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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
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,852 posts
 

@dogearedaudio sounds like a plan!

as far as my system goes I’m content with it for the first time in a long time. I didn’t make a single change in my digital streaming front end in 8 months!!!! That’s an eternity dude! I kid you not. Well I did change a power cord on DAC - actually a cheaper power cable brought it all together. Sold the more expensive cord. 
My analog front end is only 4 months old. Love it. But itching to upgrade the cartridge. Don’t know why because it sounds excellent. Why touch anything? Probably cause it might sound better…only way to know is to try!

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,852 posts
 

@fastfreight thank you for the kind words!

simonb
36 posts
 

In the world of data centres it was a requirement to only use fully shielded twisted pair cable. Be this CAT5e or 6 or whatever. The Twisted pair cable always ran in it's own  cable trays away from mains cabling. Any type approved twisted pair was suitable. The termination of the RJ45 connectors was important  to make sure the connector didn't come loose. I must admit the patch panels always seamed to be a mess though. Still all fully shielded twisted pair. You could try setting the network connection to 100Mb duplex to cut down the noise. I've noticed improvements myself.

rsf507
2,576 posts
 

I've been using some Audiomica Arago ethernet cables and like what they do...very musical.

https://audiomica.com/shop/digital/arago-excellence/

mggartner
37 posts
 

@simonb Shielded Ethernet cable requires a grounded jack to function to spec. I don’t think most audio devices use a grounded jack. Without proper grounding, STP cable can actually introduce more interference. In UTP cable the wire pairs are twisted to help reduce RFI. So it’s not as prone to interference as one might assume. 

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