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Most Important, Unloved Cable...

Ethernet. I used to say the power cord was the most unloved, but important cable. Now, I update that assessment to the Ethernet cable. Review work forthcoming. 

I can't wait to invite my newer friend who is an engineer who was involved with the construction of Fermilab, the National Accelerator Lab, to hear this! Previously he was an overt mocker; no longer. He decided to try comparing cables and had his mind changed. That's not uncommon, as many of you former skeptics know. :)

I had my biggest doubts about the Ethernet cable. But, I was wrong - SO wrong! I'm so happy I made the decision years ago that I would try things rather than simply flip a coin mentally and decide without experience. It has made all the difference in quality of systems and my enjoyment of them. Reminder; I settled the matter of efficacy of cables years before becoming a reviewer and with my own money, so my enthusiasm for them does not spring from reviewing. Reviewing has allowed me to more fully explore their potential.  

I find fascinating the cognitive dissonance that exists between the skeptical mind in regard to cables and the real world results which can be obtained with them. I'm still shaking my head at this result... profoundly unexpected results way beyond expectation. Anyone who would need an ABX for this should exit the hobby and take up gun shooting, because your hearing would be for crap.  
douglas_schroeder
paul79
173 posts
 
No, I get it. This is different though. Let’s be fair. Filtering in data transmission is in the MHz range. Far different situation than power delivery, for example.

I have used the USB cable in many scenarios to positive result each and every time. More resolution, more information. Tried more than a few Ethernet cables also, including the AQ Diamond. The Totaldac made the best improvements, with regards to resolution and noise floor. Made images come to life with much more energy, more ambient and air, more dimension, etc. I found no real detriment or trade off with this cable like I did all the other Ethernet cables I tried.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,441 posts
 
Yes indeed the USB cable is very important. I just went to the Curious cable and LOVE it in my rig. 

douglas_schroeder OP
3,281 posts
 
paul79, I was not referring specifically to power cables with filtering, but to any cable with filtering. I have had ICs with such and not been impressed. Nice discussion, I won't write them off entirely. 

Assessment of the Ethernet cables continues... still awaiting some. But already the event is such a success that it has been well worth it. Both dynamic and ESL speakers benefit. 
t_ramey
632 posts
 
Doug- 

Can you share at least a couple names of these cables you've auditioned that you like so far?

I've had BJC, Audioquest Vodka, Tera Grand, and Supra Cat 8 with the latter being my overall preference thus far.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,441 posts
 
So you like the Supra more than the Terra in the end?
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