering with the audio system. The manual and website do not specify where one should connect a Music Server (essentially, a NAS and Network Player in one), so I tried the standard ports as well as the Isolated Port.
Additionally, the N1 features an SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) port. A typical use case is connecting it to an SFP-capable router via a fiber optic cable. In most routers, SFP ports are directly linked to the router’s processor, allowing you to bypass the often low-quality and noisy Ethernet switch section. As my main router does not support SFP, I left this option as it is. However, if your router offers this option, it is absolutely worth investigating.
The N1’s main processor powers off 15 seconds after startup to minimize electrical noise. After the processor shuts down, all configuration functions, including isolated port speed negotiation, are disabled to optimize audio performance.
Every component in XACT N1 is hand-picked or developed from the ground up and thoroughly tested by ear.
Main Features
- Master OCXO Clock, independently powered by its own dedicated linear power supply.
- 1 × SFP port
- 4 × standard 1Gbit RJ45 ports
- 1 × fully isolated 1Gbit RJ45 port for an audio renderer.
- Military-spec connectors and transformers.
- Advanced cutting-edge Isolation 1 Gbit opto-isolator fully isolates data lines, clock, control signals, and ground.
- Optimo N1 Linear PSU with three separate, galvanically isolated voltage rails to power the main switch circuit, the system clock, and the isolated output individually.
- 100% custom motherboard developed exclusively for high-end music playback.
- Unnecessary protocols & features are disabled to prevent any potential impact on audio performance.
- A GND connector provides an external connection point for grounding the main switch chassis.
Running In and Warming Up
The manual indicates that the full sonic potential typically emerges after a break-in period of 100
to 150 hours of operation. Furthermore, the manual states that although initial clock warm-up takes just a few minutes, for full clock stability and optimal noise performance, continuous operation of up to 2 hours is recommended.
Before listening, I left the N1 powered on for well over a week.
Review Context
The N1 was used with the main system, which currently consists of the CH Precision L1 preamplifier, CH Precision C1.2 DAC, CH Precision A1.5 power amp, and Apogee Centaur speakers. Digital sources include the Antipodes Oladra and Grimm MU1 music servers, as well as the Aqua LinQ network streamer. All interlinks are Driade Flow Link Reference 808, and the speaker cables are Driade Flow Reference 808. Switches, servers, and streamers are powered directly, while the PS Audio P20 PowerPlant powers all other components.
Listening
The Grimm MU1 is a well-thought-out, yet no-nonsense, music server. To the best of my knowledge, its network connection goes straight to the motherboard without any filtering. As such, it should provide an unpolluted view into what the XACT N1 can do. To assess the N1’s Isolated Output, I started by connecting the MU1 to one of the switch’s regular RJ45 connectors.
As my regular network solution, I use the Silent Angel Bonn NX Switch and Genesis GX Clock. This combo sounds extraordinarily robust and direct, but it trades a measure of liquidity for this. Additionally, the NX is on the voluptuous and full-bodied side. Nevertheless, the combo works well in my setup, even if it strays from absolute neutrality.
To level the playing field, I used the exact same power cable as I use for the Silent Angel switch and clock, which consists of Block CUL 500 Enamelled solid core copper in PTFE tubing with Bals schuko and Oyaide 004 IEC connectors.
According to the manufacturer, the N1 delivers a natural and fatigue-free sound, without any digital harshness, and indeed, this is precisely what I heard. Even when not yet using the Isolated Output, the MU1 sounds significantly more free-flowing, fluid, refined, organic, and relaxed than the Silent Angel combo, albeit also less impactful and more light-footed. Further, these improvements come at the expense of a measure of focus and crispness. This was my cue to try the Isolated Output.
With the MU1 connected to the Isolated Output, the MU1 sounds immediately more lively and energetic, while retaining its naturalness and organic nature, without altering the pacing. What the N1 brings in terms of fluidity and refinement reminds me of the Ansuz Powerswitch D3, but earthier and more neutral, and the Network Acoustics tempus, but more robust and articulate. The Silent Angel combo still sounds more impactful and propulsive, but, as mentioned, this is accompanied by a thicker-than-neutral bass and lower midrange. In essence, to put it bluntly, one solution veers on the bombastic side while the other veers on the polite side, but, of course, this does not factor in all the variables. On balance, I consider the N1 to be more neutral and certainly more natural.
Given the substantial influence of the Isolated Port, I wondered how it would compare to using the Network Acoustics muon Pro Ethernet Filter with one of the N1’s standard RJ45 connections.
