It’s unconscionable for anyone to steer a relative NOOB to high priced equipment by categorically stating that uber expensive streamers and network switches can improve the SQ.
That’s a way my experience is different.
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I don’t think that you have read the posts from either the OP or myself.
The OP currently has the following system components: Naim 282, 300DR and a pair of Kudos Titan 606s (which is hardly a budget or newbie system), and indicated a budget of around £5k for a new source. I simply provided a list of components at that price (or much cheaper in the case of the Holo Spring DAC) with which I have some experience, and recommended that they potentially be included in any shortlist for audition.
I am more than a little disappointed that you imply that I have categorically stated that uber expensive streamers and network streamers can improve sound quality. If you had read my posts, you would have realised that I did no such thing. I have never anywhere in this forum or any other suggested that any specific (let alone uber expensive) network switches can improve sound quality, and have not recommended that the OP auditions separate streamers/DACs at any price point. In my experience, specific switches make no difference whatsoever (or a negligible difference at best) in respect of SQ to any other. My experience also tells me that specific so called ‘audiophile’ digital cables also make a negligible difference at most. I have personally never heard a ‘difference’ of any sort in the small amount of testing that I have carried out with ethernet cables.
My recommendations (which came with my advice that they would sound ‘different’ and so should be carefully auditioned) included a number of USB DACS (at or below the OP’s price point) and a number of integrated streaming DACs at approximately the same price. I can assure you (because I own them and have listened to them extensively) that each of my own systems’ source components sound ‘different’ from the other two. I rate them subjectively (just my personal opinion) in the following order:
- Linn Klimax DS/1
- Sonore microRendu/Mytek Brooklyn+
- Sonore microRendu/Chord Hugo 1
I am also confident that most people would hear ‘differences’ between them, but I am aware that others might subjectively order their preferences differently.
While a half decent pair of RCA interconnects can make tiny tiny differences to sound, in general any half well made cable with decent plugs will be perfectly sufficient. Buy something you like the look of that is within your budget, but don’t over spend.
USB cables… don’t bother. They literally, absolutely, cannot make any difference. It is 100% impossible for this to be the case. Use a cheapie. If you absolutely must buy into having an audiophile one for “completist” reasons, buy the cheapest one that you think looks nice. It’ll do the same job as a £2 one from amazon designed to be used on a scanner!
If anyone tries to convince you that USB cables make a difference, they probably have a vested interest in convincing you of this. Either because they’ll make money, or because they’ll save face having bought one foolishly themselves. There is absolutely no scientific tested measurable evidence that USB cables make any difference of any kind whatsoever.
I was tempted once… just because the cable sleeve looked pretty and was purple. I still decided the money could be better spent on more music.
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We get away from simply answering questions on forums. I completely wowed someone who doesn’t stream with a simple setup, Ethernet into a core running ROCK and a short but otherwise conventional USB cable to a Topping D70 DAC. Nothing exotic and it’s simplicity was the key. I got at least as good a sound out of it than any source he had heard on his system previously. And by his reaction, probably better. I would always suggest that people start simple and work up to the enhancements if they choose to. Some won’t deem it necessary, others will do so of their own volition. The aim is to get to grips with Roon and leave folks to get to grips with their own systems. Then if they want that premium branded streamer and audiophile switch that is entirely up to them.
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USB cables, Ethernet cables, Ethernet switches, …
Anything that operates purely in the digital domain either works or it doesn’t. You either get pops, clicks or sound dropouts (in which case, the cable is defective and needs to be replaced), or it works flawlessly.
There are no “subtle” SQ improvements to be had in the digital domain…
Anyone who tells you that there are is selling you snake-oil, and you should be very suspicious of the rest of their advice.
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except that buying an audiophile switch should be punishable by death, or at the very least locking people away to protect them from themselves. 
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Then you’ll have to lock me away! 
Fair comment David. 
In the past I have spent £5.99 on a Tesco cable, but decided to spend £49.00 on my current, 4 year old RCAs. But, that was way before my new 282/300DR setup. There is no way I’d spend £1700 on a 0.75m cable, but some people do, and that’s great. Depending on the one’s system, I think it may be a tad detrimental to use a Tesco or Asda cable.
Obviously no offence to those that have them!
You may recommend Linn but I suspect you are in the UK
Many years ago I bought a Linn Karik from a dealer who knew full well I was emigrating to South Africa
When I got to SA I was told my 5 year guarantee was void as it was not in the country of purchase
A long story short afte a SNOTTY letter from theMD of Linn I gave up fighting kit
Would never touch Linn again, product is superb , my LP12 And Karik gave no issue s but the attitude of Linn sucks , 20 odd years later I still remember. 
The atlas cable you have is absolutely more than enough for the job and any USB cable that fits will do the job
if you want a pretend “audiophile” one, then buy a Fisual Havana… its about £7 and works
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I have edited my post accordingly.
I disagree, main benefit of a dedicated streamer (or DAC with streamer included) is that you transfer data over ethernet. USB is not a perfect way transmitting audio (generic noise that will affect the DAC, bad USB implementations in DACs etc). Of course, if you are happy with USB connected DAC - no need to stop being happy.
Wonderful!
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Tor_Gunnar_Berland Please forgive my inexperience, and I’m also a newbie on the Roon Community, but would adding a Allo USBridge Signature (or something similar) to the system change this, should I prefer it in the future?
I am struggling to understand the point of the USBridge Signature. The original justification for the original USBridge was that using both Ethernet and USB on the Pi 3B+ could be problematic – you can read this on the Allo website. The Pi 4 has fixed this problem. So why have an “enhanced” USBridge?
Previously I used AudioByte Hydra Z with Hydra ZPM for USB connection to my DAC (when using DAC directly connected to computer). Dramatically better, but nothing beats ethernet (currently I don’t even have my computer connected to the DAC directly) - and the Nucleus+ is hidden away in a different room.
Edit:
I have multiple endpoints connected to my Roon system.
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So is the Pi 4 and USBridge Signature, meant to act as a Roon Endpoint?
Or just use an external USB drive.
We’re kinda saying the same thing. I don’t use USB as it is, I go Pi 4 USB > Yellowtec Puc 2 Lite > AES/EBU.
There’d be no reason to, what DAC are you using? My next will be Roon Ready, but not if it comes with a whole host of extra bells and whistles I won’t use. Just needs to be Roon Ready.