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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
dogearedaudio's avatar
dogearedaudio
295 posts
 

I tried a cheap fiber optic setup but didn’t like it.  Maybe you have to spend more money.

A friend sent me a LHY network switch to try, and I could hear a difference but again didn’t like what it did.  He also sent me an EtherRegen, and I liked that--a lot!  I found a used one for sale and I like what it does for my IanCanada streamer, even with the stock power supply.  Soundstage, imaging, background noise all much nicer and the sound has a more analog feel.  Tomorrow I’m receiving a used Afterdark clock and LPS.  I’m interested to see what that does.

Alpha-audio.net has a review of stock network switches.  I bought the Netgear and it’s a small but noticeable improvement over what I was using.

https://www.alpha-audio.net/review/a-very-deep-dive-into-network-switches-listening-and-measuring/

I haven’t fussed with ethernet cables yet but I guess that’s next. ;-)

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
6,095 posts
 

haha, now it gets religious when people start swearing and defending their bias ;-)

What does that even mean?

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,861 posts
 

@dogearedaudio yup that’s the rabbit hole. Regen, clock, power supply, then Synergistic Research fuses in the power supply for regen and clock.
And then one day you remove it all and find out that it sounds better with the simplest possible setup. 

yags1
85 posts
 

@audiophile 1 yes you have to remove it all to clean the dust,up that's been building up and just hooked it all back up fast as you could because you didn't want to take the timea to hook it back up the way you originallly had it and actually heard the differance. Oh don't forget the stifff 8 rule sounds like one I used to use..

Audiophile 1 I think you see my humor in what everyone is talking about

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,861 posts
 

@yags1 I don’t clean the dust off my system - I do not like to disturb synergy.
If you remove cables they need at least 24-48 hours to settle. Plus the thicker the dust the better the EMI/RFi rejection. My system is so good it leaves everything else in the dust.

As a matter of fact I even collect dust on a phono cartridge stylus. I find that it serves as a cushion in the groove and prolongs the life of the records and stylus. 
Oh and one important detail - it must be environmentally safe, organic, vegan dust. Trust me it works. 
 

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