Keces Ewave – Audiophile Ethernet Switch

The Taiwanese company Keces Audio has introduced the Keces Ewave Audio Network Switch, designed specifically for audio applications. During development, special attention was paid to minimizing noise and interference, and the new model also features a highly precise synchronization system.

Keces Audio has earned a strong reputation among Hi-Fi enthusiasts thanks to its linear power supplies, phono stages, and digital-to-analog converters. With the introduction of Keces Ewave, the company expands its portfolio with a new type of device: a network switch purpose-built for use in modern audio streaming systems, where music data is transmitted in real time. Networked audio requires not only data integrity during transmission, but also precise synchronization, while accounting for electromagnetic interference, which can play a decisive role. According to the manufacturer, Keces Ewave is capable of successfully addressing these challenges.

According to Keces, the entire electronic design of the Ewave switch was developed fully in-house. Particular emphasis was placed on PCB layout, grounding, and the targeted reduction of electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference. At the heart of the Keces Ewave lies a 25 MHz OCXO clock generator – a temperature-controlled crystal oscillator with an exceptionally low level of phase noise. In practice, this precise reference clock is intended to ensure time-synchronized packet transmission and reduce network jitter. For the user, this primarily means more stable operating conditions for streaming clients and servers, especially when working with high-resolution formats and complex multi-room or Roon-based systems.

In the Ewave switch, Keces employs an advanced segmented power supply architecture. Each chipset, the OCXO, the input and output ports, and the control section all have their own dedicated multi-stage power regulation circuits. This helps minimize mutual interference and isolate sensitive circuit components from potential noise sources. In addition, individual network ports can be disabled as needed, further reducing unwanted crosstalk in practical setups with a limited number of clearly defined audio devices.

Another key feature of the Keces Ewave is its QoS configuration optimized for audio applications. It prioritizes audio data over other network traffic, preventing interruptions or clock instability when multiple devices are active on the network simultaneously. With eight Gigabit Ethernet ports supporting 1000, 100, and 10 Mbps speeds, Keces Ewave can be flexibly integrated into existing home networks with music servers, streamers, NAS devices, and control components.

The Keces Ewave network switch will go on sale in Europe later this month, with a recommended retail price of €1,500.