High End Ethernet Cables ....Real Deal or Snake Oil


Digital streaming and network-based storage systems are now mainstream. I have notice more and more cable companies are coming out with 'fancy' Ethernet cables ranging from $25-$2500. 

Purist Audio, Cardas, Chord, Wireworld and Stealth Audio to name a few.  I am assuming, AudioQuest is probably the first manufacturer to recognized the potential for a fancy Ethernet cable and started this trend (sorry no offense to anyone). 

Let's for a moment assume that there is a audible difference in sound quality when streaming music files from a NAS or intranet to a server. Ethernet is an error corrected transmission protocol, it is going to be bit perfect. Are these fancy cables banking on the same principles of other digital (SPDIF/XLR) cables ~ a well made cable reduces the margin of errors resulting in less requests for re-sends, and if there are less errors and subsequent re-sends, perhaps this higher performance results in less noise, fewer dropouts at the receiving end, and subsequently better sound quality?

I do not know a lot about networking so I chose an easier path to stream music in my rig. My setup involves a music server, DAC and Apple Extreme base. 

I am wondering how many of you using a high end Ethernet cable vs. a generic Ethernet cable. 

Is there a test data or device that tells us how many errors and re-sends happen in Ethernet data transmissions to justify the use of uber 'pricey' ethernet cables? 

Thank you all for your feedback! 
128x128lalitk

Showing 4 responses by czarivey

It depends what people like to wear.
Fancy network cables are similar or just about same as fancy shoes, jeans, dress, jewelry. It serves purpose to look nice and carry the brand. The trivial t-shirt with ARMANI or PRADA letters will worth 20 times more than plain one, but purpose will remain same.

I once heard from professor of quantum physics that a hex nut placed in the empty drinking glass still have probability(extremely small) of jumping out of it using its own potential energy, but it isn't happening in real life.

Same thing with Ethernet wires sharing same magnitude  or 'head room' of sound quality improvement.

if they're over buck per foot, they are snake oil and that's where simple math kills all super smart science of Al.
Dealer? Why? There are plenty suppliers to bypass dealers with ease as unnecessary link or place holder