AudioNervosa

Electro Stimulation Ward => Signals and Noise => Topic started by: Nick B on May 30, 2021, 01:59:56 PM

Title: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on May 30, 2021, 01:59:56 PM
I’ve got out of the box regular cheapie Ethernet cables for the TV to ASUS router connection and for the wall to router connection. I really don’t care much about video quality, but if I can improve it a bit, great. But I’m more interested in the wall to router connection. I had toyed with the idea of trying an Innuos Mini Zen 3 which would have required a good Ethernet cable, but I think I’ll just stay wireless as I like the Auralic Mini with dedicated LPS.

So…. is it worth it to replace both the TV cable and wall Ethernet cables? My budget for the TV cable would be small… for the wall cable much bigger … maybe > $100 if I could squeeze better sound out of my already good-sounding system 🎶

Suggestions welcome  :thumb:
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: rollo on May 30, 2021, 05:21:49 PM
Not if your budget is $100. Keep what you have. Maybe a shielded version if yours is not. If you can shorten to 1.5 mtr TWL period.

charles
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on May 30, 2021, 06:36:08 PM
Charles,

As I have never bought an upgraded quality ethernet cable before, I was trying to get a feel if it was worth it to get better quality cables for the applications I stated above. Let’s say I expanded my budget to $300 to $400, is it worth it to spend that amount, for example, for an ethernet cable from the wall to my wireless router? is that going to result in any improvement whatsoever or a significant improvement in the sound of Tidal and Qobuz that is streamed wirelessly to my Auralic Mini?
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: tmazz on May 30, 2021, 11:20:46 PM
Nick I ran a hardwire Ethernet cable to my Bluesound  Node to replace the WiFi connection using standard CAT 5 cable, nothing fancy. The reason for doing this was that I was starting to get occasional dropouts when playing 192 FLAC files located on my computer. I the hardwired connection solved the dropout problem, but I can't say that I remember noticing any kind of SQ improvement other than the freedom from dropouts. I have not tried any kind of audiophile ethernet cable in this application because it would be cost prohibitive since this is a 30ft run of cable.

Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: tmazz on May 30, 2021, 11:28:58 PM
Charles, a question for you that is somewhat off topic , but still related to this thread. If I am correct when you talk about using the TWL Ethernet cable, you are using it as a digital interconnect between components, correct?

So my question is this, when Innuous provides ports for Ethernet connections between components, are the running standard Ethernet protocol signals over them or is it just an RJ45 connector that is used to send a proprietary digital signal over a standard Ethernet cable?

Or in other words, is the signal that comes out of they port the same protocol that is used to talk to routers and computers, or is it an audio specific digital format?

Just curious. :-k
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on May 31, 2021, 12:26:18 AM
Nick I ran a hardwire Ethernet cable to my Bluesound  Node to replace the WiFi connection using standard CAT 5 cable, nothing fancy. The reason for doing this was that I was starting to get occasional dropouts when playing 192 FLAC files located on my computer. I the hardwired connection solved the dropout problem, but I can't say that I remember noticing any kind of SQ improvement other than the freedom from dropouts. I have not tried any kind of audiophile ethernet cable in this application because it would be cost prohibitive since this is a 30ft run of cable.

Tom, thanks for your comments. If your cable solved your dropout problem, I wonder what improvement an excellent quality Ethernet cable would yield. Maybe an interesting experiment at 6’ or less, but 30’ 😳

My situation is I receive a tower transmission to my dish on the roof and they ran a new cable from there (of what quality?) to the outlet. So could I get any benefit using a good/very good Ethernet cable to my router? The data coming in can’t be improved, but I imagine it could be corrupted further with the very poor quality Ethernet cable I’m using. So if the router then will transmit less corrupted data to my Aries mini streamer,  my system might sound better?? Is there any/some logic to this?

Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: tmazz on May 31, 2021, 08:34:54 AM
The Ethernet standard has a much more robust error detection and correction algorithms built into it than those protocols specifically designed for audio like S/PDIF, and for very good reason.
if a few bits in an audio stream get mangled, it's not that big of a deal and to the 99% of the people in the world who are not hard core audiophile, most likely not even audible. But if a few bits in a bank transfer get mangled that could be a huge deal, effecting millions of dollars. Ethernet systems work very hard at producing bit perfect communications in spite of the quality of the media doing the transmission.  So given that I am not sure there is much to be gained from the use of "premium" cable on the network side of your system. If you are in an area with lots of RFI, Charles' suggestion of shielded cable might be helpful, but other than that, I don't logically see any benefit from premium Ethernet cable, on the internet side of your device.

Now of course will all of that said, there are plenty of things in this hobby that do not follow "obvious logic" so while I don't expect there to be any big differences, I would not be surprised if there were.

With that in mind has anyone in the group tried an audiophile grade Ethernet cable to bring the network or internet signal into a streaming device like for example as a patch cord between a router or network switch and your streamer? and if so, what were the results?
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: P.I. on May 31, 2021, 08:53:09 AM
The Ethernet standard has a much more robust error detection and correction algorithms built into it than those protocols specifically designed for audio like S/PDIF, and for very good reason.
if a few bits in an audio stream get mangled, it's not that big of a deal and to the 99% of the people in the world who are not hard core audiophile, most likely not even audible. But if a few bits in a bank transfer get mangled that could be a huge deal, effecting millions of dollars. Ethernet systems work very hard at producing bit perfect communications in spite of the quality of the media doing the transmission.  So given that I am not sure there is much to be gained from the use of "premium" cable on the network side of your system. If you are in an area with lots of RFI, Charles' suggestion of shielded cable might be helpful, but other than that, I don't logically see any benefit from premium Ethernet cable, on the internet side of your device.

Now of course will all of that said, there are plenty of things in this hobby that do not follow "obvious logic" so while I don't expect there to be any big differences, I would not be surprised if there were.

With that in mind has anyone in the group tried an audiophile grade Ethernet cable to bring the network or internet signal into a streaming device like for example as a patch cord between a router or network switch and your streamer? and if so, what were the results?
There aren't "big differences", but there are differences.  Hopefully Pete will join in this discussion.  The Freedom cable has been very well received and reviewed:

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/a-new-twl-review-on-the-discrete-usb-and-freedom-ethernet-digital-cables.29967/
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: rollo on May 31, 2021, 10:49:04 AM
Charles, a question for you that is somewhat off topic , but still related to this thread. If I am correct when you talk about using the TWL Ethernet cable, you are using it as a digital interconnect between components, correct?

So my question is this, when Innuous provides ports for Ethernet connections between components, are the running standard Ethernet protocol signals over them or is it just an RJ45 connector that is used to send a proprietary digital signal over a standard Ethernet cable?

Or in other words, is the signal that comes out of they port the same protocol that is used to talk to routers and computers, or is it an audio specific digital format?

Just curious. :-k


  I use the Ethernet cable in a dedicated I2S connection between Transport and DAC. Innuos runs standard Ethernet cable from Router to server. My comments relate to cable between transport and DAC not from Router to server. There I use a shielded 12' Monolith Cable.


charles
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on May 31, 2021, 11:31:57 AM
The Ethernet standard has a much more robust error detection and correction algorithms built into it than those protocols specifically designed for audio like S/PDIF, and for very good reason.
if a few bits in an audio stream get mangled, it's not that big of a deal and to the 99% of the people in the world who are not hard core audiophile, most likely not even audible. But if a few bits in a bank transfer get mangled that could be a huge deal, effecting millions of dollars. Ethernet systems work very hard at producing bit perfect communications in spite of the quality of the media doing the transmission.  So given that I am not sure there is much to be gained from the use of "premium" cable on the network side of your system. If you are in an area with lots of RFI, Charles' suggestion of shielded cable might be helpful, but other than that, I don't logically see any benefit from premium Ethernet cable, on the internet side of your device.

Now of course will all of that said, there are plenty of things in this hobby that do not follow "obvious logic" so while I don't expect there to be any big differences, I would not be surprised if there were.

