Ethernet Cables, do they make a difference?

@david_ten 

I use the SoTM dCBL-CAT7 and really like it. I'm not familiar with the SoTM Black cable, how would you describe what it does? Can't seem to find it on the SoTM site.

@acepilot71 Are you baiting me? The ethernet cable connects directly into the Bel Canto Black EX and directly into the PS Audio DirectStream through the Bridge II.

These DACs use a Digital to Analog Converter to convert digital to analog…unbelievable but true.

I am more interested to hear why those who are hearing a difference in the sound of their files via Ethernet cabling think it is happening? The most obvious reason is the Ethernet protocol is failing in a way that is allowing corrupt packets to make it's way through the router and assembled to a file that fails the CRC check. This corrupt file is then being passed to the DAC. That seem to the only way that could happen. So the question is, how is it happening only for audio files going to your DAC but not happening for the other millions of packets being sent over Ethernet all over the world.

jbny

I am more interested to hear why those who are hearing a difference in the sound of their files via Ethernet cabling think it is happening

If an explanation interests you, you might want to scroll up and read the post from @markalarsen that offers a pretty solid answer. It's at 05-01-2018 11:16am.

 

@t_ramey Jay Luong of Audio Bacon does a terrific job describing the Black cable, in various combinations with other LAN cables, including SoTM’s iSO-CAT 6 filter and dCBL-CAT 7.

Go to the ’My Favorite Combinations’ section (prior to the Conclusion) in Jay’s very thorough article / review:

https://audiobacon.net/2017/07/09/sotm-iso-cat6-special-edition-the-flavors-of-audiophile-ethernet/

The Black cable can be chosen as part of the SE bundle but can also be ordered separately. If you are US based (here):

https://sotm-usa.com/products/iso-cat6-special-edition