COS Engineering S10 Switch: Elevating Network Sound Quality
After a year of dedicated research, Taiwanese brand COS Engineering unveiled its latest offering, the S10 Switch network switch. The COS team, well-versed in high-end audio systems, specializes in DAC and network digital streaming design and boasts Roon Ready certification for their products. Their current flagship, the D10 DAC, offers network streaming and phono-amplifier interfaces, providing users with versatile playback options. The S10’s development took a year of meticulous work, from circuit design to material selection, testing, and modifications. It’s positioned as the final gateway for network signals into network streaming players, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean source.
A Sound Investment in Power and Design
The S10 shares the same rigorous power input processing as the D10. It incorporates a meticulously designed AC input module, a toroidal transformer, voltage stabilization, and other procedures. This sophisticated power supply stands out compared to conventional switches and significantly contributes to sound quality. The internal circuit layout is a unique creation by the COS team, emphasizing their technical prowess. Internally, two computing chips manage the two optical fiber transmission terminals and four RJ45 transmission terminals, each equipped with a precise crystal oscillator clock to minimize jitter. The S10 boasts eight RJ45 network terminals and two optical fiber network terminals, with a unique design feature. Unlike most network switches that group four RJ45 terminals, the S10’s eight RJ45 terminals operate independently. This distinct design mitigates interference between terminals, although it’s an internal detail not evident to users. The S10’s usability is further enhanced by its ability to independently turn off unused network terminals. This unusual feature ensures network terminals aren’t continuously active when not in use, which can negatively impact sound quality.
COS S10 Switch network switch
● D10 DAC same-level power supply design
● AC input filter, built-in toroidal transformer, voltage stabilizing circuit
● Dual operation chips, dual clock generators
● 8 sets of independent RJ45 network transmission terminals, which can be turned off independently Any network terminal
● 2 sets of SFP optical fiber network transmission terminals
● Aluminum alloy and steel chassis design, anti-electromagnetic interference and anti-vibration
● RJ45 terminal speed: 1000/100/10Mbps (automatic correspondence)
● Optical fiber terminal speed: 1000/100Mbps (Automatic correspondence)
● Power consumption: 10 VA
● Dimensions and weight: 260 mm (W) X 250 mm (D) X 60 mm (H), 3.6 kg ● Appearance: black
sandblasting, silver sandblasting
Auditory Transformations with the S10
The COS Engineering S10 Switch is not merely a networking component but a transformative tool that can elevate your audio experience. This unassuming switch can work wonders when integrated into your high-end audio system, producing profound auditory transformations.
Upon introducing the S10 to your audio setup, one of the most striking improvements you’ll notice is the heightened cohesion and clarity in the sound. The music appears united, with each instrument and vocal harmoniously blending. This newfound unity creates a cleaner, more transparent sonic landscape devoid of unwanted noise or clutter. Even with the most intricate musical arrangements, the S10 ensures each element finds its place in the audio canvas, maintaining exceptional clarity and precision.
Another significant auditory transformation brought about by the S10 is its impact on low frequencies. The bass becomes more taut, responsive, and better defined. It retains its warmth and resonance while taking on a newfound elasticity. The bass lines feel more natural, with a clear sense of articulation and depth. This enhanced low-frequency performance contributes to a more three-dimensional and layered musical experience, where you can feel the subtleties and nuances in the lower registers like never before.
The S10 does not stop at enhancing cohesion and bass response; it also imparts a sense of refinement and finesse to the sound. The background becomes darker and more profound, creating an ideal backdrop for music flourishing. This depth in the background adds to the overall elegance of the soundstage, ensuring that even with pop music, the audio remains free from any traces of noise or harshness. The result is a pristine and inviting soundscape that captivates the listener.
Furthermore, the S10’s capacity to deliver clear and textured sound is exceptional. Musical details, whether in the bass, midrange, or high frequencies, are impeccably presented. The clarity is striking, and you can hear every subtle nuance, preserving the texture and resonance of each note. The piano’s delicate sound or the nuanced expression in a singer’s voice is rendered lifelike. The S10’s ability to retain and convey musical subtleties adds depth to the sonic experience, creating a sense of remarkable realism.
