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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.

whyrichard
whyrichard OP
89 posts
 

Thank you I will give it a week! 

r.

jetter
3,160 posts
 

@whyrichard 

A big improvement is to be had using Supra CAT 8+ ethernet cable. A 4 meter cable runs $81 including shipping from seller zendada on eBay.  Many lengths available.  This is excellent cable regardless of its lower cost.  A while ago people highly recommended the Linkup ethernet cable.  I have both and like the Supra quite a bit better.  At this price the Supra is a steal, of course IMHO. 

Although its advertised as CAT 8+, that is a bit of advertising license, its really CAT 8.

Be sure to buy from zendada on eBay, I have used and recommend him.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,613 posts
 

Advise from router get rid of the $5 wall wart just adds noise

Linear tube audio Lps big upgrade then 

Ethernet hub Lhy sw6 or better  end point cable 

total111
93 posts
 

Interesting idea to break up the cheap 12' cable into two parts, with an expensive short and a cheap long sections connected by a switch.

Honest question: how does the short cable improve the sound (or minimize degradation)? 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,881 posts
 

Honest question: how does the short cable improve the sound (or minimize degradation)? 


@total111 Switch regenerates the signal. So on the output to streamer you should see a cleaner and unattenuated data transmission without the electrical noise from the router.
Having the best Ethernet cable on that leg, from switch into the streamer, improves conductivity, minimizes jitter and EMI/RFI. Negligible for transfer of a word document(you won’t know it). Important for audio. Purchasing a higher quality short cable is more economical than buying the same cable in 12’. Plus you’re adding an obstruction layer between noisy router and streamer. Ideally you would use same quality cable into switch and out of switch. I was approaching this from the balance of cost to performance perspective. 

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