With that in mind has anyone in the group tried an audiophile grade Ethernet cable to bring the network or internet signal into a streaming device like for example as a patch cord between a router or network switch and your streamer? and if so, what were the results?
There aren't "big differences", but there are differences.  Hopefully Pete will join in this discussion.  The Freedom cable has been very well received and reviewed:

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/a-new-twl-review-on-the-discrete-usb-and-freedom-ethernet-digital-cables.29967/

Dave, I thought you’d lean this way. Thx for that link. I’m hoping that our engineer from TWL can give us his thoughts on my particular situation  :thumb:
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on May 31, 2021, 11:33:13 AM
The Ethernet standard has a much more robust error detection and correction algorithms built into it than those protocols specifically designed for audio like S/PDIF, and for very good reason.
if a few bits in an audio stream get mangled, it's not that big of a deal and to the 99% of the people in the world who are not hard core audiophile, most likely not even audible. But if a few bits in a bank transfer get mangled that could be a huge deal, effecting millions of dollars. Ethernet systems work very hard at producing bit perfect communications in spite of the quality of the media doing the transmission.  So given that I am not sure there is much to be gained from the use of "premium" cable on the network side of your system. If you are in an area with lots of RFI, Charles' suggestion of shielded cable might be helpful, but other than that, I don't logically see any benefit from premium Ethernet cable, on the internet side of your device.

Now of course will all of that said, there are plenty of things in this hobby that do not follow "obvious logic" so while I don't expect there to be any big differences, I would not be surprised if there were.

With that in mind has anyone in the group tried an audiophile grade Ethernet cable to bring the network or internet signal into a streaming device like for example as a patch cord between a router or network switch and your streamer? and if so, what were the results?

Did not know it is a much stricter protocol. Glad I’m asking some questions.
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on May 31, 2021, 11:40:11 AM
Charles, a question for you that is somewhat off topic , but still related to this thread. If I am correct when you talk about using the TWL Ethernet cable, you are using it as a digital interconnect between components, correct?

So my question is this, when Innuous provides ports for Ethernet connections between components, are the running standard Ethernet protocol signals over them or is it just an RJ45 connector that is used to send a proprietary digital signal over a standard Ethernet cable?

Or in other words, is the signal that comes out of they port the same protocol that is used to talk to routers and computers, or is it an audio specific digital format?

Just curious. :-k


  I use the Ethernet cable in a dedicated I2S connection between Transport and DAC. Innuos runs standard Ethernet cable from Router to server. My comments relate to cable between transport and DAC not from Router to server. There I use a shielded 12' Monolith Cable.


charles

Yes, I understand your setup. I’m looking at Monoprice and other sources.
Nick
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Jack on May 31, 2021, 05:08:46 PM
Nick

The best of the "inexpensive" Ethernet cables is reputed to be the ones from Blue Jeans Cable that come with their individual test report.  Model is BJC C6AP.
The one from Supra are also good but about twice the price.
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on May 31, 2021, 05:30:37 PM
Nick

The best of the "inexpensive" Ethernet cables is reputed to be the ones from Blue Jeans Cable that come with their individual test report.  Model is BJC C6AP.
The one from Supra are also good but about twice the price.

Jack,
That’s a nice price ($12 for 5’) and is worth it to experiment a bit. It would be nice if the video was a bit sharper… I only use one TV. If I could expect a decent improvement on audio,  I’d pay quite a bit more. I’ll be taking a look at Supra as well.
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on May 31, 2021, 05:59:33 PM
Reading up a bit more on this, the Supra is a Cat 8 and the TWL is a Cat 6. Here’s a review of the Supra
https://audiobacon.net/2017/05/31/supra-cat8-ethernet-cable-review-an-amazing-spotify-and-tidal-experience/amp/

Another cable is mentioned in the review….the very pricey sotm. Here’s that review.
https://audiobacon.net/2017/03/16/sotm-dcbl-cat7-review/amp/

https://sotm-usa.com/collections/high-performance-cables/products/sotm-dcbl-cat7-lan-cable

It would be interesting to compare the sotm and the TWL. It all makes for interesting reading reading.. at least for me 🤔
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: tmazz on May 31, 2021, 07:01:37 PM
Charles, a question for you that is somewhat off topic , but still related to this thread. If I am correct when you talk about using the TWL Ethernet cable, you are using it as a digital interconnect between components, correct?

