Do upgraded LAN cables/purifiers/switch box make a difference. What is recommended, if so?

@gournard Thanks for your input. You clarified something that I picked up on the Blue Jeans Cable website for the first time. The difference between the use of shielded and unshielded cable. The website was a little bit cryptic and only stated "If you're wondering whether to go shielded or unshielded, the general rule is that shielded terminations are good only if your whole network is shielded ". Question nI had is; how do I know if my whole network is shielded?

Agree on the solid advice received from the forum members - How to choose between the excellent recommendations and products. My process is build around DYOR (on all the recommendations), shortlist (on various factors - value being one) and make sure it fits into a general decision-making framework that I have - small specialist manufacturers will (almost always) get my vote. 

I'm very amenable to Jameson as I am to Guiness & Kilekenny on he hops side! In fact I'll be stocking up on the latter 2 for the afternoon of 22 November. Will you be at the Aviva stadium in Dublin then? I'm sure most Irish are still feeling aggrieved by the Rugby World  Cup results. Well, I'll be wearing my Springbok jersey - but will have settle for watching on TV. Good luck though!

I'm not entirely sure about the importance or effects of shielding, but I do know that the last cable that goes from the switch to streamer or streamer/DAC should be 2ft or shorter, must be unshielded to prevent RFI from reaching the DAC. The reduction in the noise floor is undeniable

I don't know if I’ll make it to Dublin, but as a South African, I’ll definitely be cheering for the Bokke!

Need to get an unshielded cable then. 

I assumed you were Irish! Bad assumption. Then again there are so many Saffas scattered around the world - shouldn't be surprised. Half the apartment building I stay in, are fellow South Africans, mostly all pilots with Etihad (me not pilot)

Always want to use CAT6 UN-shieled . If using shielded cables with Telegartner connectors, loosen the RJ45 and peal back the braided shield so now you have a shield drain. This is talked about at nauseam at Audiophile Style and at WBF. 

@foggyus91 

Thanks for that. Just saved me some money. I am expecting some shielded cables with Telegartner connectors in next 2 weeks. 

I'm only on this forum - and so it will stay. More than enough audiophile advice for me here