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

Streamer / DAC is Orchard Audio PecanPi+ connected to a TP-Link SG105 switch with a slightly better than basic Ethernet cable. This in turn is connected to the wall  (with same quality Ethernet cable).

 

For completeness, the PecanPi+ is connected via XLR to Benchmark HPA4 -> Benchmark AHB2 (bridged-mono) driving Martin Logan ESL 9's.

 

Analog (Clearaudio Concept Turntable) was upgraded (Sumiko Blue Point 3 MC, Benz Micro Lukaschek PP1 phono with SBooster power supply). This improved sound TT sound quality.

 

Now I'm looking for tweaks to the digital chain to make a difference. FWIW the streaming sound quality is already great. Don't want to spend more than USD 750 on all tweaks. 

 

Would appreciate comments / recommendations.

johannm
foggyus91's avatar
foggyus91
612 posts
 

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. 

johannm OP
50 posts
 

@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

squared80's avatar
squared80
317 posts
 

No, they don't make a difference. And purifiers are known to actually ADD noise.  Don't drink the snake oil that all these people are trying to shove down your throat. This isn't 1973 anymore.

mitch2
4,740 posts
 

Uh, we didn't have digital sources in 1973 wink

devinplombier
1,664 posts
 

Mitch2, that’s for sure.

But we had car magazines! Remember those small ads in the back, hawking snake oil like magic carburetors that would make everyman Joe’s Chevy Caprice go 80 mpg?

Actually it was 100 mpg if memory serves

You don’t see those anymore, but the spirit is alive and well in the 2025 hifi world 😄

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