Overview

The latest shipping version of this product is the S100/2. It uses two 100 Mb RJ45 ports “for best audio quality,” six 1 Gb RJ45 ports for high-traffic devices, two SFP cages for optical links, and a 1.5 MB buffer. The design emphasizes a revised power board with a bank of “audio-grade capacitors” and a rigid steel chassis. These are marketed as creating an “ideal low-noise environment” for networked audio. [1]

Scientific Validity

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Independent measurements on “audiophile” Ethernet switches (e.g., UpTone EtherREGEN; Silent Angel Bonn N8) consistently show no improvement in DAC output or audible results versus ordinary IT switches under controlled testing. Claims of better sound from lower “network noise” have not translated into measurable, listener-relevant changes at the analog output. Bit-perfect TCP/IP delivery remains unaffected by the switch so long as packets are delivered correctly. [2][3]

Technology Level

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From an IT hardware perspective, S100/2 is competently built: mixed-speed RJ45 ports, dual SFP for optical links, fanless operation, larger buffer and reinforced chassis/power implementation. These are conventional networking technologies applied with audio-focused marketing; there’s no new data-transport mechanism beyond standard Ethernet. [1]

Cost-Performance

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U.S. market price used for calculation: 3,395 USD. [4]

We selected two equal-or-better comparators from the user standpoint:

• NETGEAR GS308 (8× gigabit RJ45, fanless). Current market price 19.99 USD → 19.99 USD ÷ 3,395 USD = 0.00589. [5]
• MikroTik CSS610-8G-2S+IN (8× gigabit RJ45 plus 2× SFP+, fanless). MSRP 119 USD → 119 USD ÷ 3,395 USD = 0.03505. [6]

Both deliver equal-or-better user-visible functionality for networked audio (all-gigabit ports; optical available on the MikroTik) with no worse measured outcomes in audio. Using the policy’s simple average for borderline cases (SFP equivalence), (0.00589 + 0.03505) / 2 = 0.02047, which rounds to 0.0.

Reliability & Support

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The S100/2 is fanless with an external PSU and a rigid metal chassis—choices that typically favor longevity and easy replacement of the power brick. The brand provides dealer-based sales/support and publishes manuals and specs on its official site. Nothing here suggests unusual reliability risks, but nothing exceeds standard IT-switch expectations either. [1]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Positioning power-supply tweaks and mechanical damping as conferring audible improvements to packet-based Ethernet audio is not supported by controlled measurements. Absent demonstrated changes at the DAC output, the concept remains irrational from an engineering standpoint. [2][3]

Advice

If you need an 8-port switch for audio, buy a standard gigabit model (e.g., GS308) and spend the savings on upgrades with proven returns (room treatment, speakers, or a DAC with verified performance). If you require optical isolation, a low-cost IT switch with SFP (e.g., CSS610-8G-2S+IN) plus fiber modules accomplishes that without the audiophile markup. [5][6]

References

[1] DELA Audio, “S100/2 – Specifications & Features,” https://dela.global/s100-2/ , accessed 2025-08-26
[2] Audio Science Review, “UpTone Audio EtherREGEN Switch Review,” https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/uptone-audio-etherregen-switch-review.10232/ , accessed 2025-08-26
[3] Audio Science Review, “Silent Angel Bonn N8 ‘audio-grade’ Ethernet Switch,” https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/silent-angel-bonn-n8-audio-grade-ethernet-switch.12360/ , accessed 2025-08-26
[4] Entracte Audio (U.S. dealer), “Melco S100/2 – Price 3,395 USD,” https://entracteaudio.com/melco , accessed 2025-08-26
[5] Newegg (U.S.), “NETGEAR GS308 8-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch – 19.99 USD,” https://www.newegg.com/netgear-gs308-300pas-8-x-rj45/p/N82E16833222029 , accessed 2025-08-26
[6] MikroTik (official), “CSS610-8G-2S+IN – Suggested price 119 USD,” https://mikrotik.com/product/css610_8g_2s_in , accessed 2025-08-26

(2025.8.26)