So my question is this, when Innuous provides ports for Ethernet connections between components, are the running standard Ethernet protocol signals over them or is it just an RJ45 connector that is used to send a proprietary digital signal over a standard Ethernet cable?

Or in other words, is the signal that comes out of they port the same protocol that is used to talk to routers and computers, or is it an audio specific digital format?

Just curious. :-k


  I use the Ethernet cable in a dedicated I2S connection between Transport and DAC. Innuos runs standard Ethernet cable from Router to server. My comments relate to cable between transport and DAC not from Router to server. There I use a shielded 12' Monolith Cable.


charles

Thanks, that is what I thought.
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: _Scotty_ on May 31, 2021, 10:25:28 PM
The Supra CAT-8 cable in a 2 meter length can be had from eBay for $59
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154472685384?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=154472685384&targetid=882300791467&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9029908&poi=&campaignid=1669934606&mkgroupid=65058347459&rlsatarget=pla-882300791467&abcId=1123856&merchantid=102017431&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8Y7_-9b18AIVDgytBh3UtQrZEAQYASABEgK_PfD_BwE
Crap that's a long link. Sorry about that.
Scotty
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on May 31, 2021, 10:29:34 PM
The Supra CAT-8 cable in a 2 meter length can be had from eBay for $59
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154472685384?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=154472685384&targetid=882300791467&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9029908&poi=&campaignid=1669934606&mkgroupid=65058347459&rlsatarget=pla-882300791467&abcId=1123856&merchantid=102017431&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8Y7_-9b18AIVDgytBh3UtQrZEAQYASABEgK_PfD_BwE
Crap that's a long link. Sorry about that.
Scotty

Thanks, Scotty. Found it! Was on fleabay a few minutes ago. I’m getting at least one. It’s a small price to pay for my curiosity on this  :thumb:
Nick
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: rollo on June 01, 2021, 12:45:09 PM
Charles, a question for you that is somewhat off topic , but still related to this thread. If I am correct when you talk about using the TWL Ethernet cable, you are using it as a digital interconnect between components, correct?

So my question is this, when Innuous provides ports for Ethernet connections between components, are the running standard Ethernet protocol signals over them or is it just an RJ45 connector that is used to send a proprietary digital signal over a standard Ethernet cable?

Or in other words, is the signal that comes out of they port the same protocol that is used to talk to routers and computers, or is it an audio specific digital format?

Just curious. :-k


  I use the Ethernet cable in a dedicated I2S connection between Transport and DAC. Innuos runs standard Ethernet cable from Router to server. My comments relate to cable between transport and DAC not from Router to server. There I use a shielded 12' Monolith Cable.


charles

Thanks, that is what I thought.


 As an aside just buy an iFi wall wart for the Router. Gonna be a happy camper.

charles
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on June 01, 2021, 01:02:47 PM
Charles, a question for you that is somewhat off topic , but still related to this thread. If I am correct when you talk about using the TWL Ethernet cable, you are using it as a digital interconnect between components, correct?

So my question is this, when Innuous provides ports for Ethernet connections between components, are the running standard Ethernet protocol signals over them or is it just an RJ45 connector that is used to send a proprietary digital signal over a standard Ethernet cable?

Or in other words, is the signal that comes out of they port the same protocol that is used to talk to routers and computers, or is it an audio specific digital format?

Just curious. :-k


  I use the Ethernet cable in a dedicated I2S connection between Transport and DAC. Innuos runs standard Ethernet cable from Router to server. My comments relate to cable between transport and DAC not from Router to server. There I use a shielded 12' Monolith Cable.


charles

Thanks, that is what I thought.


