ETHERNET CABLES


When using ethernet for hooking up streaming devices and dacs, what cat level of  ethernet cable should be used. Is there any sonic improvement by going to a  higher dollar cat 7 or 8 cable?

128x128samgar2

I lurk on these forums for years, hardly ever posting but I attribute most of my hifi spending and knowledge to them. I feel compelled to relate that I changed the generic ethernet cable between my router to my Bluesound Node for a Blue Jeans Cable Bonded Pair Cat 6 Ethernet Cable that was recommended on the 1st page of this thread and I immediately heard a difference. Listening to Dominique Fils-Aimé, Birds, with the new ethernet cable installed, the background in between the notes and vocals became virtually silent (in my setup). The air in the recording was more apparent. I was amazed and I would have never thought to change this cable if not for this forum/thread. I've spent way more than the $21.40 this cable cost for less of an audible difference. So thank you. 

@vicolindo Glad to hear you gave it a try, and to your ears, heard a difference...and for such a small price (right?!). I too always learn from these forums.

After a 48hr spin of playing music off and on with my new cables, I swapped back just to check what's what. Gone were the crisp, clearly defined details. Gone was the soundstage depth. But most noticably, gone was the tone of the sound. Guitar sounded underwhelming and piano sounded completely flat. Needless to say, I spent about 30 minutes with the old cables before yanking them out and replacing them again with the BJC. While others have not heard a difference, I'd say good for them to not need the upgrade. In my system, it made a world of difference. I still prefer my vinyl setup for the tone and balanced presentstion, but the digital side is getting better with every small improvement. My $40 investment in ethernet cable is doing far better than buying a dac worth $40 more than my current one.

Sorry you had to doubt yourself but at least you went and soldiered up to make sure and it turned out your hearing is just fine. Always trust your ears and avoid the professional naysayers. 

All the best,
Nonoise

@nlitworld 

...getting better with every small improvement...

I have a system where a myriad of small improvements have given significant improvement to my digital system.

Black Ravioli Pads, Synergy Research fuses, Akiko Audio products, Audience cables, Triode Wire Labs ethernet cables, Schumann Resonators, mains purifiers, LAN Isolators, Mad Scientist USB cable, fo.Q tape, digital cables, modded network switches, linear power supplies, grounding boxes, Add Power products. 

Improvements before I added a new streamer, Dac, DDC,and  external clock to the mix.