Switch Architecture
The Cap ‘M’ Audio Switch uses the same power and switching architecture developed for the NorBit, but without the NorBit’s dedicated Ethernet filter section. Even without this additional filtering, the Switch is designed for exceptionally low noise and careful control of signal saturation.
The Switch features eight Ethernet ports and can be used either as a standalone network switch or as an additional switch within an existing network.
Power Section
The Switch power section is based on the Cap ‘M’ Audio power supply and uses the same finely tuned power PCB developed for both the NorBit and the Switch.
The Cap ‘M’ Audio power section avoids direct feedback control in its main voltage-regulation path. Instead, the design makes use of carefully controlled thermal behaviour. As current draw increases, the output voltage tends to decrease, while the corresponding rise in regulator temperature partially compensates for this change. The regulators also operate optimally within their intended thermal operating range.
This approach responds more gradually than conventional direct-feedback regulation, but was deliberately chosen as part of our pursuit of an exceptionally low-noise and natural-sounding power supply.
Digital Signal Integrity
Digital audio signals are transported through interfaces such as Ethernet, USB, I2S and SPDIF. Although the audio data itself is digital, the electrical conditions under which it is transported can influence the subsequent digital-to-analog conversion process.
For this reason, the Switch is designed to minimize electrical noise and unwanted disturbances within the Ethernet signal path. The objective is to provide downstream digital audio equipment with the cleanest and most stable operating environment possible.
External DC Input
When a high-quality external power supply such as the Cap ‘M’ Audio Power is connected to the Switch’s DC input, the internal transformer and first stage of the power supply are bypassed. The middle and final regulation stages remain active and continue to provide the dedicated supply required by the switching circuitry.
Although the internal transformer is a high-quality shielded design with excellent specifications, any transformer inherently produces some mechanical vibration and magnetic field. Bypassing it with the external DC input removes these influences from the enclosure and allows the remaining regulation stages to operate from an already conditioned DC source, contributing to an exceptionally low noise floor.