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Improving on the stream of a combined streamer dac

I recently (foolishly) compared the streamed sound of my Electrocompanient

ECM 1 Mk II to internally stored digital downloads on the same ( ie not stored in my Small Green Computer server).  I was surprised how much better the downloaded files sounded.  Perhaps, I was naive to think otherwise.  So, I started looking at old audiogon threads to see if I could figure a quick and easy fix to up the sound of the streamer but found little that made sense or was affordable.  My question is whether I should continue to search, or if I should take it for what its worth and just listen to the music.  The rest of my digital front end:  Small Green computer server,  a Trendnet unmanaged switch and the ECM.  I use a Luna Orange ethernet cable from switch to ECM and a Purist Audio cable to the SGC.  Thanks for your advice and happy holidays to all.

rivinyl
rivinyl OP
213 posts
 

Has anyone tried Silver ethernet cables?

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,628 posts
 

A good linear power supply from the router,that $5 wall wart just adds loose,

then a decent Ethernet hub, LHY 6 is a great value , then quality usb, Ethernet cables , Tubulus audio make very good ones for the $$ 

zlone
1,360 posts
 

Has anyone tried Silver ethernet cables?

Yes, I use the Signature OCC silver cables from Audio Sensibility. Right or wrong, I like pure silver for digital transmission. WireWorld seems to agree and uses it in their best digital cables. I have their silver USB and it is excellent. Anyway, I have not done a lot of comparisons of Ethernet cables, kinda just checking a box with the  ones that I have. I would like to try the WW version, but it is pretty spendy.

 

rivinyl OP
213 posts
 

Are the silver ethernet cables bright sounding?

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,034 posts
 

I don’t think with Ethernet you need to be afraid of silver being bright. Make sure there’s a return policy that you can take advantage of in case the cables don’t work out. Give each cable at least 2-3 days to settle with signal flowing thru it before evaluating.

With digital cables it’s all about timing and shielding. You need great quality best possible conductor, connectors and shielding against EMI and RFI as that factors into noise and crosstalk. Which you will hear as smearing, harshness, lack of definition, etc. 
 

 

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