DELA, formerly known as Melco, has announced the S5 Audiophile Dataswitch, a high-performance managed network switch engineered to deliver a high-level streaming environment.
The S5 builds on the success of the acclaimed Melco S100 and flagship DELA S1, reviewed by Chris Baillie here at HF&MS. DELA claims;
the new S5 introduces higher performance, greater flexibility, and the same obsessive attention to musical integrity. Developed entirely under the DELA brand, the S5 is optimised for local and external streaming services, combining advanced architecture with meticulous audio tuning.
The new S5 features a DELA Super Clear Dynamic Power Supply, designed to deliver stable, noise-free performance regardless of mains quality.
The S5 also features a 44cm brushed aluminium chassis with a stainless-steel rear panel and CNC-machined corner cheeks (see above), with mechanical isolation feet matching those of the flagship DELA N1 and S1 units.
Usefully, the S5 has a USB 5V output to power peripherals such as the ADOT fibre isolation units.
The rear-panel indicators confirm network speed and status and can be switched off for optimal sound quality.
Alan Ainslie, Manager at UK distributor Audiophile Digital Music Masters (ADMM), commented:
It’s amazing what can be achieved when rigorous engineering is applied to components that began life in the IT industry. With DELA’s parent company, Buffalo Inc. of Tokyo, bringing its R&D power to audio, the S5 delivers genuine musical benefits — an enhancement for any streaming system where sound quality truly matters.
Pricing and availability
The DELA S5 Audiophile Dataswitch is available now through specialist hi-fi retailers worldwide. SRP: £7,499 / €8,999 / $9,999
Distribution outside Asia: Audiophile Digital Music Masters — www.ADMM.uk.com
Specification from the Press Release
Ports: 7 x Neutrik RJ45, 4 x SFP+, 1 x USB2.0 5V DC only – no data
Link Speed: RJ 45 User Configurable 10/100/1000Mb/s, SFP+ User configurable 1/10Gb/s
DC Output: SFP+ Port (4 ports total): Max 1.8A (DC 3.3V)
USB port: Max 0.9A (DC 5V)
Power Supply: Universal 110-240V AC
Size: 440 x 353 x 77mm (WxLxH), Weight: 9.5kg
