A friend who is a Network cable tech, made me a custom CAT 6/a cable which is very stiff and dosent bend easily it also has some very nice metal connections, I use this between my Aurender music streamer and my router, the sound is amazing .
Matt M
Network cable rabbit hole
Hello,
I have fallen into a network cable rabbit hole…. Let me explain.
I have found that Ethernet network cables make a big difference in my system.
Curious, I considered the range of options between my Nagra Streamer and my WIFI Router 12’ away.
I was curious about fiber, I got a cheap pair of T-link Ethernet to fiber converters and a fiber cable, it was interesting. Super clean, but super dry and a little shrill. Took it out right away… it took too much life away form the music… .
Next I tried a regenerator. I tried one that was rated super well, about 1200$… and i spend the night auditioning this vs my $15 amazon network cable… and I could not tell the difference! I think the filtering and reclocking in my Nagra Streamer does the trick on its own perhaps? Regardless why, I couldn’t barely tell a difference between the with the regenerator and without.
During this, the swap between a standard Ethernet and a $300 bronze dragon network cable was apparent. Again, pointing in the direction for my system that the Ethernet cable is a worthwhile upgrade.
So… What do you all think of all this?
Do you have a recommendation for a 12’ Network cable in the 1K range that is super open, wide stoundstage, but with fabulous tone and texture?
Thanks,
r.
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- 44 posts total
@whyrichard if you are willing to experiment you can use a decent quality cable into a good switch (I use trendnet 8 port unmanaged switch for under $20) then from switch into Nagra get a top flight Wireworld Starlight 10 Platinum 1m of 0.75m. |
I think what @audphile1 is saying makes good sense. Finding a good 12’ Ethernet cable that will improve your system is likely very expensive, a shorter high quality cable and a switch is a better plan. Based on your comments, I would offer some additional advice, be patient. A single evening trial of a regenerator is not sufficient time for the equipment to warm up, or break in if it is new, and your ears to adjust to the change. The same applies for a brand new cable, give it a week. |
- 44 posts total