Audioquest Vodka vs Wireworld Starlight 8 (Not Platinum) Ethernet

IMHO, the more I listen to my AQ Vodka Ethernet cable, I am convinced it is markedly superior to the WW Starlight CAT8, which at its price is a great value. The Vodka is more full-bodied and balanced, with dead background silence. At some point, I will try the AQ Diamond vs. the WW Platinum Starlight, but don't want to make myself even crazier just now over Ethernet cables. Neal

In my steaming setup, this some years ago, both WW compared to various models of AQ up to Vodka.  In general WW what i'd consider analytical vs all AQ models. For me, all  AQ more forgiving, with increased transparency, resolution as you go up the chain. I've now had AQ Vodka for perhaps four years now, never felt a need to try any other ethernet.

@jjss49 I agree megabuck ethernet may be extremely marginal gain, once you get to a certain level, little to be gained, below that well worth it.

Ethernet's greatest liability may be for the ability for RFI to enter through the connectors, or if not shielded well, through the cable jacket. I have Trifield Meter which measures RFI, very high levels of RFI around streaming components So noise not only enters chain from within components generating EMI, also through the air. 

One other thing I believe I've never mentioned prior,  I run cable modem close to my audio system. Many years ago I discovered much better sound quality running longer coax cable which allowed running better ethernet from modem to router. Bottom line, ethernet cable from modem to router or switch is important.

Also, I have Sonore OpticalModule on order, will be getting Acoustic Network Muon ethernet filter when I get back from vacation. Optimization of both ethernet and fiber continues.

@sns ​@jjss49 

If I shop around for a pair of FMCs that I'd like to try I see dozens of them at reasonable prices.  I presume some are better than others.  Is there any one you'd care to recommend?

Thanks.

@melm

i must admit i have not used fmc modules just by themselves... in my setup i went to a sonore optical rendu on the receiving end... on the sending end i use an uptone etherregen unit which conveniently has an optical module slot built into it

i also used, prior to that, a quite economical trendnet unmanaged switch with a built-in optical slot in it as well, on the sending side (the trendnet is recommended by andrew gillis at small green computer, from which i bought the optical rendu) - that switch uses a 5v dc feed, so it is easy to also use a quiet lps or filtered swps just ’to be safe’, although in theory noise can exist on that end upstream of the optical conversion

TrendNet Simple Switch with SFP slot

hope that helps