 As an aside just buy an iFi wall wart for the Router. Gonna be a happy camper.

charles

Thanks, Charles. You’ve given me very good advice in the past. The ifi is $99 on Audio Advisor. When I’m ready to crawl around on my hands and knees, I’ll check what the dc voltage is on the ASUS router
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: P.I. on June 02, 2021, 09:06:52 AM
Charles, a question for you that is somewhat off topic , but still related to this thread. If I am correct when you talk about using the TWL Ethernet cable, you are using it as a digital interconnect between components, correct?

So my question is this, when Innuous provides ports for Ethernet connections between components, are the running standard Ethernet protocol signals over them or is it just an RJ45 connector that is used to send a proprietary digital signal over a standard Ethernet cable?

Or in other words, is the signal that comes out of they port the same protocol that is used to talk to routers and computers, or is it an audio specific digital format?

Just curious. :-k


  I use the Ethernet cable in a dedicated I2S connection between Transport and DAC. Innuos runs standard Ethernet cable from Router to server. My comments relate to cable between transport and DAC not from Router to server. There I use a shielded 12' Monolith Cable.


charles

Thanks, that is what I thought.


 As an aside just buy an iFi wall wart for the Router. Gonna be a happy camper.

charles

Thanks, Charles. You’ve given me very good advice in the past. The ifi is $99 on Audio Advisor. When I’m ready to crawl around on my hands and knees, I’ll check what the dc voltage is on the ASUS router
+1 on the router supply.
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on June 02, 2021, 09:54:50 AM
Charles, a question for you that is somewhat off topic , but still related to this thread. If I am correct when you talk about using the TWL Ethernet cable, you are using it as a digital interconnect between components, correct?

So my question is this, when Innuous provides ports for Ethernet connections between components, are the running standard Ethernet protocol signals over them or is it just an RJ45 connector that is used to send a proprietary digital signal over a standard Ethernet cable?

Or in other words, is the signal that comes out of they port the same protocol that is used to talk to routers and computers, or is it an audio specific digital format?

Just curious. :-k


  I use the Ethernet cable in a dedicated I2S connection between Transport and DAC. Innuos runs standard Ethernet cable from Router to server. My comments relate to cable between transport and DAC not from Router to server. There I use a shielded 12' Monolith Cable.


charles

Thanks, that is what I thought.


 As an aside just buy an iFi wall wart for the Router. Gonna be a happy camper.

charles

Thanks, Charles. You’ve given me very good advice in the past. The ifi is $99 on Audio Advisor. When I’m ready to crawl around on my hands and knees, I’ll check what the dc voltage is on the ASUS router
+1 on the router supply.

Dave, I was wondering what you’d say about this. My ASUS is a pretty decent wireless router…probably paid about $170 for it. The factory power supply is a 19v, 2.37A  LPS. At Audio Advisor, the highest dc voltage ps is 15v. That’s for the $99 version Charles was talking about. I’ll search some more, but likely I’d not want want to pay more than $100 for this experiment.
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on June 02, 2021, 11:03:25 AM
Not finding any lps around 19v that is described as ultra low noise and reasonable as to cost. Suggestions welcome…
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on June 13, 2021, 06:27:02 PM
I ordered a Supra 2 meter Ethernet cable on ebay last night. Should have it by Friday. Also sent an email today to Acopian regarding which of their power supplies I might be able to use for my 19v  2.37A  ASUS router. Once I get an answer from them, I’ll see if I can find a good deal on ebay
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on June 17, 2021, 10:43:02 PM
The Supra Ethernet cable arrived today (thanks Scotty!) and I placed it from the wall to my ASUS router. I wasn’t expecting much, but was hoping for a lot though! Well, it was a heck of an improvement. Again, it quite surprised me. Now, some months back, I had switched cable providers so I receive a signal from a tower to a new dish on my roof with new wiring down the wall and a new connector as well.

The sound is richer and more detailed. As the reviewers might say, more “fleshed out”
I only spent about $60 on eBay and it was money very well spent. The next thing I want to do is get an Acopian linear power supply that is adjustable to 19V. I will use that as the power supply for my Asus wireless router. I’m hoping to be able to get it for under $100 on eBay.