In conclusion, the COS Engineering S10 Switch is a transformative audio component that has the power to refine, elevate, and illuminate your audio journey. Its influence is not limited to a single aspect of sound but encompasses cohesion, low-frequency response, refinement, clarity, and the preservation of musical intricacies. For audiophiles seeking a substantial improvement in their audio setup, the S10 is a game-changer, providing auditory transformations that are truly remarkable.
Craftsmanship and Aesthetic Excellence
The S10’s casing reflects meticulous attention to detail, featuring an aluminum metal body with a steel bottom for enhanced weight. This weightiness aids vibration resistance and sound quality. The pyramid-shaped body, constructed from aluminum metal, incorporates vibration-isolating rubber at the bottom. Users should place it on a dedicated sound stand to maximize performance. Furthermore, the S10 exhibits exceptional build quality, ensuring it’s free from external radio wave interference.
Exquisite Build Quality:
The COS Engineering S10 Switch is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Crafted with precision, it exudes a sense of robustness and durability that sets it apart in network switches. The casing is primarily made from aluminum metal, chosen for its aesthetic appeal and ability to shield the internal components from external radio wave interference. This protective measure ensures that the network signal remains pristine as it enters the network streaming player, contributing to the overall sound quality.
To further enhance its build quality, the bottom of the S10 is made of steel, adding weight to the unit. This extra weight aids in vibration control and sound resistance, vital to achieving sonic purity. The appearance of the S10 is enhanced with a sandblasted finish, giving it a refined and premium look. Regarding building quality, the COS Engineering team has left no stone unturned, striving to create a network switch that performs exceptionally and looks the part.
Elegant Design:
The COS Engineering S10 Switch boasts an elegant, understated design that befits any high-end audio setup. Its front panel, created with precision CNC cutting, exudes sophistication. The network switch’s pyramid-shaped body, constructed from aluminum metal, has vibration-isolating rubber at the bottom. This attention to detail is for aesthetics and ensuring that the S10 remains acoustically isolated from external vibrations.
Thanks to its thoughtfully designed appearance, incorporating the network switch into your audio setup is seamless. It can be placed on a sound stand, and its overall design allows it to blend seamlessly into your listening environment. The S10’s elegant exterior is not merely for show; it also plays a crucial role in protecting the audio signal’s integrity, ensuring that it remains pristine and free from interference. In both build quality and design, the COS Engineering S10 Switch exemplifies the fusion of form and function, making it a remarkable addition to any audiophile’s repertoire.
Connections and connectivity
Comprehensive Connectivity:
The COS Engineering S10 Switch is a network switch that offers a wealth of connectivity options designed to cater to the needs of audiophiles and high-end audio systems. It boasts eight RJ45 network terminals and two optical fiber network terminals, making it one of the most well-equipped network switches available. These network terminals provide versatile options for connecting various audio components to your network.
One distinctive feature of the S10 is the independence of its eight RJ45 network terminals; unlike many other network switches on the market that group RJ45 terminals, the S10 provides individual connections for each terminal. This design choice minimizes interference between terminals, ensuring your audio signal remains free from unwanted disruptions. While this level of detail may not be immediately visible, it significantly contributes to the audio purity, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles who demand the best possible sound quality.
Flexible Connections:
The S10 Switch offers a flexible and user-friendly experience. It allows you to tailor your connections to your needs, ensuring your audio setup works seamlessly. You can independently turn off unused network terminals, a feature not commonly found in most network switches. This design consideration recognizes the impact of active network communication on sound quality. By allowing users to disable unused network terminals, the S10 ensures that only necessary communication remains active, preventing unnecessary interference that could degrade the audio signal.
The S10’s flexible design encourages users to maintain proper spacing between connected devices. While this may seem minor, it further underlines the COS Engineering team’s dedication to optimizing sound quality. Whether using all eight RJ45 network terminals or just a couple, the S10’s design offers the control and flexibility to ensure that your audio signal remains untainted by external factors. Regarding connectivity and connections, the COS Engineering S10 Switch provides an array of options and features that elevate it to a level of excellence in the audiophile world.
