XACT N1 – The First True Reference Network Switch for Audio Xact Audio, April 30, 2025

Engineered for Sound. The First True Reference Network Switch for Audio.

XACT N1 is a dedicated network switch designed exclusively for high-end audio playback. The N1 represents a new standard in network performance.

Created by Marcin Ostapowicz, the founder of JCAT and JPLAY brands and author of some of the most innovative high-end audio products, including the world’s first audiophile network card.

Relentless pursuit of sonic perfection.

During the development of our music servers, the XACT S1 & S1 EVO, we intentionally refrained from using any external network switch to ensure its performance stood independently at the highest level. However, the influence of network configuration on sound quality is undeniable, and for those seeking to push the boundaries of digital playback, every element counts.

For these discerning listeners, we are proud to introduce the XACT N1 – a dedicated network switch designed exclusively for audio applications. The N1 represents a new benchmark in network performance.

Not just another switch. A completely new device.

Most so-called “audiophile-grade” network switches available today are based on standard, off-the-shelf motherboards intended for office or general IT use. Typically, these designs feature noisy, cost-optimized switching power converters that pollute the network with high-frequency noise, interfere with other hi-fi components, and ultimately degrade the sound, introducing an irritating “digital” character.

While some manufacturers attempt to mitigate these issues by upgrading the power supply sections of standard switch boards, this approach only treats the symptoms without addressing the root cause — the motherboard itself was never meant for high-end audio performance.

At XACT Audio, we knew that a truly reference-grade solution could not be built on compromised foundations. That’s why the XACT N1 is built around a 100% custom-designed motherboard, developed exclusively for one purpose: to deliver the purest, most natural sound over Ethernet for high-end audio systems.

The result is a network switch that not only elevates streaming quality but fundamentally redefines what is possible from networked digital audio.

100% linear power delivery. Truly everywhere.

It’s the first network switch for audio that puts such extreme emphasis on power integrity.

The custom motherboard inside the XACT N1 is built with ultra low-noise linear regulators (LDOs) dedicated to each critical circuit. This design ensures that every component receives the cleanest possible power — but just as importantly, it prevents noise generated by one part of the system from contaminating the rest of the board.

Unlike typical switches, which rely on noisy switching converters or generic voltage rails shared across the entire PCB, the XACT N1 uses only linear power regulation throughout. Its dedicated internal power supply is 100% linear, with no switching components anywhere in the signal or power path.

This uncompromising power architecture delivers exceptional electrical performance, laying the foundation for the natural, fatigue-free sound that defines the XACT experience. In the world of audiophile networking, there is truly nothing else like it.

Connection setup

Only the finest components.
Obsessive attention to details.

Every component in XACT N1 is hand-picked or developed from the ground up and thoroughly tested by ear. 

MASTER OCXO CLOCK INDEPENDENTLY POWERED BY ITS OWN DEDICATED LINEAR POWER SUPPLY,

OPTIMO N1™ LINEAR PSU THREE SEPARATE, GALVANICALLY ISOLATED VOLTAGE RAILS POWER THE MAIN SWITCH CIRCUIT, THE SYSTEM CLOCK, AND THE ISOLATED OUTPUT INDIVIDUALLY, ENSURING UNCOMPROMISED SIGNAL INTEGRITY.

1 × SFP + 4 × 1GBIT RJ45 + 1 × FULLY ISOLATED 1GBIT RJ45 PORT DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR AUDIO RENDERER.

100% CUSTOM MOTHERBOARD DEVELOPED EXCLUSIVELY FOR HIGH-END MUSIC PLAYBACK

MILITARY-SPEC CONNECTORS AND TRANSFROMERS

ENGINEERED FOR SOUND UNNECESSARY PROTOCOLS & FEATURES,ARE DISABLED TO PREVENT ANY POTENTIAL IMPACT ON AUDIO PERFORMANCE.

ADVANCED ISOLATION CUTTING-EDGE 1 GBIT OPTOISOLATOR FULLY ISOLATES BOTH DATA LINES AND GROUND

SEE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

  • 100% custom motherboard developed exclusively for high-end music playback (100% linear powered motherboard)
  • optimo™ n1 linear power supply, 3 separate, galvanically isolated voltage rails power the main switch circuit, the system clock, and the isolated output individually.
  • master ocxo clock
  • 1 × sfp port
  • 4 × non-isolated 1 gbit rj45 ports (auto-negotiating)
  • 1 × fully isolated 1 gbit rj45 port using state-of-the-art optoisolator, ensuring complete galvanic isolation of data lines, clock, control signals, and ground. 
  • all ethernet ports feature low-noise, high common-mode noise rejection signal transformers, paired with military-spec jacks to ensure long-term reliability and optimal signal transmission.
  • audio-optimized software: all unnecessary protocols, including energy-saving features, are disabled to prevent any potential impact on audio performance.
  • this sound-first approach may result in limited compatibility with some older 100m-only devices, particularly on the isolated port. for best performance, modern gigabit-capable devices are recommended.
  • dimensions (w x d x h): 241 x 270 x 97 mm
  • weight: 5kg

Press Release Documents

Website Address

https://xact.audio/
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