ETHERNET CABLES

Since we're on the subject, and even though Cat 7 or Cat 8 cables are not mentioned, some may find this article informative:

What makes a good Ethernet cable for audio applications?

Here's what audioquest has to say about one of their lowest quality ethernet cables. This is the one I'm positive I heard an audio performance improvement on. It was easy for me to perform numerous quick A/B comparisons, when switching back and forth to my standard Cat 5 patch cable, and this Pearl. Call me crazy, but I know I heard a sonic improvement.

audioquest Cat 7 Pearl cable

I just wanted a better ethernet cable from my router to my new iMac so after perusing all the articles and reviews, I found a one meter Cat 8 cable on Amazon for $8 that’s gotten 4.7 star reviews. Heck, they even printed out the Fluke measurement results.

At that price and not getting one for audio purposes, how could I pass on it? But if it were for audio purposes, I’d try out the ones that "sound" better.

All the best,
Nonoise

Head on down the cable deniers rabbit hole.

My gear sounds awesome with every improvement I made.

Have a great day. 

@rudyb

Bingo we’ve another winner. Your post as mine will do little, forget digital and measurable facts, many will hear what they want. As most I believe in the brain, ear correlation. I’d also believe great earbuds in space but I’d sure as F… want to see Scientific and Digital fact on paper before you slingshotted me up there. And of course the only burning in is out the A.. end, start to finish !

Cheers

If you are using ethernet to connect to a DAC, I recommend that your communicate with the manufacturer.  For example, DCS recommends an Unshielded CAT 5 cable rather than a potentially more expensive and in particular shielded cable.  In fact, they recommend AGAINST a CAT 6, 7 or 8 shielded cable.  They explained to me that the reason is the design of their circuit-- what they do with the incoming signal (voltage).