XACT Audio, a respected innovator in high-performance digital audio systems, has unveiled its latest creation: the XACT N1 Network Switch, a purpose-built device engineered exclusively for the demands of high-end audio streaming. Designed to satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles, the N1 is a bold statement against the common practice of rebranding standard IT hardware for music systems.
Unlike many competing products that rely on off-the-shelf components with superficial modifications, the XACT N1 represents a ground-up engineering effort. Every element—from the custom-designed motherboard to its ultra-low-noise linear power supply—has been meticulously crafted to ensure signal purity and sonic transparency.
“We understood from day one that true reference-level performance couldn’t be achieved through modification—it demanded creation,” said Marcin Ostapowicz, founder of XACT Audio. “Every design choice in the N1 was guided by a single priority: uncompromised sound quality.”
Engineered for Audio Purity
The XACT N1 sets a new benchmark in the niche world of audiophile network equipment. At its core is a high-precision OCXO (Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator) master clock, powered by a dedicated linear supply to minimize jitter and maintain timing integrity. Signal paths are fully isolated—including data, clock, and ground—on key Ethernet ports, effectively shielding audio systems from common network noise and interference.
Key Technical Highlights:
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Custom Motherboard: Designed specifically for audio streaming, free of typical IT compromises
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Precision Clocking: OCXO master clock with isolated linear power source for ultra-low jitter
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Advanced Port Isolation: Fully optically isolated 1Gb RJ45 Ethernet port for maximum signal purity
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Flexible Connectivity: Includes 1 SFP port, 4 standard Ethernet ports, and 1 galvanically isolated Ethernet port
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OPTIMO N1 Power Supply: Triple-bus linear power architecture, each galvanically isolated for uncompromised delivery
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Tailored Firmware: Optimized exclusively for high-fidelity audio through extensive real-world listening tests
The XACT N1 Network Switch is now available across Europe at a suggested retail price of €6,000.
With its unapologetically audiophile-first approach, the XACT N1 is not just a product—it’s a declaration: in the pursuit of perfect sound, every detail matters.
