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

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    Product Information:

• XACT S1 evo Music Server $ Coming Momentarily
• XACT N1 Network Switch $ Coming Momentarily

Priceless 😉

2 minutes ago, DuckToller said:

 

    Product Information:

• XACT S1 evo Music Server $ Coming Momentarily
• XACT N1 Network Switch $ Coming Momentarily

 

Priceless 😉

Ha!

I have a price but I’m not sure it’s still correct. I want to make sure before posting. 

58 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I have a price but I’m not sure it’s still correct. I want to make sure before posting. 

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

1 hour ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

$ Coming Momentarily

I think its around $12k per box

9 minutes ago, 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

S1 Evo is the music server. 
N1 Switch is a separate box, but my unit didn’t have the final production chassis, so I don’t want to show it. 

3 minutes ago, Mops911 said:

 

I think its around $12k per box

My guess is the S1 Evo is around there and the switch is half that but I’m waiting for official confirmation. 

You have all the fun...

from a photo of the N1 (seen elsewhere), it seems there are 5 RJ45s and 1 SFP.

By chance, did you try the S1 Eco without the N1 switch?

I have been back to using my gen 1 of the Xact S1 player lately, and it has been bettered through updates, pretty great. a couple of small quirks, but the only thing that keeps this from being a 'preference' over Roon, is that you cannot pop open the Jcat app on a different device and edit the queue, or see what's playing. it's a single control point situation. and if you close that control point, it stops playing. At least Roon will play its radio selections forever. again, small point, but it does have an effect on daily usage. nonetheless, I can't help but use it, it DOES sound better than my Oladra, at least in Roon mode, Squeeze is pretty much a toss up...

As much as I love HQPlayer, I am really interested in hearing this.

5 hours ago, canigo said:

and if you close that control point, it stops playing.

If you swipe off the app that’s the normal behavior, why not leave the app in background without swiping it off?

3 hours ago, Superdad said:

@The Computer Audiophile Interesting that you mention the tune “Long Road.” It is one of my favorites.  The version I enjoy most is the (17 minute!) one on the terrific soundtrack to the film Dead Man Walking.  Vedder collaborates with the late great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Ry Cooder—on that tune and on another, “The Face of Love,” quite the most beautiful on the album.

 

Totally forgot about this!!!

31 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

Totally forgot about this!!!

I have the 3-LP set to Dead Man Walking (Soundtrack/Score and Music Inspired by the Film; shoot, it's been almost 30 years, dang I'm old!) and CDs of the same.  In my book, Ry Cooder produced soundtracks are right up there with soundtracks/scores to Wim Wenders films! (I've bought many Wenders soundtracks without before ever seeing the film.)

Sorry for being so off-topic. 🤭

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/

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,

 @The Computer Audiophile,

Thank you for sharing your insights on the XACT S1 Evo / N1 switch combination. Your observations highlight several key aspects of the device:

• The S1 Evo’s consistent performance across various listening environments, ensuring high-quality sound.
• Its specialized design with focused hardware/software integration, distinguishing it from more generic solutions.
• The dedicated effort of Marcin Ostapowicz and his team in both developing and bringing this device to market.
• The exceptional sound quality, described as achieving “pure sonic bliss.”
• Your recognition on the “CASH List,” indicating its top-tier status among similar products.

Thank you for your detailed perspective—it is truly invaluable. I just wanted to clarify that the document isn’t intended to be a formal review, as the title might imply. It does not include elements such as pros and cons, comparisons with similar devices, or ratings based on specific criteria. Your insights are certainly appreciated and contribute to a better understanding of the strengths of the S1 Evo / N1 combo. However, it does come across more like a press release.
 

Thank you once again for your thoughtful insights.

Best,

8 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

With respect to this review and what you believe should be discussed in a review, we’ll have to disagree.
 

My reviewing style is very different from most.

I believe that’s what I was aiming to express.

8 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I listen to many components as part of my job.

I often visit here because I appreciate your content. If it hadn’t been for your detailed review and follow-up on the Dynaudio Focus 10, I wouldn’t have a pair of them here, testing them with every source I have to fully explore their potential.
But I also do value when rewiewers place devices in context with current developments and compare them to similar products in the audio industry. Ultimately, though, it’s essential to try them out for ourselves.

On 9/4/2024 at 2:31 AM, bobfa said:

It must "Spark Joy"

Some readers may be looking for a quick, emotional take, discussing how the sound quality makes the reviewer feel while others may want a deep dive into the product's technical aspects and a more objective critical point of view.

22 minutes ago, di-fi said:

Some readers may be looking for a quick, emotional take, discussing how the sound quality makes the reviewer feel while others may want a deep dive into the product's technical aspects and a more objective critical point of view.

Totally! Both are 100% valid. It's why we have chocolate, vanilla, and every flavor in between. But, we must also remember that trying to please everyone, putting all the flavors into one dish, pleases no one.