Usability and Functionality:
The COS Engineering S10 Switch is a marvel of auditory refinement and a testament to its practicality and versatility. This remarkable network switch boasts various features that make it user-friendly and highly functional, contributing to its appeal for audiophiles and network enthusiasts.
One of the standout aspects of the S10 is its user-friendly design. From unboxing it, you’ll notice its attention to detail. The chassis is crafted with precision, using aluminum for most of its construction. This enhances its aesthetic appeal and shields against external radio wave interference. The front panel is CNC-cut, exemplifying the commitment to quality and aesthetics. The addition of vibration-isolating rubber feet on the bottom ensures that it remains stable and free from unwanted vibrations when you place it on your equipment rack or sound stand.
A notable aspect of usability with the S10 is the independent control of network terminals. While most network switches remain actively connected to all terminals, even if not in use, the S10 offers the unique ability to deactivate unused network terminals. This feature is particularly advantageous in high-end audio systems where minimal interference is paramount. By shutting off unutilized terminals, the S10 ensures that no unnecessary communication or noise affects your audio signal, delivering an exceptionally clean and interference-free experience.
Additionally, the S10’s connectivity options are worth highlighting. It provides eight RJ45 network terminals and two optical fiber network terminals, carefully designed to ensure independence. Unlike most network switches in the market, the eight RJ45 terminals in the S10 are not grouped, thus preventing interference between them. This attention to detail and emphasis on audio-grade designs sets the S10 apart from its peers. Users are encouraged to maintain distance between connected terminals, minimizing potential interference.
Furthermore, the build quality and the robust internal circuit layout of the S10 deserve applause. It’s not a prototype of an off-the-shelf circuit but a fully customized design, a testament to COS Engineering’s technical prowess. Two computing chips equipped with a high-precision crystal oscillator clock ensure data transmission with minimal jitter. This level of engineering is a testament to the design team’s dedication to deliver unparalleled performance and efficiency.
In terms of functionality, the S10 seamlessly integrates into your existing audio setup. Whether streaming music from a NAS, using a digital streaming player, or connecting to your network core, the S10 easily fits into your audio chain. Its simple yet effective operation, including powering down unused network terminals, ensures users can experience a hassle-free and immersive audio journey.
In conclusion, the COS Engineering S10 Switch is a paragon of usability and functionality. Its meticulous design, user-friendly features, and the ability to enhance network connectivity without compromising audio quality set it apart in network switches. For those seeking a refined auditory experience and a versatile network switch, the S10 is a flawless choice that delivers on both fronts.
Unveiling the Nuances of Sound
Listening to John Adams’ rendition of “I Will Always Love You” showcases the S10’s ability to deliver a more refined and deeper sonic experience. A darker and deeper background creates a vivid and multi-dimensional audio environment. Piano and vocals benefit from enhanced coherence while the sound remains clean and rich. The S10 reveals the finer details of the performance and adds a layer of natural, comfortable vitality to the music.
The COS Engineering S10 Switch transcends the conventional expectations of a network switch, elevating sound quality to an astonishing level. This audiophile-grade device significantly enhances audio performance, creating a rich, detailed, and immersive soundscape. The S10 consistently demonstrates its capability to transform your listening experience during rigorous sound tests.
When the S10 occurs in your network setup, the immediate and palpable impact on sound quality is awe-inspiring. The music gains a newfound level of clarity, depth, and precision. It’s as if a veil has been lifted, revealing sonic details and nuances that may have previously eluded your ears.
Various music genres and tracks are employed to discern the S10’s true prowess for sound testing. Listening to Sam Smith’s “Gloria,” the cohesiveness of the soundstage is strikingly evident. It manifests as a clean, unburdened background, where even complex musical arrangements remain pristine. Often susceptible to noise and edginess, pop music sounds tranquil and devoid of unwanted artifacts. Sam Smith’s vocals emerge with pristine clarity, creating a lifelike, immersive experience. Sound imaging is incredibly dense, with a distinct absence of harsh edges. The music penetrates deep into the room, wrapping around the listener and enhancing the three-dimensional aspect of the audio.
One of the most remarkable improvements lies in the realm of low frequencies. The bass becomes more cohesive, offering greater elasticity and definition. The acoustic position of instruments and voices is astonishingly clear, enhancing the overall three-dimensionality of the music. With the S10, every note is audible and impeccably placed within the soundscape.
