Scores

After a day of testing and full test-forms you have a lot of data. We have received one form with +’s and -‘s from one reader / tester. We were not able to take those data into account, but we did compare them with the averages. Fortunately, it wouldn’t affect the outcome. We have also included the comments on the forms in the conclusion of this article. That might be even more interesting.

Tricky

Of course, we’ve asked some opinions during the test. It turns out that differences are audible, but that they are small. And sometimes very difficult to interpret. This is also evident from the scores. Some models are very close together. However, everyone was very much in agreement about the top-3. And that, too, is reflected in the scores.

We looked at the data in various ways: average, median and distribution of the scores. In the Top-3, the scores are fairly close together. At the least rated switch in this test are two readers who don’t like it. The rest is around average. The Meraki scores high and most coherent. The SoTM idem and the Silent Angel score very well, but have some drops in the graph.

To give you an insight into how close it all is, we have put all the data in graphs. It’s up to you to come to a conclusion. Our conclusion for now: it’s audible. But make sure the basics are right before you do this. It’s a dot on the ‘i’. That’s all.

Averages per switch

Striking here is how consistent the Cisco Meraki scores. The SoTM also scores fairly evenly over all participants. The Bonn N8 a little less, but that peak is mainly upwards. The Netgear, Ansus and the Fiber have a big dip in the score. These three were the only ones to achieve an unsatisfactory result, although the fiber is assessed as less ‘erratic’.

The Ansus, however, has two more unsatisfied listners. Yet striking, since with 2000 euros, it is the most expensive switch in this test. We read ‘sharp’, ‘flat’ and ‘hard’ in the forms. At the Bonn, Meraki and SoTM especially: ‘Nice tonal balance’ ‘YES!’, ‘Big’ and ‘Deep bass’.

The Fidelizer EtherStream is average, but scores just below the standard Netgear and Fiber solution across the board. It’s a crazy world… However, if you take a critical look at the data, you will see that the Fidelizer scores more consistently. So we would set it to 4 and not 6, given that it did not fail.

Spread of scores

As you can see here, the spread is still fairly limited. On a few striking peaks down at Ansus and Netgear. Those switches seem to be doing something. The Fiber solution is not everyone’s taste either. The rest of the test field is fairly stable in the ratings and is quite close together. With a consistently higher score among the winners.

Scores per reader – per model and track

For your insight, we have indicated the score per reader. This way you can see how the reviews are individual. You can also see from this that it is very difficult for some readers to perceive differences. And it is. Definitely blind!