DELA S1 Network Switch

The S1 is DELA’s (formerly Melco)  flagship network switch, it shares the same style casework as the ranging topping player the N1-S40

Featuring 11 connections (4 SFP and 7 Ethernet) the S1 is the pinnacle of DELA’s knowledge and innovation.

I first saw the S1  at the Munich High End Show in May 2024, it wasn’t on display in the room, but was behind the scenes for dealers and distributors to view.

As with the N1 the build quality of the S1 is superb, it really does the part and I can imagine the S1 and N1 being a popular combination, that said the S1 clearly has  much wider applications, anyone who streams music and wishes to do at the highest possible standard the S1 will have relevance.

The mainboard in the S1 is bespoke and unique to DELA, it has several unique features onboard to ensure it delivers the best performance, it also features a sizeable, over-rated power supply, superior to the power supply that comes with the 2 box S10 switch.

• Link Speed Selector
  Uniquely, the DELA S1 Network Switch gives the user capability to fine tune each data port for Link Speed directly from the front panel in real time. The front panel buttons mirror the back panel layout with each port having a single button to select Link Speed which is confirmed by colour coded feedback of the button illumination. In this way the user can configure the status of each port for the environment and hardware that it connects to. Additionally any unused port can be selected to be OFF.
• Rear panel link / Act LEDs can be disabled by the button on the rear panel.
• External clock input
• Professional grade Neutrik RJ45 connectors assure reliable connectivity and internal electronics is built around dedicated audio-optimized technology with high grade internal NDK clock, and low noise linear power supply with condenser bank as used in the N1 S40 Music Library.

In the time we have had an S1 on demonstration it have proven itself to be a very strong performer.

When comparing the S1 to a Melco S10 (which was a very popular model) it jump in performance is significant and instantly apparent when you switch between the 2 of them the increase in performance from the S10 to the S1 is significantly larger than the jump between S100 and S10 for example.

Improved dynamics, more detail, clarity and openness with more extended bass and improved textures. It is quieter as well and overall a calmer more expressive sound. The difference in a good system is not subtle, it is like flicking a switch.

Obviously at £12499 it is a big step financially and many customers will simply never entertain adding an S1 due its price but if you have a suitable system and the means the S1 is an incredibly capable product.

Used with a Vitus RI-101 mk2 with its onboard streaming DAC using Qobuz controlled via J-Play the addition of the DELA S1 Network Switch is sizeable, it takes what is a very strong product an elevates it to a completely new level.

On demonstration now.