John Adams’ rendition of “I Will Always Love You” showcases the S10’s ability to render sound with remarkable delicacy and refinement. The background deepens, creating a profound darkness that allows isolated elements, such as piano notes and vocals, to shine with an unparalleled three-dimensionality. The piano, in particular, gains a sense of transparency, with every note enveloped in light, evoking a moist and resonant quality.
The transition of vocal tones across different pitches is remarkably smooth, portraying an exceptional balance of fullness and airiness. The sound’s authenticity is astonishing as if you’re not merely listening to music but witnessing it unfold before your eyes. The portrayal of warmth in the lower octaves and the transparency and airiness in the mid to high frequencies create a rich and lifelike auditory experience.
In Samara Joy’s “I Miss You So,” the S10 shines even further. The bass deepens, delineating a clear distinction between it and the piano, enriching the musical texture. Human vocals appear concentrated and nuanced, imparting a sense of thickness and fullness. Throughout the song, the shifts in vocal expression, from soft and delicate to powerful and resonant, are brought to the forefront. The S10 adds unparalleled refinement, captivating every vocal inflection and emotional nuance. The soundstage seems to expand dynamically, eliciting a deeper engagement with the music.
Ed Sheeran’s “Eyes Closed” is a sonic spectacle, underscoring the S10’s ability to deliver crystal-clear sound. The opening guitar strumming is crisp, elastic, and extraordinarily detailed. Even as the song progresses to more complex and lively segments, the guitar retains its distinctive character, never overshadowed by other instruments. The strings’ details remain intact, with a vivid texture and resonance. Low frequencies, while extending more freely, maintain their tight control and presence, enhancing the overall sense of immersion.
The S10 doesn’t just offer a minor improvement in sound quality; it orchestrates a complete transformation. It empowers each note, each instrument, and each vocal with an unmistakable clarity and textural richness. The sound field expands with depth and precision, creating a compelling and immersive experience for even the most discerning audiophiles. Whether you’re savoring the subtleties of acoustic arrangements or the vibrant energy of live performances, the COS Engineering S10 Switch opens up a breathtaking world of audio excellence.
Conclusion: Unveiling the Essence of Sonic Purity
The COS Engineering S10 Switch emerges as a remarkable innovation in network switches, offering a gateway to elevated sound quality. With a meticulous design process that considers every detail, from power input to internal circuitry, this network switch delivers an auditory transformation that leaves a lasting impression. The S10 excels in bringing out the finest nuances in music, enhancing cohesion, depth, and clarity. It maintains a clean, noise-free background, ensuring an immersive and captivating listening experience.
The S10 is a testament to the synergy of technical excellence and aesthetic craftsmanship, with its robust build quality and elegant design. It sets itself apart by providing independent control of network terminals and the ability to power down unused connections, catering to the discerning audiophile’s need for purity in sound. In a world where high-fidelity audio is paramount, the COS Engineering S10 Switch is an unprecedented choice for those seeking an unparalleled listening experience.
Reasons to Buy the COS Engineering S10 Network Switch:
- Enhanced Audio Quality: The S10 significantly improves audio quality, providing clearer, more detailed sound with better separation and reduced interference.
- Impeccable Design: Its robust build quality and elegant design make it a stylish addition to your audio setup while contributing to better sound performance.
- Versatile Connectivity: With a range of network terminals and the ability to turn off unused ports, the S10 offers versatile connectivity and improved signal management.
- User-Friendly Functionality: The ability to switch off inactive network terminals reduces interference and enhances your listening experience.
Reasons Not to Buy:
- Price: The S10 is a premium product, and if you’re on a tight budget, more affordable network switches may suffice for your needs.
- Limited Compatibility: The S10’s benefits are most apparent in high-end audio setups. The improvements may not justify the cost if you have a modest audio system.
- Diminished Impact on Basic Setups: If your audio system is simple and lacks high-resolution components, the S10’s impact may not be as noticeable, making it less valuable.
- Complexity: For users who prefer a straightforward setup without too many additional components, the S10 may add complexity that isn’t necessary for their audio experience.
