2. cables
  3. 153139-120108

Ethernet Cable Question ?

Aftermarket Ethernet Cables have piqued my interest namely the AQ Cinnamon and Supra Cat 8. The only reason why I haven't bought/tried one yet is because I don't have a wired network at home and use a Wifi Router Repeater in my listening room located on the ground level. I was wondering if anybody here has a similar internet configuration and has tried aftermarket ethernet cables with any success. This is my internet setup:

1. 2nd level: Fiber Internet Router > Generic Cat6 Cable > 1st Asus Gigabit Router RT-AC88U 
2. Ground level: 2nd Asus Gigabit Router RT-AC88U (Wifi Repeater/Extender) > Generic Cat6 Cable > Laptop > USB Cable > Dac > Amplifier

So far this setup works well and I have zero dropouts and buffering issues while streaming Tidal. I was advised that if I were to add an aftermarket ethernet cable it should be at the 2nd level where the main Asus router is. Theoretically wouldn't adding it there be pointless since it converts the fiber internet signal to a wifi signal? Wouldn't it be more logical to add it to the 2nd router in my listening room which converts the wifi signal to a wired ethernet connection?
 
chipdelacalzada
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Ok. Thanks.

You are on the right track:

Wouldn’t it be more logical to add it to the 2nd router in my listening room which converts the wifi signal to a wired ethernet connection?

If you are only addressing the LAN cable, then add a quality LAN cable (within your budget) between your ground level router and laptop.

There are other, and likely better solutions, but you haven’t asked.... so, my response is focused on your Opening Post and question.

Let us know if you note any upsides.
chipdelacalzada OP
64 posts
 
Hi @david_ten thanks for clearing up the ethernet cable location. May I ask what better solutions you have in mind? 
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@chipdelacalzada There are solutions at every step. A major problem area tends to be the laptop (via USB) to DAC handoff. There are different ways to address this. A budget friendly option is to add an isolating unit between it and the DAC.

Start with the cable, as you have already thought through that. Then address the other areas as you see fit and your budget allows.
chipdelacalzada OP
64 posts
 
Okay, I'll experiment and revert back with my findings.
More to discover