Well, back to enjoying some good tunes 🎶🎶
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: tmazz on June 18, 2021, 09:51:35 AM
The Supra Ethernet cable arrived today (thanks Scotty!) and I placed it from the wall to my ASUS router. I wasn’t expecting much, but was hoping for a lot though! Well, it was a heck of an improvement. Again, it quite surprised me. Now, some months back, I had switched cable providers so I receive a signal from a tower to a new dish on my roof with new wiring down the wall and a new connector as well.

The sound is richer and more detailed. As the reviewers might say, more “fleshed out”
I only spent about $60 on eBay and it was money very well spent. The next thing I want to do is get an Acopian linear power supply that is adjustable to 19V. I will use that as the power supply for my Asus wireless router. I’m hoping to be able to get it for under $100 on eBay.

Well, back to enjoying some good tunes 🎶🎶

Was the Supra cable you got on eBay the CAT 7 or CAT 8?
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on June 18, 2021, 10:17:01 AM
The Supra Ethernet cable arrived today (thanks Scotty!) and I placed it from the wall to my ASUS router. I wasn’t expecting much, but was hoping for a lot though! Well, it was a heck of an improvement. Again, it quite surprised me. Now, some months back, I had switched cable providers so I receive a signal from a tower to a new dish on my roof with new wiring down the wall and a new connector as well.

The sound is richer and more detailed. As the reviewers might say, more “fleshed out”
I only spent about $60 on eBay and it was money very well spent. The next thing I want to do is get an Acopian linear power supply that is adjustable to 19V. I will use that as the power supply for my Asus wireless router. I’m hoping to be able to get it for under $100 on eBay.

Well, back to enjoying some good tunes 🎶🎶

Was the Supra cable you got on eBay the CAT 7 or CAT 8?

Tom, I got the CAT 8 per Scotty’s link. Glad I didn’t fiddle with trying a Blue Jeans
or a Monoprice. They might have been sufficient, but I’m quite happy I went straight to the Supra  :thumb:

http://www.jenving.com/products/view/cat-8-stp-patch-frhf-blue-2m-1001908639
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: rollo on June 18, 2021, 12:57:13 PM
  I recommended the Monoprice as I thought it sounded better in my system than the Supra.   Glad now you realize a difference can be had. That is all that matters. Enjoy the new sound.


charles
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on June 18, 2021, 01:47:33 PM
  I recommended the Monoprice as I thought it sounded better in my system than the Supra.   Glad now you realize a difference can be had. That is all that matters. Enjoy the new sound.


charles

Thanks, Charles. I should have inquired further. Yes, quite a difference indeed  :thumb:
Nick
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: toobluvr on June 18, 2021, 01:52:16 PM
The Supra Ethernet cable arrived today (thanks Scotty!) and I placed it from the wall to my ASUS router. I wasn’t expecting much, but was hoping for a lot though! Well, it was a heck of an improvement. Again, it quite surprised me. Now, some months back, I had switched cable providers so I receive a signal from a tower to a new dish on my roof with new wiring down the wall and a new connector as well.

The sound is richer and more detailed. As the reviewers might say, more “fleshed out”
I only spent about $60 on eBay and it was money very well spent. The next thing I want to do is get an Acopian linear power supply that is adjustable to 19V. I will use that as the power supply for my Asus wireless router. I’m hoping to be able to get it for under $100 on eBay.

Well, back to enjoying some good tunes 🎶🎶

Was the Supra cable you got on eBay the CAT 7 or CAT 8?

https://www.telco-data.com/cat5e-vs-cat6-vs-cat7-vs-cat8/

According to this article CAT 7 is not standardized, so there will be construction and connector differences across manufacturers.  If you need faster throughput over short distances, goto CAT 8, as that is its only advantage over 6A.    Otherwise, CAT 6A is fine.
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on June 19, 2021, 09:38:10 PM
The Supra Ethernet cable arrived today (thanks Scotty!) and I placed it from the wall to my ASUS router. I wasn’t expecting much, but was hoping for a lot though! Well, it was a heck of an improvement. Again, it quite surprised me. Now, some months back, I had switched cable providers so I receive a signal from a tower to a new dish on my roof with new wiring down the wall and a new connector as well.

