As a designer and manufacturer of Ethernet Streaming cables, we try different conductor materials and thicknesses, different construction techniques, different outer sheaths and inner insulators, different connectors, and we do this all the time striving for the ‘end game’. Every different cable we make sounds different, the integrity of 1’s and 0’s is not in question.
Ethernet cables
I’m of the opinion given what I’ve read that Ethernet cables, along with everything else in the streaming chain, can make a significant difference in ultimate streaming performance (please those who think it’s just 1s and 0s please stay out of this). Due to this I bought a Wireworld Starlight 8 Ethernet cable because it seems much better than generic cables but certainly far short of the higher $$$ Ethernet cables (the WW platinum would be an obvious case in point). My question is, with the Starlight 8 how much good can I expect over lower-priced or generic Ethernet cables and how much more performance can I expect from stepping up to better Ethernet cables? Please be specific if you’ve directly A/Bed the Starlight 8 versus better cables as that’d be very useful and helpful info. Thanks!
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My repost from CAM:
“…. REVIEW:What causes audible differences in network cables
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+1. Agreed. I use Supra CAT 8.1 as short endpoint cables between my FMC's + a double shield around the cable configured in a JSSG 360 loop does the trick. Some Techflex around it, and done. Ethernet 'radiation' is hampering the rest of your system. Also, (possible) leakage currents between the components can be a reason ethernet cables 'sounds' different. (despite ethernet is transformer coupled). That is why (galvanic/medical) ethernet filters work. Your system is performing better, as a whole, due to better shielding and breaking of detrimental currents between components.
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@vonhelmholtz As an experiment, I bought a pair of DX Engineering inline RFI/EMI filters. I was instructed to place one on each end of the Blue Jeans Cat 6 line. $50 for the pair. I noticed an immediate openness and clarity.. It was actually eye opening. They have been in there for a couple months. I have no intention of removing them. I also have no intention of trying several CAT cables because it requires fishing it through a suspended ceiling. The NA ENO and Etherregen are two other inline filters but cost much more. I am not sure of the design but the ENO seems to be very popular. There are many network switches out there also. Some are based on the Bonn. Open box pictures show others using this $300 switch and charging more. The other brands might be upgraded versions of the Bonn, I don't know. I have seen network switches priced anywhere from $70-$2500. It's just like all things audio. If I'm happy with the sound, I don't need someone explaining all the theory and telling me I am wrong. I look for cost effective and affordable improvement There was another thread about this same subject in October. It devolved into a name calling, post deleting mess. My experience tells me that streaming starts out as a good source of millions of songs, then there are several things that can be done to make it better. Lowering the noise floor is a big one. You can move up the cost ladder with streamers but there are several low cost things you can do. |
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