Well, I like to think that after 50 years as an audiophile, I have a little more experience than that. ;-) I’m generally pretty conservative when it comes to tweaks and generally avoid them. I also have a limited budget. Streaming is really the last piece of the puzzle in my system. Everything else is pretty much as good as it gets for what I can afford or build myself. The EtherRegen came out for a while, but then it went back in and I do like what it does. The LPS I can use elsewhere in the system, and the clock is curiosity and a small windfall I received. ;-) I think I’ll be okay. ;-)
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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@dogearedaudio it’s awesome to experiment and experience what these things do. Enjoy! |
@audphile1 has done many improvements to his system that he can hear. Yet plenty of naysayer here want to attack his science or wording, and feel content that their level of understanding is above his. Having a good ethernet cable just before the streamer is well reported and experienced. I have tried it and in my system it makes a very positive improvement. Says me and my ears (and some friends). Don't care about accusations of listening bias or method of evaluating. I hear it, Audphile1 hears it. Many can not. Depends (no darts here) on system and ears. Placing a good switch in the audio line also improves things. Says who? Says me and plenty of others, but you don't have to believe it. If I were say, very smart about something, and somebody (many) offered continued reports of something positively affecting something else, I might say 'hmmmm. interesting. I should try that for myself'. Or not. |
Indeed. I bought some very fancy boutique coax cables (used, fortunately) based on a YouTube rave. After feeling they were magical, I started noticing the screechiness on some favorite recordings. Out they came. Will sell them and stick to Belden and Canare. ;-) If the clock isn't an improvement, I'll send it to the friend who loaned me the LHY and the ER and see if it does anything for him. I can't afford to be a gearhead. Still have a dependent child (at my age!) And the most fun I've had in this hobby has been learning to build truly high-quality tube amps and preamps. Of course, that wasn't cheap either. ;-) |
- 44 posts total