Connected between the N1’s RJ45 connection 4 and the MU1, the muon filter provides a sunnier, more open, and spacious sound than when using the N1’s standard RJ45 connection directly, but it does not achieve the same effect as the N1’s Isolated Output. The main differences are that the N1’s output provides a more solid, focused, and precise rendition.
When comparing high-end switches to one another, it is easy to lose sight of how much improvement these audio-focused units bring compared to a basic 60-euro switch. So, let’s go back to basic!
With the system connected to a very affordable standard Gigabit Cisco switch, the delivery is arguably crisper and more direct, but also barebones, rougher, and comparatively boring. Most of all, though, the music feels simpler. It’s not so much a lack of resolution, but certainly a lack of refinement, flow, and elegance. Additionally, the soundstage is considerably smaller, with the entire performance more closely clustered between the speakers. Even though I know what switches can do, their effect continues to surprise me.
Now, let’s see how the Aqua LinQ network endpoint responds, connected to the N1’s Isolated Port. As its source, I used the Antipodes Oladra server, running MinimServer for UPnP, connected to the N1’s standard RJ45 port 4. Unlike Grimm, Aqua has taken measures to condition the network signal by implementing a custom-developed LAN switch. As I found during its review at the time, the LinQ is indeed less susceptible to network influences. However, as I quickly found, it is not immune. The LinQ may respond a little less strongly, but you can still very clearly hear the influence of the network switch. The N1 brings a gentler balance to the LinQ with more effortless fluidity, air, and flow, while taking very little away in terms of slam.
Finally, I also did a comparison using the Antipodes Oladra as an integrated server, connected to the N1’s Isolated Port. The Oladra sounds very different from the Grimm MU1, but it responds in precisely the same way. Given that Oladra already sounds inherently smooth and fluid, the N1 is arguably less urgently needed for this server, at least in my taste. However, there is no denying that the N1 brings further gains in fluidity and unforced naturalness.
Footers
Given that the N1 is fitted with standard rubber footers, it should come as no surprise that its performance can be lifted by using other footers. As regular readers know, my go-to solution is Ansuz Darkz, and usually the T2. Sure enough, when used with the N1, the Darkz T2 footers again have a pronounced effect. They provide tighter bass, along with a crisper and more direct presentation, slightly reducing the unforced nature and substituting it with a tighter and more controlled delivery, while retaining the switch’s natural fluidity and refinement. For those who want maximum organic and “non-digital” sound, the standard rubber footers may be preferred, even if they do not achieve the same fast transient behavior and crispness.
XACT recently introduced the IMMOTUS footers, which I have not yet heard, but could well be a very interesting alternative, not just for use with the S1 server, but also with the N1 switch.
Conclusion
The XACT N1 features a neutral and natural sound profile that is both relaxed and upbeat, offering a highly refined and well-balanced signature where no single quality dominates the others. While there are other switches available that produce a more relaxed or fluid sound, the N1 stands out as the purest and most neutral option I’ve encountered. With its unforced and refined delivery, the N1 is not intended for EQ’ing a system that needs more oomph or pizzazz. Instead, it is ideal for those seeking to enhance the organic and analog qualities of their sound while minimizing the typical traits associated with digital audio.
External Links
Manufacturer: XACT
Can you share some more details about the Tempus comparison? Unfortunately I guess you were not using the MK2 version right?
But would be interesting to hear how the Tempus compares in natural and flow/live feeling as well as in synergy with the Muon Pro.
Also is the LinQ still your preferred player? More than the Grimm MU1?
Hi Markus, I did not have the Network Acoustics tempus and XACT N1 side by side, so please take the details of my comparisons with a grain of salt. Indeed, I reviewed the original tempus, not the MK2 version. In terms of flow and naturalness, the tempus and N1 are comparable, although I recall the tempus as being a little lusher, whereas the N1 is tighter more articulate. Both feel very fluid and decidedly non-digital. “Live-feeling” is in the ear of the beholder. If you mean non-electronic and “analog”, then both switches do this very well. The choice between the two will come down to personal preference: tighter, crisper, and earthier for the N1 and lusher and more ethereal for the tempus.
The Muon Pro filter works well with both Switches but the N1’s Isolated Output sort of negates the necessity, unless you want to steer the sound in a lusher direction.
The LinQ still provides the most robust and impactful delivery of all streamers and servers I tried. I use it with UPnP or Roon/Squeeze. I change things up frequently, and liked the XACT S1 server a lot. To my ears, UPnP (and by extension, MPD) remains the purest sounding format. However, I also like the Roon interface a lot. Recently, I changed to Apogee speakers (again), which made the Roon downsides a lot more palatable. So, now I use the Grimm again. The sound is still most impactful and expressive when streaming via the LinQ, but purest using the MU1 integrally.