Ethernet Cables, do they make a difference?
In terms of cable quality, there is a difference in the core metal type, how it is formed or spun (I can't think of the word I mean), then there is the cover, insulation and so on. This will determine the efficiency and reliability of the signal over the cable. Please excuse me if I am saying the obvious. Just trying to help those who are not sure of these things. A |
Perhaps this link may help https://planetechusa.com/blog/ethernet-different-ethernet-categories-cat3-vs-cat5e-vs-cat6-vs-cat6a-vs-cat7-vs-cat8/. The "new" standard being developed is AoE. By new I mean the protocols for music explicitly haven't been ratified. There are about 8 protocols, some open and the others proprietary. The difference in cthe CAT numbers involve the bandwidth, but all this is covered in the link subject matter. A |
Transmission speed is going to be dependent on the conducting material, and correct me if I a wrong, Cat levels are bandwidth capabilities enabled by the reliability of the signal, therefore the shielding around each core. The transmitter/receivers at each end are going to have a significant effect on this. Optic fibre is good for data and low level audio. I believe @geoffkait stated that jitter was a debilitating effect on music over OF. I would imagine that this to will be overcome in the future. |
I think the argument is if your are happy to spend the money on cables or componentry because YOU feel there is a difference in your listening environment, be free to do so because IMHO THAT is what HiFi is about. Yes there is the physics, chemistry and quantum.... but each of us is different and appreciate changes differently. The micro arguments and opinions are worthless really. Just ego chest pumping. I have used CAT5e cable from my router from NAS to Amplifier, from streamer to Amplifier, then changed to Cat8. The sound was palpably cleaner. I put this to the superior cable insulation of Cat8 (each pair insulated). It is the quality of the signal, not the speed. Its how many packet rejects there is for the message stream not speed. Quality of the cable shielding makes 10GBs/100GBs/1000GBs irrelevant if the continuity of the message packets are interrupted. Quality of cable does mean quality to my ears. Maybe not to yours. I am not debating your hearing to mine. I like what I hear. I am not telling you what you need to hear from my experience. Get it? |
@geoffkait The essential thing that needs to be acknowledged it that irrespective of the cable, interface or component, each of us will draw a different conclusion according to the system being listened to. In this case no natter of wires, fuses or components other will make an individual's ears change from what they at used to. The introduction of X Cable against Y Cable is a subjective thing divorced from cable makeup. Sure cable makeup is imperative in the physical, (and quantum physics, magnetics blah blah,,,,etc) but that is the fine and part of the enrichment of the hobby. There is no absolute right or wrong now-days, Its perception, How it feels to your ears, your gut, your bank balance and your wife (if you have one). There are always a desire to improve components and cables. YOU need to be comfortable with the sound you're listening to. Go ahead and read the forums, but go with what sounds best to you |
