Article: XACT(LY) - Review of XACT S1 Evo Music Server and N1 Switch

On 8/29/2024 at 1:13 AM, Superdad said:

 

So is the S1 Evo and N1 switch one box or two?  

I see the XACT (why not XCAT to go with their other names like JCAT? ) S1 Evo has 6 RJ45 ports. Is that the switch?  You do not discuss any of that in your review.

Cheers and congrats to @Marcin_gps

Thanks.

You might want to check my post from few days ago: 

S1 EVO is now on XACT website: https://xact.audio/s1-evo/

On 9/4/2024 at 12:53 AM, di-fi said:

Dear @Marcin_gps,

 

The XACT S1 is a remarkable piece of technology that serves dual purposes as both a network switch/router and a music server/player. This versatility is a significant achievement, as it challenges the traditional distinctions between a streamer and a switch. Essentially, the difference lies only in the operating system, allowing the S1 to transition seamlessly between these roles.

 

As an end user, I see great potential in having a single unit that performs both functions. However, from a commercial perspective, this might be less appealing, as it could reduce the need for separate devices. I hope that in the near future, there will be a way to integrate both functions effectively. Such integration should address network noise issues, eliminating the need for audiophile switches designed to minimize this noise.

 

I was excited about the new developments, but I felt a bit disappointed when I was told that adding a switch was necessary to improve the S1. This leads us to a choice within the same brand: either the “likely too expensive $12k S1 switch or the more affordable $6k N1” (from WBF). Deciding between these options can be challenging, if money is no object what to choose for best SQ?

 

And how to understand the flexibility of the S1, which can function as a streamer one day and a switch the next? As is not the case with the N1 switch, which lacks this dual capability.

 

Best,

As much as I'd love to integrate both features - music server/player & switch - running simultaneously, it's not possible. Even if it was, it would cripple performance and that is sth I can't accept. 

And I never said that adding a switch is necessary. I wrote that it can improve sound, but this is true for any music server/streamer. 

Best regards,
Marcin
 

On 9/10/2024 at 4:14 PM, lsantista said:

@Marcin_gps Congrats on the new product! Can you share more on the Phanton Music Drive cabling? DOes it connect only the memory storage drive, or other components as well?

It connects the SSD with the motherboard inside the unit. However we also launched USB and LAN cable: https://xact.audio/phantom/

Best regards,
Marcin
 

The S1/s1 EVO can act as a router. We ported OpenWRT system. 

Best regards,
Marcin
 

On 9/13/2024 at 5:50 PM, di-fi said:

@Marcin_gps, you have to stop!

I’m blown away by this, and it’s hard for me to comprehend. First, I had to get my head around the idea of two interchangeable S1 units acting as a switch and a streamer. Now, the thought of a trio of S1 units functioning as a router, switch, and streamer is just unbelievable!

 

You mentioned it's not possible right now, but I can only imagine how impressive it will be when all three are combined into one unit, still reducing noise and eliminating extra cables. I believe we'll reach that point in the coming years without crippling performance and I’m excited to see how you'll contribute to this journey.

 

Best regards,

Paul

Hi Paul, 

Thank you.

It's important to understand  that, as in real life, there are no free dinners in digital audio too. 

The XACT S1 sounds as good as it does, because I spent years reducing overhead. 

Best regards,
Marcin
 

13 hours ago, di-fi said:

By minimizing overhead and reducing board size while ensuring proper isolation, a unified assembly with high signal quality could benefit users by consolidating devices. Sure, this concept faces challenges but I would not call those disadvantages.
With the same high sound quality, having a single device would clearly be advantageous for the end user. What disadvantages do you see in this concept?

I've been doing this for 15 years. Never ever adding more features and processing resulted in 'the same high sound quality' hence my comment about free dinners. 

Best regards,
Marcin