The sound is richer and more detailed. As the reviewers might say, more “fleshed out”
I only spent about $60 on eBay and it was money very well spent. The next thing I want to do is get an Acopian linear power supply that is adjustable to 19V. I will use that as the power supply for my Asus wireless router. I’m hoping to be able to get it for under $100 on eBay.

Well, back to enjoying some good tunes 🎶🎶

Was the Supra cable you got on eBay the CAT 7 or CAT 8?

https://www.telco-data.com/cat5e-vs-cat6-vs-cat7-vs-cat8/

According to this article CAT 7 is not standardized, so there will be construction and connector differences across manufacturers.  If you need faster throughput over short distances, goto CAT 8, as that is its only advantage over 6A.    Otherwise, CAT 6A is fine.

Interesting article. I wonder if CAT 7 will become official at some point.
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on June 19, 2021, 10:53:49 PM
  I recommended the Monoprice as I thought it sounded better in my system than the Supra.   Glad now you realize a difference can be had. That is all that matters. Enjoy the new sound.


charles

Charles,
I was on the Monoprice site again tonight. They have CAT 6, 6a, 7 and 8. Do you recall which you preferred? Great prices btw… I’d pick one up to experiment and use whichever I like least on the TV connection.
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Triode Pete on June 20, 2021, 07:48:22 AM
Just remember that some ethernet cables are designed for audio transmission & not video transmission.

Digital Audio transmission has a slow speed requirement in comparison to fast gigabit requirements that are aimed at bulk data and video transmission. Also, foil shielding adds capacitance that causes audible ringing (jitter) that obscures low level detail. I do not use foil shielding in my audio ethernet cable design.

There are a few other tricks as well...

Cheers,
Pete

Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on June 20, 2021, 08:38:22 AM
Just remember that some ethernet cables are designed for audio transmission & not video transmission.

Digital Audio transmission has a slow speed requirement in comparison to fast gigabit requirements that are aimed at bulk data and video transmission. Also, foil shielding adds capacitance that causes audible ringing (jitter) that obscures low level detail. I do not use foil shielding in my audio ethernet cable design.

There are a few other tricks as well...

Cheers,
Pete

Thanks, Pete. I will note that…had no idea. It’s possible, the cheapie cable I’m already using is the wrong type.
Nick
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: rollo on June 22, 2021, 12:35:48 PM
  I recommended the Monoprice as I thought it sounded better in my system than the Supra.   Glad now you realize a difference can be had. That is all that matters. Enjoy the new sound.


charles

Charles,
I was on the Monoprice site again tonight. They have CAT 6, 6a, 7 and 8. Do you recall which you preferred? Great prices btw… I’d pick one up to experiment and use whichever I like least on the TV connection.

  Cat 6 from router. If I did not need such a long run 4mtrs it would be TWL instead. Feeling cheap lately.



charles
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: rollo on June 22, 2021, 12:40:45 PM
Just remember that some ethernet cables are designed for audio transmission & not video transmission.

Digital Audio transmission has a slow speed requirement in comparison to fast gigabit requirements that are aimed at bulk data and video transmission. Also, foil shielding adds capacitance that causes audible ringing (jitter) that obscures low level detail. I do not use foil shielding in my audio ethernet cable design.

There are a few other tricks as well...

Cheers,
Pete

 Very informative thanks. I use yours from Transport to DAC. Beat everything I tired in that position.
Title: Re: should I get better Ethernet cables?
Post by: Nick B on June 22, 2021, 02:28:39 PM
  I recommended the Monoprice as I thought it sounded better in my system than the Supra.   Glad now you realize a difference can be had. That is all that matters. Enjoy the new sound.


charles

Charles,
I was on the Monoprice site again tonight. They have CAT 6, 6a, 7 and 8. Do you recall which you preferred? Great prices btw… I’d pick one up to experiment and use whichever I like least on the TV connection.

  Cat 6 from router. If I did not need such a long run 4mtrs it would be TWL instead. Feeling cheap lately.



charles

Thanks, Charles  :thumb: I don’t even need 2 meters.