@classicrockfan Do you believe there are audible differences, either good or bad, in analog cables?
Ethernet cables
Hello everybody!
I would like to have your opinions about Ethernet cables. I recently saw some silly expensive Ethernet cables! Do you think it is worth spending a huge amount for a cable which transfers data? Your thoughts please!
Thank you!
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@jjss49 thanks for this post, I almost spit out my triple latte grand machiato whipped double shot of Kenyan and Ethiopean coffee. |
I’d always thought rejecting noise was a key aspect of better Ethernet cables among other things, but as I was looking into capacitance in speaker cables came across this that maintains it’s also a critical factor in digital data transmission. I had no idea and have never seen this discussed before, and I’m thinking this may be yet another reason why pricier Ethernet cables with better design/materials sound better than the cheapies… Effect of Capacitance on Signal Transmission When the voltage applied to conductors changes, the electric field between them charges or discharges in response. However, this does not occur instantaneously, which leads to a delay in voltage change, as well. The higher the capacitance, the slower the voltage change. For signals such as power or simple input/output circuits, the impact is usually negligible. More complex signals, like those transmitted in data networks and building automation communication circuits, can suffer considerably. Excessive capacitance for high-speed data transmission can cause successive bits to bleed into one another and render the signal unrecognizable to the receiver. When this occurs, system malfunction ensues, and inevitably network users and building occupants notice – and loudly voice – their displeasure. An unreliable system using inadequate cable can quickly lead to expensive rewires and damaged dealer reputations. Designing Cabling for Low Capacitance Typically, low cable capacitance is considered 15 pF/ft. or less. The total amount of capacitance on an installed cable depends on a variety of factors including cable length, insulation thickness, insulation material, and the presence of shielding. Engineers design data cables with these factors in mind to minimize capacitance and promote clear and undistorted signal transmission. |
ghasley Yes for analog interconnect/speaker cables but minor. No (provided that cables are well made) for data cables and power cables. soix A Sinotec data cable can get to you via different routes - comes with device you buy, you can buy one on amazon, or pay crazy amount of money for one that dipped in snake oil. they'll show same performance measurement, good enough that your DAC will be able to recognize 1s and 0s correctly. They can't sell cables if they don't have the data. It's like selling cars without wheels. There's no factory in the USA manufacturing consumer data cables so they all come from Shenzen China. I'm not an industry expert though.
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