DELA AUDIO INTRODUCES THE S5 AUDIOPHILE DATASWITCH
DELA Audio, formerly known as Melco, has unveiled the new S5 Audiophile Dataswitch a high-performance network switch designed specifically for high-quality music streaming systems.
The new DELA S5 Dataswitch heralds a new era for the Japanese HiFi brand, formerly known as Melco.
DELA, A NEW NAME FOR MELCO
While DELA is a new name to some, it carries the legacy of Melco, a brand founded in Japan in 1975 by Makoto Maki. Melco earned its reputation for ‘precision engineering and musical integrity’, qualities that DELA continues to uphold under its new identity. Part of the Buffalo Group, DELA combines Japanese craftsmanship with advanced digital expertise, creating network products designed for professional-grade performance.
DELA S5 DATASWITCH
The DELA S5 follows in the footsteps of the acclaimed Melco S100 and DELA’s flagship S1. It introduces enhanced performance, greater flexibility, and refined control for streaming-focused HiFi systems. The S5 has been developed entirely under the DELA name, marking a new chapter for the brand while retaining the same commitment to musical transparency that defined Melco’s approach.
USER-CONFIGURABLE PERFORMANCE
At the core of the S5’s design is its user-selectable Link Speed feature, unique to DELA. This allows listeners to fine-tune the performance of their network by adjusting link speeds directly from the front panel, DELA says lower speeds can yield sonic benefits for music players, while higher speeds are ideal for demanding processes such as Roon operation or server management. Each port’s activity is displayed through colour-coded LEDs, and the entire front panel can be dimmed for distraction-free listening.
Unused ports can also be disabled to free system resources and further optimise performance. Connectivity includes seven professional-grade Neutrik RJ45 ports and four SFP+ ports, offering both Ethernet and fibre connection options, including support for ADOT fibre systems and DELA’s own C1 Ethernet cable.
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN IN THE DELA S5
The S5 features DELA’s new Super Clear Dynamic Power Supply, designed to deliver stable and low-noise performance regardless of mains quality. Housed in a 44cm brushed aluminium chassis with a stainless-steel rear panel, CNC-machined corner cheeks, and isolation feet, the unit matches the premium aesthetic and mechanical integrity of DELA’s N1 and S1 music libraries.
A USB 5V output is included to power accessories such as Wi-Fi adapters or ADOT fibre isolation devices. Rear-panel indicators show network status and speed but can be turned off to reduce visual and electrical noise.
AUDIOPHILE ENGINEERING BACKED BY BUFFALO R&D
Alan Ainslie, Manager at UK distributor Audiophile Digital Music Masters (ADMM), noted that the S5 demonstrates what can be achieved when rigorous engineering is applied to components adapted from professional IT environments. DELA’s parent company, Buffalo Inc. of Tokyo, brings extensive research and development expertise to the project, helping ensure that the S5 delivers meaningful performance gains in systems where sound quality is paramount.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE DELA S5 DATASWITCH
The DELA S5 offers seven Neutrik RJ45 ports and four SFP+ ports, along with one USB 5V DC output for powering accessories. RJ45 ports support user-configurable speeds of 10/100/1000Mb/s, while SFP+ ports offer selectable 1/10Gb/s performance. The power supply is a universal 110–240V AC unit, and the chassis measures 440mm wide by 353mm deep by 77mm high, weighing 9.5kg.
DELA S5 AUDIOPHILE DATASWITCH AVAILABILITY AND PRICING
The DELA S5 Audiophile Dataswitch is available now worldwide.
Price: £7,499 / €8,999 / $9,999
Distribution outside Asia is handled by Audiophile Digital Music Masters (ADMM)
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